If you're in the market for a new MacBook Pro and want to score a great deal, Apple has something that might catch your attention this week. However, you'll need to act fast as stocks are limited.
For the first time, Apple has listed an M3 MacBook Pro in its refurbished section. While these laptops may not be 'new in the box,' they have undergone a thorough service by Apple and come with the same warranty as a brand new machine. They are also eligible for the same levels of AppleCare as a new laptop. So, you can rest assured that you're getting a quality product.
It's worth noting that Apple is expected to release the new M3-powered MacBook Air in late March. In addition, they already offer the next generation of Apple Silicon with the M3 Pro and M3 Max MacBook Pro models introduced in October.
If ultimate power and performance are your top priorities, you probably already have an M3 Pro or M3 Max on your desk. While the M3 MacBook Pro may not reach those levels, it does offer a noticeable performance boost over the potential of the M3 MacBook Air.
Some may argue that the difference in performance between the consumer-focused MacBook Air and MacBook Pro doesn't justify the price difference. And indeed, there may not be a significant practical demand for the M3 MacBook Pro. However, with the Refurb Store offering a $240 discount on the list price of $1,599, the refurbished model becomes an enticing option.
The price of the upcoming M3 MacBook Air is not yet known, but it is expected to launch in March. Speculations suggest that the M2 MacBook Air will likely remain available but drop to the price point of $999. This allows room for the M3 MacBook Air to be priced at either $1,199 or $1,299. Considering this, the $1,359 price tag on these refurbished M3 MacBook Pro models becomes even more intriguing. They could be only $50 away from the upcoming MacBook Air.
Ultimately, whether the benefits of approximately 20 percent more performance and the 'Pro' label are important enough for you to consider the slightly awkwardly specced (but now slightly cheaper) M3 MacBook Pro is a personal decision. The advantage, however, is that it is available right now, ready to meet your needs.
Stay up to date with the latest news on Mac, iPhone, and Apple Vision Pro by reading Forbes' weekly news digest.
