In recent years, Macs had been getting more affordable, with lower starting prices, more memory and storage per dollar, and the introduction of the MacBook Neo. For the first time, Apple had become one of the best values on the market. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing global memory shortage, Apple has drastically increased its prices. Macs are not as appealing as they were a few weeks ago, but decent deals still exist. If you are in need of a new computer, today's Macs remain a good value compared to the rest of the computing market.
Price hike driven by worldwide memory scarcity
Apple's decision to raise prices is a direct response to the semiconductor crisis that continues to pressure the industry. This shortage affects many sectors, as shown by the recent joint effort from Nvidia and Microsoft launching the Open Secure AI Alliance, also impacted by supply constraints. For those wanting a Mac, however, all is not lost: solid discounts are available on several models.
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MacBook Air remains a great deal despite higher prices
Until the MacBook Neo arrived, the MacBook Air was the entry point into Apple's laptop lineup. Although the Neo makes its value proposition slightly less compelling, the MacBook Air is still a fantastic laptop for those seeking a premium experience without going all out. Features like MagSafe, a P3 color display, Center Stage on the webcam, and longer battery life make it a strong choice. It also comes in a 15-inch variant, unlike the 13-inch-only MacBook Neo. Currently, discounts are available across the MacBook Air line, making purchases more attractive.
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MacBook Neo Apple's first budget-friendly MacBook
The MacBook Neo is Apple's most affordable laptop, starting at just $699. It makes some compromises compared to the MacBook Air, but build quality, display sharpness, and the macOS experience are essentially uncompromised. The A18 Pro chip, while slower, is more than adequate for most users, and the 8GB of memory is fine for daily tasks. The Neo comes in playful colors like Citrus, Blush, and Indigo. There are no notable retail discounts currently, but students can get $100 off directly from Apple. For others, buying on Amazon is straightforward.
MacBook Pro waiting for OLED and touchscreen redesign
At the top of the lineup is the MacBook Pro, offering the best performance. However, there is one major caveat: Apple is reportedly redesigning the high-end variants later this year with OLED displays, touchscreens, and thinner designs. This redesign will debut with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. For those buying the base model with the M5 chip, there is no concern, as the redesign only affects the Pro and Max versions. The current M5 Pro and M5 Max chips remain incredibly powerful. Meanwhile, as Google confirms development of Gemini 4, the demand for computing power grows, and MacBook Pros are ready to meet it.
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For more details on models and history, see the Wikipedia page on MacBook.
Source: https://9to5mac.com/2026/07/25/best-macbook-deals-currently-july-2026
