Walmart has begun selling the MacBook Air with the M1 chip at a discounted price of $699, a move reported by MacRumors that caught the attention of shoppers across the United States. This price positions the M1 model below some competing offers and makes it an accessible option for buyers seeking portability and solid performance without breaking the bank.
Compared with this deal, retailers like Amazon and Best Buy have been offering the same MacBook Air M1 around $750. Walmart’s $699 price tag undercuts these competitors by about $50, and the retailer is selling brand-new units rather than refurbished devices. Apple’s own refurbished MacBook Air M1 sits higher, at roughly $759, making the non-refurbished Walmart option particularly appealing to price-conscious buyers.
The MacBook Air M1 was first released in November 2020 as one of Apple’s early computers powered by the ARM-based M1 chip. With Apple’s recent introduction of a newer family member, the M3, many shoppers wondered how long the M1 would remain in production and appeal. Apple itself now prioritizes newer models, but the M1 remains in circulation given its proven efficiency and compatibility for everyday tasks.
Even though the M1 model wears an older chassis design compared with the latest notebooks, it still delivers reliable performance for everyday computing tasks, light photo editing, web browsing, and streaming. Apple continues to provide software updates for the device, helping extend its usable life. Some of the newest Macs feature a notch-style display design, which sets them apart visually from the M1-era model, but the core user experience remains solid for many users who value value over the latest aesthetics.
In related tech news, Samsung recently showcased a prototype laptop featuring a “smart” camera hole, signaling ongoing experimentation with webcam placement and user privacy in portable devices. The industry trend continues to push hardware that balances functionality, security, and cost, even as older models like the MacBook Air M1 persist as practical options for students, freelancers, and budget-conscious professionals. [Source attribution: MacRumors]