This week, Apple made waves by unveiling their latest updates to the MacBook Air, a laptop that’s already a favorite among consumers. The fresh models boast a snappy M4 chip and an improved videoconferencing camera. Interestingly, the company has also slashed the price by $100, a savvy move considering the recent tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump that experts fear might elevate electronics prices.
In the U.S., the price for the 13-inch MacBook Air starts at $999, while the 15-inch version begins at $1,099. Of course, there are additional costs if you choose to enhance memory or storage. Even though the design mirrors last year’s model, this new MacBook Air will introduce a vibrant sky blue color option and offers support for three external monitors. Expect these models to hit the shelves by March 12.
Apple can’t overstate the importance of the MacBook Air to its lineup. Despite a general slump in computer sales since the highs of fiscal 2022—a trend driven by increased demand during the pandemic—the Mac line still saw a notable 15% rise last December, nearing $9 billion. Clearly, people are still keen on snapping up their laptops.
This announcement is just one in a series of recent Apple releases. Alongside the new laptops, the tech giant introduced the high-performance Mac Studio, packing serious power for anyone focused on complex graphics, audio, video production, or AI work. But don’t expect it to be cheap; prices start at $1,999 and can climb past $14,000 for more advanced configurations.
Apple’s pricing strategy is being scrutinized by both customers and investors as they navigate the Trump administration’s tariffs. So far, it seems, Apple is holding the line and not hiking prices. The newly announced iPad Airs remain at $599, unchanged. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16e debuts at $599, replacing its previous low-cost version from 2022, which was priced at $429.
Analysts over at Bank of America Securities recently predicted that PC manufacturers, including Apple, might start passing some of these increased costs onto consumers. Case in point: Acer has already announced hikes in laptop prices due to the tariffs.
A 10% tariff was slapped on imported PCs, functioning almost like a tax that vendors tend to transfer to their customers, as noted by the BofA analysts. Since a significant portion of Apple’s products are manufactured in China, they are vulnerable to these tariffs, coupled with potential retaliatory measures from China.
Recently, Apple CEO Tim Cook had a sit-down at the White House with President Trump. Post-meeting, Trump mentioned that Apple is not keen on the tariffs, with Cook echoing that they’re “monitoring the situation.”
On the logistics side, Apple is smartly diversifying its supply chain. Some of their Macs are now assembled in Malaysia and Vietnam, granting them a bypass of the Chinese import duties. Yet, Apple has not specified where these new MacBook Airs are being put together.
Keep an eye out for reactions on tariffs affecting 20% on China trade as events unfold.
