Apple has surprised consumers by continuing to manufacture and offer the M1-powered MacBook Air, despite the recent launch of the M3-powered model. This unexpected move has led to American retailer Walmart partnering with Apple to sell the M1 MacBook Air for $699, making it accessible to a wider audience.
The M1 MacBook Air being sold at Walmart features the basic specifications of the first Apple Silicon Mac chip, the M1, with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. Despite these modest specs, the laptop offers impressive performance capabilities, including a 3.5 GHz system, compatibility with Intel-supported apps, and the ability to handle demanding tasks like editing multiple 4K video streams simultaneously. Additionally, the laptop boasts a 15-hour battery life (20 hours for video playback) and weighs just 2.8 lbs, making it a compelling option for users on a budget.
For consumers looking to enter the Apple ecosystem at an affordable price point, the $699 M1 MacBook Air from Walmart presents a unique opportunity. This marks the first time Walmart has directly sold Mac hardware to customers, and it offers a rare chance to purchase a new Apple product outside of Apple's own retail channels.
Apple's decision to partner with Walmart to offer the M1 MacBook Air at a discounted price demonstrates a strategic branding move. By making a powerful ARM-based laptop available at a significantly lower cost, Apple aims to attract customers who may have previously considered other laptop options. This move not only expands Apple's market reach but also positions the company to compete more effectively against Windows PC and Chrome OS laptops.
The M1 MacBook Air will initially be available for purchase on Walmart.com before hitting select retail locations. Despite its older specifications, the laptop's performance potential and affordability make it a compelling choice for users willing to embrace macOS and Apple's ecosystem.
