On Wednesday, Apple introduced updated MacBook Air models featuring a faster M4 chip and an enhanced videoconferencing camera. Despite new tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump on Tuesday, which experts predicted could raise electronics prices, Apple lowered the price of its bestselling laptop by $100 in the U.S.
The 13-inch MacBook Air now starts at $999, while the 15-inch model is priced at $1,099. Users can opt for additional memory and storage upgrades at an extra cost. Although the design remains unchanged from last year’s model, the new MacBook Air will be available in a fresh sky-blue color and supports up to three external monitors. The laptops will be available for purchase starting March 12.
The MacBook Air is a crucial product for Apple, with Mac sales rising 15% to nearly $9 billion in the December quarter. The company attributed this growth to increased demand for laptops, even as overall Mac sales— which include desktops—remain below fiscal 2022 levels when remote work and education fueled higher demand.
New Product Announcements Continue
Apple’s MacBook Air launch follows a series of recent product releases. Alongside the new laptops, Apple unveiled a high-end Mac Studio desktop equipped with a powerful chip designed for advanced AI tasks. On Tuesday, the company also updated its iPad Air with the M4 chip, and last month, it introduced the budget-friendly iPhone 16e.
The Mac Studio, designed for professionals in computer graphics, audio, video production, or AI development, starts at $1,999. Higher-end configurations can exceed $14,000.
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Price Strategy Amid Tariffs
Apple’s decision to cut the MacBook Air’s price comes as the company faces scrutiny over how it will respond to U.S. tariffs. While the new iPad Air remains priced at $599, the recently announced iPhone 16e costs $599—significantly more than the previous low-cost model from 2022, which started at $429.
Analysts at Bank of America Securities have predicted that PC manufacturers, including Apple, may attempt to pass rising costs onto consumers. Competitor Acer has already announced price increases on laptops due to the tariffs.
“Tariffs on imported PCs act like a tax that PC vendors largely pass to end customers,” Bank of America analysts noted.
Most Apple products are manufactured in China and are vulnerable to the 10% tariffs imposed on Chinese imports. Apple may also face challenges if China retaliates with its own trade measures.
Apple CEO Tim Cook met with Trump at the White House last month, with Trump later remarking that Apple “doesn’t want to be in the tariffs.” Cook previously told investors that the company is “monitoring the situation.”
In recent years, Apple has diversified its supply chain, with some Mac models now assembled in Malaysia and Vietnam—regions unaffected by Chinese import duties. However, Apple did not disclose where the new MacBook Airs are being produced.
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