Finding cheap MacBook prices can be a tough task, but we've searched through the sales to dig out the best deals on every model.
To call the latest MacBook Air “new” is slightly misleading. This is a machine that’s been around for a decade, and its newest components have made appearances in other laptops before. Apple has finally refreshed its MacBook lineup for 2018, with a variety of options for both professionals and casual users. The new 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar and 15-inch MacBook Pro offer.
That's right, we've tracked down the latest offers for every type of Apple laptop out there. We've got you covered for the standard 12-inch MacBooks, the 13 and 15-inch MacBook Pros and if you want something that sits between the two, then you'll want to take a look at our MacBook Air section.
We've pulled the cheapest prices from the latest sales on a wide range of Apple's lineup via our price comparison technology which searches through the best retailers every day. All the newest MacBook models are covered of course, but we've also compared prices on some of the older MacBooks still readily available as you can save a lot of money by skipping back to and older model while still getting an excellent piece of tech.
All you need to do now is work out whether it’s a MacBook, a MacBook Pro or a MacBook Air that you want. We'll help though by telling you about each one of them.
If you're not quite set on a MacBook (they are rather pricey), then we have some alternative guides for you. Take a look at our selection of best laptops for other top performing machines or our cheap laptop deals for solid buys that won't break the bank as we search for great offers all year round. If the freshest MacBook prices are what you're after though, you'll find them all below.
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MacBook Air sales
The cheapest MacBook Air (2019) deals
CPU: 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 617 | Screen: 13.3-inch (diagonal) 2,560 x 1,600 LED-backlit True Tone display with IPS technology | Storage: 128GB – 1TB SSD | Dimensions: 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.61 inches (30.41 x 21.24 x 1.56cm; W x D x H)
Now with True Tone display
No performance boosts
The MacBook Air 2019 is only marginally different from the 2018 version which it looks set to replace. And, sales aside, the 2019 model is already a little cheaper at some stores, so it's generally worth trying to pick up this version instead.
The 2019 MacBook Air's main selling points over the 2018 model is the addition of the MacBook Pro's True Tone screen that automatically adjusts color temperatures on the screen depending on the ambient light of the room you're working in. A new third-generation Butterfly keyboard is less likely to see keys sticking or becoming unresponsive too, which has been an issue dogging multiple MacBooks in recent years.
The MacBook Air 2018 now includes the excellent Retina screen display from the far more expensive MacBook Pro models is. The bezels is 50% thinner than the previous generation of MacBook Air. The keyboard is four times as stable as before and the Force Touch trackpad is 20% bigger than before too, which is great for multi-touch interactions. Audio hasn't been overlooked as thr speakers are now 25% louder and a new mic array means asking Siri for assistance is easier. Touch ID has finally come to the Air series too meaning you can login or verify purchases via a simple touch.
You now get two Thunderbolt ports, but legacy options have been removed, so you may want to consider our guides for the best USB-C adapters or the best USB-C hubs. Inside the gorgeous chassis, you get an upgraded 8th-gen dual-core processor, Intel UHD graphics and the SSDs now run 60% faster and support larger sizes than the 2017 line. We didn't expect the new MacBook Air's form factor to improve given it was already pleasingly discrete but it's now 10% smaller and a quarter of a pound lighter. The 2018 MacBook Air prices start higher than ones for the 2017 edition did, but we'll compare the latest deals for you below thanks to our engaged price comparison technology. Prices for the new MacBook Air 2018 start at $1199 / £1199 / AU$1849 for the entry level versions. So anything under that is a bonus for the newest member of the MacBook Air family.
We have to admit, we thought Apple was done with the MacBook Air line after the Pro lineup became just as compact and almost as light. In 2017, Apple gave the 13-inch MacBook Air its first update since 2015. This meant you could get a much healthier 8GB of RAM instead of 4GB along with a processor upgrade to 1.8GHz (over 1.6GHz) making it much better at multi-tasking. Stock of this older MacBook Air will gradually run out at retailers as the newer model above phases it out. But while new stock is still available, you'll generally find it to be much cheaper than that one.
MacBook deals
The cheapest MacBook (2017) prices
CPU: Dual-core Intel Core m3 – i7 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 615 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 12-inch Retina (2,304 x 1,440) IPS | Storage: 256GB – 512GB PCIe SSD | Dimensions (W x D x H): 11.04 x 7.74 x 0.14~0.52in Best alternative to photos for mac 2018.
Incredibly portable
Expensive
Apple didn't release a standard MacBook in 2018, instead focusing on the Air and Pro lines instead. So this is the newest regular MacBook you can buy. The screen and compact dimensions on the 2017 MacBook are the same as the 2016 edition. The main improvement though with the latest versions are the inclusion of the 7th-gen Kaby Lake processors in either m3, i5 or i7 configurations. 2015 MacBook owners are the most likely to notice and appreciate the improvements really. Stock of the 2016 version is increasingly difficult to find nowadays too.
The best cheap Macbook (2016) sale prices
CPU: Dual-core Intel Core m3 – Core m7 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 12-inch LED (2,304 x 1,440) IPS | Storage: 256GB – 512GB PCIe SSD | Dimensions (W x D x H): 11 x 7.8 x 0.5in
Still very capable
Can be very cheap nowadays
The internal specifications on the 2016 12-inch MacBook might be lagging behind the most recent version nowadays, but if you're not planning on pushing the device too hard with demanding tasks then it could be a great money-saving option for you.
While some of the cheapest prices might be reserved for refurbs the 2016 MacBook is still a fantastic device and it's one of the most portable options in Apple's laptop lineup.
MacBook Pro prices
The best 15-inch MacBook Pro (2019) prices
CPU: 9th-generation Intel Core i7 – i9 | Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 555X – 560X, Intel UHD Graphics 630 | RAM: 16GB – 32GB | Screen: 15.4-inch, 2,880 x 1,800 Retina display | Dimensions (H x W x D): 34.93 x 24.07 x 1.55cm
9th-generation processors
Very, very expensive
The newest 15-inch Apple MacBook Pro 2019 is strictly-speaking just the 2018 model stuffed with even more powerful spec. Depending on how much cash you're willing to splash, you can get up to 32GB of RAM now. All the processors are 9th-gen now with i7 6-core or i9 8-core options available too.
So yes, this is easily the most powerful MacBook Pro Apple has ever released, but unless you've got some seriously demanding professional-level kit that requires that much grunt, you're probably better off checking out some of the older, cheaper MacBook Pros models below instead and saving yourself some serious cash. There are also rumours of a 16-inch MacBook Pro coming soon, so you might want to hedge your bets until then.
The best 13-inch MacBook Pro (2018) prices
The best MacBook Pro ever made
CPU: Quad-core Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch, (2,560 x 1,600) IPS | Storage: 128GB – 2TB PCIe 3.0 SSD | Touch Bar: Yes (on most models)
Performance upgrade
Better keyboard
The 2018 version of the 13-inch Apple MacBook Pro is the best yet, comes with the Touch Bar as standard on most models and features a range of improvements. The screen resolution may be the same with the excellent Retina display, but now there's True Tone technology inside that senses ambient lighting in the room or outdoors to adjust the brightness of the screen for the best possible picture. The keyboard is quieter and less 'clicky' too. You're getting the brand new 8th-gen Coffee Lake core processor and the quad-core CPUs have doubled the performance of the 2017 models. With more options for larger RAM too, options really open up for creatives and professionals with the MacBook Pro 2018.
The best 15-inch MacBook Pro (2018) prices
The most powerful full-sized MacBook Pro
CPU: Six-core Intel Core i7 – i9 | Graphics: Radeon Pro 555X with 4GB GDDR5 | RAM: 16GB – 32GB | Screen: 15.4-inch, (2880 x 1800) IPS | Storage: 256GB – 4TB PCIe 3.0 SSD | Touch Bar: Yes
An absolute powerhouse
Enormously expensive
The larger 15-inch version of the 2018 MacBook Pro with the Touch Bar is generally going to cost a fair bit more than the 13-inch model, but that's not just because of the larger screen. This model packs a lot more under the hood too, with Apple providing multiple options with increased RAM, extra processing power with a six core Coffee Lake processor and larger SSD storage options. Naturally, you're getting the same improvements over the 2017 version too like the True Tone screen technology and quieter keyboard. This really is a powerhouse laptop for designers and industry creatives. If you don't need all the power though, we'd consider the cheaper 13-inch model, or maybe even one of the older versions found below if the prices are right for you.
The best 13-inch MacBook Pro (2017) deals [no Touch Bar]
CPU: Quad-core Intel Core 7th-gen i5 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch, (2,560 x 1,600) IPS | Storage: 128GB – 2TB PCIe 3.0 SSD | Touch Bar: No
Still very powerful
Very light for a Pro
The older 13-inch MacBook Pros are amongst the cheaper options if you want to go Pro. These versions don't come with a Touch Bar which is something to factor in when comparing how much you'll save versus the added functionality the new tech could add to your work and computing life in general.
These are incredibly light for MacBook Pros, but they still pack an incredible punch with 2.3GHz and dual core processors ranging from i5 to i7. The trackpads are larger than older MacBook Pros too and you're getting fantastic Retina displays which still look stunning today.
Why not upgrade your storage with a cheap hard drive or SSD? See the best hard drive and SSD deals.
Keep your new laptop secure with the best Mac VPN
Finally, Apple revealed the new Mac Pro 2019 at WWDC 2019, complete with the modern high-end hardware that creatives and professionals have been demanding from Apple’s most powerful computer for years.
The new Mac Pro 2019 has up to a 28-core Intel Xeon processor, on top of 1.5TB of 6-channel ECC system memory, which means that you’ll be hard pressed to run into any task that's too intense for the new Mac Pro.
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We got a first glimpse at the new Mac desktop replacement for the Mac Pro 2013, and this revision allows for modular upgrades, just in case having up to a 28-core Xeon processor isn’t enough for you down the line.
The Mac Pro 2019 is, without a doubt, built with an eye for the future – and looks like it came from the future as well. The new Mac Pro features a stainless-steel frame that ditches the cylindrical 'bin' look of the 2013 model in favor of a more traditional tower chassis that hearkens back to older Mac Pro models. Visually, the front and back are filled with uniquely designed vent holes, setting it apart from the more traditional look.
The power and design come together when you pop open the computer from the top. You can lift off the aluminum housing for 360-degree access to just about every component.
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Alongside the Mac Pro 2019, Apple is also rolling out a new professional display – the Pro Display XDR – which comes with a matching design that compliments the Mac Pro 2019’s new look. This monitor boasts a 32-inch Retina 6K display (the world's first), and the next level in high-dynamic range (HDR) or what Apple calls Extreme Dynamic Range (or XDR).
This 32-inch 6K display features a Nano-Texture surface meant to minimize reflections without affecting the image quality.
Additionally, because every single LED is calibrated at the factory level for HDR, Apple is able to deliver high-dynamic range like never seen before. Apple does this by using a unique lattice cooling pattern on the back of the display in order to maintain 1,000 nits of brightness at all times – with 1,600 nits of peak brightness. This display is able to produce stunning images, as well, thanks to its 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio.
All of these specs combine to deliver a new technology Apple is calling Extreme Dynamic Range or XDR, the next generation of HDR.
Quicken for mac 2018 starter. Unsurprisingly, this display will cost you $4,999 (about £3,950, AU$7,270) for the standard version, and $5,999 (about £4,730, AU$8.720) for the Nano-texture equipped version.
Naturally, the new Mac Pro 2019's companion screen comes separately, as do the color-tweaked keyboard, mouse and trackpad. That's always been the case with Mac Pro configurations – it's going to be an investment for everything, which means it’s not for everyone.
In fact, Apple is targeting the new Mac Pro 2019 for production crews and serious creators. This isn't a computer that's really made for the average consumer, as you'll find the spec and price to be far in excess of what you need – and what you can afford.
Cut to the chase
What is it? Apple's new dedicated desktop
When is it out? September – November 2019
What will it cost? Starts at $5,999 (about £4,730, AU$8.720)
Mac Pro 2019 release date and price
What's waiting a few more months for the new Mac Pro 2019 when we've been holding our breath for several years to get our hands on this desktop computer?
Apple announced the Mac Pro 2019 release date for 'fall 2019,' meaning that it will most likely be here between September and November. Apple has favored October for a lot of previous computer launches, and that falls into this release window.
The Mac Pro 2019 price starts at $5,999 (about £4,730, AU$8.720). That’s for the base model with an 8-core Intel Xeon processor (CPU), Radeon 580X graphics processor (GPU) and 32GB of ECC memory (RAM).
But remember, the Pro Display XDR – for $4,999 (about £4,000, AU$7,150) – is a separate purchase, as is the Pro Stand for $999 (about £800, AU$1,400) and VESA Mount Adapter for $199 (about £160, AU$285).
We only know the price for the base model so far, but a recent estimate suggests it could cost as high as $45,000 (around £35,000, AU$65,000).
A new design
For those that were unmoved with the previous Mac Pro's design, the Mac Pro 2019’s design is far more industrial and modular. The Mac Pro's leanings are more traditional with the combination of brushed aluminum and heat sink holes festooning the outer shell, which unfortunately makes it resemble an industrial cheese grater.
It's brutal and says 'this is for working on, not for looking good.’ However, it’s rack-mountable, and you can screw wheels on the bottom to move it around an office or studio.
We'll get to the performance of the new Mac Pro in just a moment, but one thing that's worth mentioning about the new model is how much innards you can cram inside such a small space.
In fact, one music producer told us that previously one would need to use multiple machines to mix a score, whereas those three or four could now be squished into the body of Apple's Mac Pro 2019.
Apple has also furnished the Mac Pro 2019 with a unique cooling system, which maximizes airflow while keeping the noise down. Even with the massive fans, this powerhouse will not distract you from your work.
There's also the advantage of the multiple Thunderbolt ports on top of the machine, allowing for easier access inside.
Mac Pro 2019 specs and performance
When it comes to specifications, Apple is taking a no-holds barred approach, cramming some seriously formidable hardware into the body of the new Mac Pro 2019.
The base model comes with a new 8-core Intel Xeon processor, which should give plenty of horsepower for multitasking. The Xeon line of CPUs are designed for professional workstations – and, this can be configured up to a Xeon processor with an astonishing 28 cores.
The more cores, the better it can handle multiple tasks at once – so the processor powering the new Mac Pro will undoubtedly tackle even the most strenuous creative tasks without so much as breaking a sweat.
As with Apple’s other prosumer computer, the iMac Pro, the Mac Pro 2019 boasts an AMD graphics card, starting with the Radeon Pro 580X and up to the Radeon Pro Vega II, which features 32GB of high-bandwidth memory – 1TB/s to be precise. That makes it the highest memory bandwidth of any GPU.
If that’s not enough, you can also deck it out with the AMD Radeon Pro Vega II Duo, which features two Vega II GPUs for a total of 64GB of memory – making it the world’s most powerful graphics card.
These GPUs are fitted into the Apple MPX Module, which easily slot into the Mac Pro, offering quiet operation while being kept cool by the Mac Pro’s own cooling system.
Impressively, the Mac Pro 2019 can have two MPX Modules installed at once. That means that if you have the need – and the budget – you can install two Vega II Duos for an insane 128GB of video memory and 56 teraflops of graphics performance.
All this output requires a lot of power, which is why there's a 1.4kW power supply powering the machine. However, the sound is pretty cool despite the fans inside, and when seeing it running at full power, we didn't feel a huge amount of heat emanating from the rear, nor heard anything like a light aircraft trying to take off.
This kind of graphical grunt will destroy most video encoding and rendering tasks – even at resolutions of 8K and above. While we’d love to imagine what the gaming capability of this level of firepower is like, this machine is going to be purely of interest to video professionals that need to render ultra-high resolution footage quickly.
Seeing it in real time, you could see and feel the raw power of the rendering capabilities of the Mac Pro 2019. 3D imagery could be manipulated in real time with multiple shading and lighting changes, meaning the need to ship projects off to a rendering farm won't be necessary for many tasks in the future.
One creative artist estimated the raw power of the extra cores gave him around four times the performance previously available, meaning he had far more time to allot to his artwork and creative process rather than standing around to see if the images and videos had shown as intended.
Being able to manipulate 8K streams so flawlessly was impressive - an engineer we spoke to claimed that using the Mac Pro 2019 was akin to when '1080p was finally able to be used properly,’ meaning that the speed of manipulation was finally able to be used properly.
Memory-wise, the Mac Pro 2019 supports six-channel memory and comes with 12 slots, which allows you to install up to 1.5TB of RAM.
Which Macbook To Buy 2018
In a demonstration, this allowed a full orchestra-worth of instruments to be rendered within that RAM space, meaning that a rack of PCs can now be replaced by a single Mac Pro unit, with the output slickly creating right in front of our eyes.
Again, this makes the Mac Pro 2019 a workstation that’s designed to breeze through multitasking. PCI Express slots also make a comeback, with eight in total, to offer plenty of options to expand the Mac Pro’s capabilities in the future.
Even at the entry level with a 8-core Intel Xeon processor with a max turbo boost of 4.0GHz and 32GB of ECC RAM, you should be able to handle most situations. The Mac Pro 2019 is definitely not meant for everyday computing, not that most users would feel comfortable paying such a high price.
The entry model Mac Pro comes with a 256GB SSD, which is the only part of the specifications that seems a bit constrained since that doesn't offer much storage space these days.
However, you'll be able to upgrade it with up to a 4TB drive. That's a gigantic SSD and will be a major bonus to any video editors considering this machine. Unfortunately, you will be expected to pay at least $2,000 (about £1,580, AU$2,900) more to upgrade to such an enormous drive. The good news is, most creative professionals have their own, more powerful external SSD drives anyway, so having a smaller storage space isn’t as much of a dealbreaker.
The fact that the new Mac Pro 2019 offers such high expansion possibilities is note-worthy, however. This desktop system features eight PCIe expansion slots, so you can keep the Mac Pro current with the latest hardware for the foreseeable future. This is backed up by the new Apple Afterburner accelerator card, which allows users to play back multiple 8K RAW video streams. This should be especially useful for video editors that shoot in very high resolutions.
You'll be able to upgrade the RAM too. Even if you just pick up the 32GB model (which is expensive enough already), the new Mac Pro features 12 physical DIMM slots, so you can upgrade your system memory as your needs change.
Apple 2018 Macbook Pro
Apple will facilitate new graphics cards with its new MPX module, a PCIe expansion card that not only allows you to slot in more powerful graphics cards, but will also feature native Thunderbolt integration and 500W of power. You can have two of these cards in the Mac Pro, allowing you to use two Radeon Pro Vega II GPUs at once.
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The best part? Getting access to the innards of the new Mac Pro 2019 should be remarkably easy, thanks to the chassis design. The outer aluminum housing is also designed for easy expansion, as it lifts off in one motion, granting easy access to the entire system.
These specs certainly sound impressive on paper (if, perhaps, a little overkill for most people), and we look forward to seeing how the Mac Pro 2019 really performs in a full review.