The first batch of refurbished M1 MacBook Airs is showing up on Apple’s online store, providing a less-expensive option.
The latest generation of MacBook Airs run Apple’s custom silicon, the M1 chip. The M1 is an Arm-based design that’s a more powerful version of the chip in the iPhone and iPad. As such, it offers many advantages over Intel processors, including cooler operation, better battery life, improved performance and the ability to run iOS apps.
Apple’s computers have never been the cheapest on the market, but the company’s refurbished program offers a less-expensive way of getting the latest and greatest. As part of the deal, all of Apple’s refurbished machines come with the same one-year warranty and are indistinguishable from a brand-new device.
The available machines start at $849, or $150 less than brand-new. Although there is no option to customize refurb machines — it’s a first-come, first-served affair, based on what machines have been returned — as of the time of writing there are also higher end MacBook Airs available. The high-end models come in at $1,059, or $$190 off.
A refurbished MacBook Air makes a good option for employees looking for a remote work machine, or students that need a laptop for their studies.