Last Updated: January 2026 | Reading Time: 5 minutes | Author: MacReview Editorial Team
January 2026 has brought some of the strongest MacBook discounts we’ve seen in recent months, with savings reaching up to $600 on select models. With Apple’s macOS Tahoe dropping support for most Intel-based Macs, this marks a strategic moment for users considering an upgrade to Apple Silicon.
M3 MacBook Air Deals
The M3 MacBook Air, released in 2022 with a redesigned chassis featuring MagSafe, slimmer bezels, and new color options including Starlight and Midnight, continues to offer strong value in the market. The 15-inch variant provides an especially compelling option for users requiring additional unified memory.
Current pricing on the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air with 512GB storage and 24GB memory sits at $1,099, representing a $600 discount from its original retail price. This configuration appeals particularly to users who prioritize multitasking capabilities over the latest chip generation.
M4 MacBook Air Pricing
Apple announced the M4 MacBook Air in March 2025, introducing a Center Stage webcam and a new Sky Blue color option while retiring Space Gray. The refresh maintains the same industrial design language established with the M2 generation.
Current deals offer $200 off across the M4 MacBook Air lineup. Apple is reportedly developing an entry-level MacBook featuring an A18 Pro chip, though availability and specifications remain unconfirmed. At current pricing, the M4 MacBook Air represents a more proven option.
13-Inch M4 MacBook Air
- 256GB storage, 16GB memory: $799
- 512GB storage, 16GB memory: $999
- 512GB storage, 24GB memory: $1,199
15-Inch M4 MacBook Air
- 256GB storage, 16GB memory: $999
- 512GB storage, 16GB memory: $1,199
- 512GB storage, 24GB memory: $1,399
M4 MacBook Pro Availability
The MacBook Pro received a significant redesign in 2021, introducing a miniLED display with ProMotion, additional ports including HDMI and SD card reader, larger battery capacity, and improved thermal management. The webcam was upgraded to 1080p resolution for the first time.
Current discounts apply to M4 Pro and M4 Max configurations, offering high-end performance at reduced pricing. Users seeking base-level M4 silicon will need to wait for M5 models, as Apple has shifted its product strategy. New MacBook Pros with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips may be announced as soon as this month, though timing remains unconfirmed.
14-Inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro
- 512GB storage, 24GB memory: $1,749 ($250 discount)
- 1TB storage, 24GB memory: $2,099
16-Inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro
- 512GB storage, 24GB memory: $2,249
- 512GB storage, 48GB memory: $2,649
M5 MacBook Pro Launch Details
Apple unveiled the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 chip in October 2025, departing from tradition by releasing only the base M5 configuration. Higher performance tiers and 16-inch models continue to rely on M4 Pro and M4 Max chips.
Performance benchmarks suggest M5 delivers approximately 15% faster performance compared to M4 across most workloads. Relative to M4 Pro, M5 appears roughly 10% slower in CPU tasks while matching M2 Pro and M3 Pro in GPU performance, positioning it as a value option between consumer and professional tiers.
M5 MacBook Pro Configurations
- 512GB storage, 16GB memory: $1,449 ($150 discount)
- 1TB storage, 16GB memory: $1,627 ($170 discount)
- 1TB storage, 24GB memory: $1,849 ($150 discount)
Comparing M4 and M5 Options
Users evaluating between M4 and M5 MacBook Pros should consider that M5 delivers incremental performance improvements while M4 Pro continues to offer superior multi-core performance. The M5 serves users who need better graphics capability than M4 but don’t require the full power of Pro-tier chips.
For professional workflows involving video editing, 3D rendering, or software development with large codebases, M4 Pro remains the more appropriate choice despite its higher cost. The M5 targets users upgrading from Intel Macs or older Apple Silicon models where the performance jump will be more noticeable.
Timing Your MacBook Purchase
Apple may announce new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips in the coming weeks, though no official confirmation exists. Historical patterns suggest spring product refreshes, but Apple’s recent release cadence has become less predictable.
Current discounts on M4 Pro and M4 Max models present strong value for users who prioritize immediate availability and proven performance over having the absolute latest chip generation. The performance difference between M4 Pro and an expected M5 Pro will likely fall within the typical 10 to 20 percent range seen in Apple’s year-over-year silicon improvements.
The A18 Pro-based entry MacBook remains unconfirmed beyond initial reports. If this product materializes, it would likely target extreme budget consciousness with potential compromises in display quality, build materials, or port selection compared to the MacBook Air lineup.
FAQ
Q: Should I buy an M4 MacBook Pro now or wait for M5 Pro models?
A: If you need a MacBook Pro immediately and current discounts align with your budget, M4 Pro and M4 Max configurations offer excellent performance. Expected M5 Pro models will deliver incremental improvements but at full retail pricing initially. The decision depends on your timeline and whether you prioritize savings or the latest specifications.
Q: Is the M3 MacBook Air still worth buying in 2026?
A: The M3 MacBook Air remains a capable machine, particularly the 15-inch model with 24GB memory at $1,099. For users whose workflows don’t demand the absolute latest features like Center Stage, the $600 savings compared to equivalent M4 configurations makes it a rational choice. The M3 chip continues to handle typical productivity tasks, web browsing, and media consumption without issue.
Q: What’s the difference between M5 and M4 Pro performance?
A: Based on available benchmarks, M5 delivers approximately 10% less CPU performance than M4 Pro while matching M2 Pro and M3 Pro in GPU tasks. M5 suits users who need better graphics than base M4 but don’t require the multi-core performance of Pro chips. M4 Pro remains superior for professional workflows involving video editing, 3D work, or heavy multitasking.
MacReview Verdict
January 2026 presents unusually strong MacBook buying opportunities, particularly for users still on Intel-based machines facing the end of macOS support. The M4 MacBook Air at $200 off represents excellent value across all configurations, providing modern Apple Silicon performance with proven reliability.
For professional users, M4 Pro MacBook Pro models offer high-end performance at discounted pricing, though those who can wait may benefit from rumored M5 Pro and M5 Max announcements expected in the coming weeks. The M5 MacBook Pro occupies an interesting middle ground, delivering better graphics than M4 while remaining more affordable than Pro-tier options.
The reported A18 Pro MacBook remains speculative, and users considering budget options should evaluate the M4 MacBook Air first given current discounts. The combination of proven design, adequate performance for most users, and $200 savings makes it difficult to recommend waiting for an unconfirmed product with likely compromises.
