The recent launch of the M4 MacBook Air series has created a notable price shift across the entire MacBook range, with the M1 model receiving a particularly attractive discount. Currently, Walmart is offering the M1 MacBook Air 13.3-inch laptop for just $599, down from its original price of $999.99. This represents a significant savings of $100 following the M4’s release, as verified by price-tracking platforms. While the M4 is available at $799.99 and offers greater value for those who can afford it, the M1 remains a solid choice for budget-conscious consumers in 2025.

This M1 model, introduced in 2020, features 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. Users can expect around 18 hours of usage on a full charge. Despite its age and the improved performance of the M4 chip (which Apple claims is significantly faster than the M1), the M1 continues to meet the needs of many users effectively. As noted by DailyHackly’s Senior Technology Editor, Jake Peterson, the M1 remains a high-quality option even today. This longevity can largely be attributed to Apple’s ability to enhance macOS in alignment with the M1 hardware, leveraging updates seamlessly while Intel-powered Macs often experience challenges. Consequently, the M1 is capable of surpassing an i9 Intel Mac in performance benchmarks.

Concerns around software support for the M1 can be eased, as Jake emphasizes that this chip is expected to remain relevant for the foreseeable future. Users will only miss out on certain features from the latest macOS Sonoma, such as compatibility with hearing devices.