If I buy a M3 MacBook Air now because I need it, and the M4 MacBook Air comes out past the 14 day return window, within 30 days or so will Apple allow an exchange?
Just curious.
Just curious.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
If I buy a new M3 MacBook Air now…and the M4 comes out.
- Thread starter FrankySavvy
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Probably not but that is only a guess on my part. But in reality only Apple can answer that question. If you can wait, why take the chance?
However, the jump from the M3 to the M4 will not be significant. Unless multiple monitor support is added and you really need that option. If the M3 fills your need, buy it and be happy. The next latest and greatest is always "just around the corner".
You should maybe look in the refurbish store for a M3. Save some money. Same warranty, almost factory fresh. Probably better because the refurbished devices are checked more thoroughly.
There is always something new coming.
The m3 air is still a great machine for next 3-5 years
The m3 air is still a great machine for next 3-5 years
If you’re in the US, Costco has a 90 day return policy. If you end up liking the features of the M4 you should be able to order one and return the M3.
I would plan based on the assumption that it will come out in March, 1 year after the M3, but that's just a guess.
I just purchased a new M3 MacBook Air at a killer price and will not regret not having a M4. For what I do the M3 vs M4 will make no difference and I get to keep $500 in my wallet. There is going to be a M5 next year and I will still be using and enjoying my M3 MacBook Air. It is an amazing machine, the battery lasts forever!
You can spend your life worrying that if you buy something today its replacement will be lauched tomorrow. It's the quickest route to end up with nothing. If you've decided the M3 Air is good enough for you today, it's still going to be good enough for you next week / next month / six months time, even if they replace it tomorrow.
Buy it from Costco. They have a 90 day return policy.
The $65 membership fee is worth it if you're not already a member as you also get an extra 1 year warranty on top of Apple's 1 year. If there's an M4 MBA around the corner, it should be out by mid April. But by then, Costco will be clearancing out their inventory of M3 MBA's, so you might even be able to get a better price on the M3 MBA and keep that over the M4 MBA.
In my experience the new first choice box will come out a month or two after you bought your second choice. ;~) Apple's return or Costco's is the way to go. Apple's returned boxes just find their way into the refurb store and maybe that is also where Costco's returns go to, IDK.
The good news is the second choice may turn out to be the better choice, so keep an open mind. When my 2016 MBP rammed-out with its 16 GB RAM I could only buy an M2 MBP with 96 GB RAM instead of the M2 Studio Max with 96 GB RAM that was my first choice but not out yet. For my workflow the M2 MBP's mobility has turned out to make it a better choice than my original plan of sessile Studio + old MBP for mobility would have been. YMMV of course.
Unless one is into something like 3D or if you are an AI aficionado [and if either of those are the case you should be buying something other than a seriously RAM-limited base-level-chip MBA], M4 over M3 is of less relevance than than having more RAM in the box. Like others suggested, look for a cheaper refurb or one with 24 GB RAM at similar price.
IMO refurbs are better than new; the only issue being that it is hard to find the configuration one wants. Some refurbs may also have some small cosmetic damage, but I personally could care less about small cosmetic damage. Those who worry about small cosmetic damage may want to stick with buying new.
Last edited: