Apple releases new MacBook iterations almost annually with more powerful custom silicon that pushes performance boundaries forward. March brought the MacBook Air with M4 chip, succeeding the previous M3 generation through enhanced efficiency and AI capabilities.
Each year follows the same pattern where Apple maintains strict full pricing across official channels to preserve premium brand positioning. But today, at $749, down from $999, this marks the first time Apple has authorized Amazon to sell the 256GB MacBook Air M4 at razor-thin or potentially zero profit margins for Black Friday. The 25% discount represents unprecedented accessibility to current-generation MacBooks that typically resist price reductions for years after launch.
Ultra-Portable Computing
The M4 processor has an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU architecture that can handle professional workflows while being fanless and weighing less than 3 pounds. The improved Neural Engine processes Apple Intelligence features on the device which keeps data private because it doesn’t send it to cloud servers where third parties could get to sensitive information. The fanless cooling works well enough because the processor doesn’t get too hot even when it’s under a lot of stress: This makes it quiet, which professionals like when they’re working with clients or in the library.
The 16GB unified memory is a big improvement over the old 8GB base configurations which made it hard for users to run more than one program at a time. This memory architecture lets the CPU and GPU share RAM which gets rid of the performance problems that happen when separate components copy data between different memory pools. The memory bandwidth sends data to processors quickly enough to keep them running at their best, instead of waiting for slow memory access that slows down less powerful systems.
The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display has great picture quality thanks to mini-LED backlighting that lets it reach 500 nits brightness and supports the P3 wide color gamut. This level of brightness makes it easy to see outside in direct sunlight, where regular laptop screens wash out completely. The color accuracy is also good enough for professional photo and video editing without needing extra monitors. True Tone technology changes the white balance based on the light around you to make it easier on your eyes when you use it for a long time.
The M4 chip and optimized macOS power management that changes performance based on workload demands make the battery last 15 to 18 hours during normal mixed use. Video playback can last up to 20 hours but tasks that use a lot of power, like rendering video, drain batteries faster but still give you a lot of time to use them without plugging them in. This long battery life lets you work on the go instead of just using a laptop that is tethered to a power source and covers full workdays and evenings without having to worry about running out of battery.
The integration of the ecosystem with the iPhone makes workflows easier with features like Universal Clipboard, which lets you copy text or images from your iPhone and paste them directly into your Mac. Handoff lets you switch between devices in the middle of a task, and FaceTime and Messages keep conversations going no matter which device you pick up. And AirDrop lets you send files between Apple devices right away.
For $749, the MacBook Air M4 with 256GB has the latest Apple Silicon, a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display and a battery that lasts all day. This Black Friday, it’s 25% off the regular price. Apple’s authorization for Amazon to sell at minimal margins creates exceptional value that rarely occurs on current MacBooks. If you want Apple’s latest ultra-portable without paying full premium pricing, this record-low deal is the best MacBook value available.
