Apple devices are recognized for their premium price tags, and MacBooks and iMacs are no different. Nevertheless, you can cut costs by hundreds on an Apple laptop or desktop several times throughout the year, so there’s no need to wait until November for an affordable upgrade. The yearly gift card promotion from Apple around Black Friday is not very compelling.

We have been monitoring Apple discounts weekly for over two years, enabling us to pinpoint when sales occur and which MacBook offers are genuinely worthwhile. Here are the three best times of year to score the lowest prices on a MacBook or iMac:

1. **Black Friday and Prime Day Periods**
**Months: Early to mid-July, October through November**
Retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy provide substantial savings during Black Friday and Prime Day periods, with markdowns beginning as soon as October for Black Friday and around July for Prime Day. Discounts on MacBooks can exceed $150 during these events.

2. **Back-to-School Period**
**Months: June through early October**
Apple provides educational pricing throughout the year, but their back-to-school promotion from summer to early fall comes with an Apple gift card included in purchases. In 2023, this offer featured a $150 gift card with MacBook Air and Pro buys.

3. **Following New Model Announcements**
**Months: Varies**
When Apple reveals new models, the prices of older versions usually decline. For instance, the debut of the M3 MacBook Air resulted in a $100 reduction on the M2 Air.

**Final Suggestions for Economizing on a Mac:**

1. **Watch for spontaneous sales:** Occasionally, Macs are discounted without any obvious reason. Keep track of deals coverage to remain updated.

2. **Certain Macs are discounted more often than others:** iMacs typically see fewer sales compared to MacBooks, and higher-spec MacBooks are less frequently available at discounted prices. Maintain realistic expectations while hunting for bargains.