Apple Starts Selling Refurbished M3 MacBook Air Models

[MacRumors]

Apple today started selling refurbished versions of the M3 MacBook Air models that were initially released in March, providing discounts on the new machines for the first time.

Pricing on the refurbished 13-inch M3 MacBook Air starts at $929, down from $1,099, while pricing on the refurbished 15-inch M3 MacBook Air starts at $1,099, down from $1,299.

Apple has many MacBook Air configurations available in both sizes at the current time, with upgraded options for additional memory and storage. Stock will naturally fluctuate as Apple sells refurbished machines and restocks with new devices, but there are plenty to choose from if you've been holding out for a discounted M3 MacBook Air.

The 2024 MacBook Air models do not feature design updates, with the refresh focused on the improved M3 chip that is up to 30 percent faster than the prior-generation M2 chip.

Apple's refurbished Macs are close to identical to new products. They are subject to a refurbishment process that includes full functionality testing, with any defective modules replaced, as well as a thorough cleaning and inspection. Refurbished products are eligible for AppleCare+ and have the same 14-day return period as new Apple devices.

Article Link: Apple Starts Selling Refurbished M3 MacBook Air Models

 

[TigerNike23]

Something is telling me M4 won’t be 8GB base RAM.

I’d wait.

 

[JPack]

Something is telling me M4 won’t be 8GB base RAM.

I’d wait.

Given AI works with M1/8GB, there’s no reason to think otherwise for M4.

 

[Subliminal87]

I’m waiting for the education sale. Curious how those prices will be compared to the refurbs.

Saw they have 16/256 for $1269.

When you get a refurb, will you get one with a fresh battery?

Last time I bought a refurb was 2010? Got a MacBook Pro and had to send it back the same day. Had so many dead pixels. Always bought new after that.

edit. Just saw you can’t do installments. Welp, new it is!

 

[StuBeck]

Something is telling me M4 won’t be 8GB base RAM.

I’d wait.

I'd just wait because the M3 has had such a limited lifespan. It seems we are getting a new processor every 6 months these days.

 

[MrENGLISH]

I'd just wait because the M3 has had such a limited lifespan. It seems we are getting a new processor every 6 months these days.

There has been a lot of competition in the processor market in recent years.

 

[jonnysods]

Wow that was fast!

 

[GimmeDatApple]

13 inch with 16 GB RAM / 512 GB SSD is $1269 on Apple Refurb or $1329 new on Amazon.com right now.

Think I'll spend the extra $60 on a new machine... Plus 5% cash back on Amazon Visa which is $71.42 for me.

 

[GimmeDatApple]

I’m waiting for the education sale. Curious how those prices will be compared to the refurbs.

Saw they have 16/256 for $1269.

When you get a refurb, will you get one with a fresh battery?

Last time I bought a refurb was 2010? Got a MacBook Pro and had to send it back the same day. Had so many dead pixels. Always bought new after that.

edit. Just saw you can’t do installments. Welp, new it is!

It's 16/512 for $1269. 16/256 is $1099.

 

[Subliminal87]

It's 16/512 for $1269. 16/256 is $1099.

Just saw that I had it backwards. Not bad. I’d buy one today if they allowed installments there.

 

[GimmeDatApple]

Just saw that I had it backwards. Not bad. I’d buy one today if they allowed installments there.

Amazon.com store card has 0% APR installments. You can choose equal monthly payments, or a deferred interest option.

And the Amazon Visa frequently has 0% financing offers for 6-12 months on larger purchases.

 

[imtoretto]

Wait, the YouTubers can’t keep the Macs after review them????

 

[MrENGLISH]

Wait, the YouTubers can’t keep the Macs after review them????

The ones who receive them directly from Apple for review, must return them.

The ones who receive them from a 3rd party sponsor for review, it's up to the 3rd party if they get to keep or return back to them.

The ones who purchase them for review, either keep or return them before the 14 day return window expires.

 

[Subliminal87]

Amazon.com store card has 0% APR installments. You can choose equal monthly payments, or a deferred interest option.

And the Amazon Visa frequently has 0% financing offers for 6-12 months on larger purchases.

I have their store card but quit using it cause synchrony sucks but that’s different story for another day. It’s tempting though.

 

[KPOM]

Something is telling me M4 won’t be 8GB base RAM.

I’d wait.

The iPad Pro M4 has 8GB base RAM.

 

[StuBeck]

There has been a lot of competition in the processor market in recent years.

There has, but when even Apple is admitting there isn't a difference between the core count on M2 processors, I'd wait on something that was already usurped by an iPad.

 

[neuropsychguy]

Something is telling me M4 won’t be 8GB base RAM.

I’d wait.

My guess is 12 GB for the base models with a 12, 24, 36… set of RAM options.

 

[westcoastcyc]

B&H has the new M3 Air 8/256 for $899 right now. Cheaper than the refurbished Apple one.

 

[Yebubbleman]

Where are the refurbished M1 iPad Airs, M2 iPad Pros, and 10th Generation iPads??? I know that a 4th Generation iPad Air is a bargain bin iPad at this point, but come on!

Given AI works with M1/8GB, there’s no reason to think otherwise for M4.

This is predicated on the notion that AI is going to determine product specs, which seems far-fetched. Seeing as teardowns revealed 12GB of RAM on the minimum model (with only 8 being used), I'd speculate that 12GB as a minimum for Macs is far more likely (especially since Apple still hasn't provided any sensible use case for even 8GB of RAM in iPadOS).

 

[svish]

Good to know. But better prices can be found on new ones from third party retailers.

 

[Isengardtom]

The iPad Pro M4 has 8GB base RAM.

Apparently it may be 12, but they enabled only 8
macs could get 12GB

 

[maka344]

Wow it’s only been out for 3 months! Is this the fastest Apple product to hit the refurb store?

 

[sw1tcher]

Wow it’s only been out for 3 months! Is this the fastest Apple product to hit the refurb store?

80 days for M2 MacBook Air

The M3 MacBook Air was announced on March 4. March 4 to June 7 is 95 days.

I was right though. I took 3 months from M3 MacBook Air annoucement to them appearing in refurb store.