Apple’s online Certified Refurbished store is now offering discounted models of the latest M4-equipped MacBook Air, providing an opportunity for buyers to save on the newest iteration of the popular ultraportable laptop directly from Apple. These refurbished units are available with savings of approximately 15% off their original retail price.
This move follows the recent addition of other current-generation Apple products to the refurbished store, including the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in Black and select configurations of the Mac Studio featuring the powerful M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips, which became available earlier this week.
What “Apple Certified Refurbished” Means
When you buy a product from Apple’s Certified Refurbished program, you’re getting a device that has undergone a rigorous process. Apple ensures these Macs are functionally identical to brand new units. This includes:
Comprehensive functionality testing
Thorough cleaning and inspection
Replacement of any defective parts
Installation of a brand new battery
Shipping in a new, plain box with all original accessories and cables
The only noticeable difference for most buyers is the packaging; the device itself is virtually indistinguishable from new. Importantly, Apple backs these refurbished Macs with the same standard one-year limited warranty that comes with new products. They are also eligible for extended coverage under AppleCare+ and benefit from Apple’s standard 14-day return policy.
Pricing and Current Availability
Refurbished M4 MacBook Air models are currently listed on Apple’s U.S. store starting at $849. This entry price applies to the 13-inch configuration, which typically comes with a 256GB SSD and 8GB or 16GB of unified memory.
Buyers can find models in all four signature colors: Sky Blue, Starlight, Midnight, and Silver. While configurations and stock levels fluctuate, over 30 different variants of the M4 MacBook Air were available at the time of this writing, offering a wide selection of storage and memory options.
It’s worth noting that while the 13-inch models are readily available, 15-inch M4 MacBook Air configurations were not yet listed on the refurbished store. However, they are expected to be added soon as more inventory becomes available.
Is an Apple Refurbished M4 MacBook Air a Good Deal?
The starting price of $849 for a refurbished 13-inch M4 MacBook Air is attractive, offering a clear saving over the new MSRP of $999 for the base model. However, for the base configuration specifically, some major retailers like Amazon have been selling the brand-new M4 MacBook Air for the same $849 price point. Amazon also currently offers the brand-new 15-inch M4 MacBook Air starting at $1049.
Where the Apple Refurbished store often presents the best* value is on higher-end configurations. For example, a refurbished 13-inch M4 MacBook Air with a 1TB SSD and 32GB of unified memory is available for $1529. This represents a significant saving compared to the new price for an equivalent custom configuration, making it a particularly compelling option for users who need more robust specs.
The availability of the M4 MacBook Air on the certified refurbished store aligns with Apple’s pattern of adding its latest chipsets to the program over time, following the earlier inclusion of refurbished M4 Mac mini and M4 MacBook Pro models. This provides consumers with a reliable way to purchase current-generation Apple hardware at a reduced cost directly from the manufacturer.
