Apple MacBook prices have generally fallen since the shift to Apple silicon, but the current discount window is drawing attention as memory prices may rise.

On June 22, local time, IT media outlet 9to5Mac reported that Apple recently mentioned the possibility of future price increases, citing memory supply pressure driven by expanding demand for artificial intelligence.

The current MacBook lineup is being assessed as far more price-competitive than before. The MacBook Air, a representative entry-level product, is being sold at $1,099 with 512GB storage and 16GB of memory. The outlet explained that similar specifications were around $1,599 just a few years ago. With the recent launch of the entry-level MacBook Neo, the entry price for MacBooks has fallen further.

The MacBook Air is still seen as Apple’s main laptop model. MagSafe charging, a P3 color-gamut display, a Center Stage webcam and long battery life are assessed as strengths. Another differentiator is that while the MacBook Neo comes only in a 13-inch model, the MacBook Air has a 15-inch option.

In the United States, the current discounted prices are about $949 for the 13-inch M5 MacBook Air with 512GB and 16GB, $1,149 for 1TB and 16GB, and $1,349 for 1TB and 24GB. The 15-inch model is being sold at $1,149 for 512GB and 16GB, $1,449 for 1TB and 16GB, and $1,549 for 1TB and 24GB.

The most watched new product is the MacBook Neo. It is Apple’s first low-cost MacBook, with a starting price of $599. It is being assessed as maintaining the MacBook’s build quality, display quality and macOS experience while lowering some performance and expandability. Still, the A18 Pro chip, 8GB of memory and a limited port setup are being cited as shortcomings.

On Amazon, the 256GB and 8GB model is being sold at $589, and the 512GB, 8GB model with Touch ID at $689. Students can also receive an additional $100 off through Apple’s education discount.

The issue is supply. Apple is reported to have moved to expand MacBook Neo production due to higher-than-expected demand. It is also increasing output of the A18 Pro chip, and the industry is also raising the possibility that supply pressure could affect future prices.

The situation is a bit different for the higher-end MacBook Pro. Apple is expected to overhaul the design of premium MacBook Pro models in the second half of this year. The industry is discussing the possibility of an OLED display, a touchscreen and a thinner design. These changes are expected to begin with higher-end models based on the M6 Pro and M6 Max. As a result, an assessment has emerged that consumers considering an M5-based MacBook Pro would not face a major burden buying now.

Current prices for the 14-inch MacBook Pro are about $1,549 for the M5 model with 1TB and 16GB, $1,749 for the M5 model with 1TB and 24GB, and $2,034 for the M5 Pro model with 1TB and 24GB. The 16-inch model is being sold at $2,494 for the M5 Pro with 1TB and 24GB, $2,879 for the M5 Pro with 1TB and 48GB, and $3,649 for the M5 Max with 2TB and 36GB.

Overall, the key points of this buying guide are twofold. The current MacBook Air and some MacBook Pro models have clear discounts, while the MacBook Neo is drawing demand at the lowest price point. By contrast, unstable memory supply, MacBook Neo supply constraints and the schedule for a higher-end MacBook Pro redesign remain variables that could determine purchase timing. As a result, an analysis has emerged that consumers need to weigh not only the size of discounts but also the future lineup overhaul schedule and inventory conditions when deciding when to buy.