When to buy a MacBook for less: the best time in 2026

The best time to buy a MacBook is usually just after a new generation comes out, when retailers clear the outgoing model, or during major sales events such as Black Friday (Friday 27 November 2026). If you're a student, teacher or a parent buying for a student in France, Apple's back-to-school education offer runs until 22 October 2026. Paying full price for a model that's about to be replaced is usually the worst deal.

This guide covers the current line-up, Apple's release rhythm, the official ways to save (education pricing, refurbished) and how to spot a genuine price drop.

Which MacBooks are on sale in September 2026?

Here is the line-up listed on Apple's French website when this guide was updated:

Model	Chip	Screen	Best for
MacBook Neo	A18 Pro	13-inch	The most affordable MacBook, for office work, study and browsing (announced 4 March 2026)
MacBook Air	M5	13 or 15-inch	The all-rounder: light, silent, long battery life (introduced 3 March 2026)
14-inch MacBook Pro	M5, M5 Pro or M5 Max	14-inch	Creative work, development, video editing
16-inch MacBook Pro	M5 Pro or M5 Max	16-inch	Heavy professional workloads, big screen

Apple introduced the M6 chip on 25 August 2026 alongside a new Mac mini. So far, no M6 MacBook is on sale on Apple's French store. Rumours about the next generation come and go, but until Apple announces something, don't base your decision on them.

When does Apple release new MacBooks?

Apple never publishes a schedule, but recent years show a fairly clear rhythm:

• MacBook Air: refreshed in March three years running (M3 in 2024, M4 in 2025, M5 in 2026).
• MacBook Pro: the 14-inch M5 model arrived in October 2025, followed by the M5 Pro and M5 Max versions in March 2026.

The key point: Apple rarely cuts a model's price on its own store; it replaces it. Retailers (Amazon, Cdiscount, Fnac, Darty, Boulanger and others in France) are the ones clearing the previous generation, sometimes well below its former list price. That's the sweet spot if you don't need the very latest chip.

Should you wait for the next generation?

If your current laptop still works and an announcement looks close, waiting can pay off: you either get the new model or the old one gets cheaper. Tracking the current model's price with UniverTrack now shows you straight away whether it drops when the new one arrives. If you need a machine now (for school or work), a current-generation MacBook is still a long-lasting purchase, as Apple supports its Macs with macOS updates for many years.

Month-by-month: when to buy a MacBook

These are qualitative patterns, not promises: a specific model can drop at any time at a given retailer.

Period	Rating	Why
January	Average	Winter sales at some retailers, often on specific configurations.
February – March	Watch closely	Recent MacBook Air refresh window: waiting for the announcement may be worth it.
April – May	Good	Retailers clear the previous generation; spring French Days in France in some years.
June – August	Average	Back-to-school build-up; Apple's education offer in some years.
September – October	Good for students	Back-to-school education offer running until 22 October 2026 in France.
Late October – November	Good	Black Friday and Cyber Monday; keep an eye on autumn MacBook Pro announcements.
December	Average	Strong pre-Christmas demand, fewer year-end deals.

How does Apple's education pricing work?

The Apple Store for Education offers reduced prices to eligible buyers. In France, Apple's terms cover students enrolled in or accepted into higher education, parents buying for them, and teachers and education staff at all levels.

For back-to-school 2026 in France, Apple adds an Apple Gift Card with an eligible Mac or iPad until 22 October 2026. The amount depends on the model: when we checked, the store showed €80 for a MacBook Air. It's limited to one card per eligible product, while stocks last. Offers differ by country, so check your local Apple Store.

Two checks before you buy:

• a gift card is not a discount: it's only worth something if you'll spend it at Apple (accessories, subscriptions, apps);
• compare the education price of your configuration with the same model at a retailer: depending on the period, either can come out cheaper.

Is Apple Certified Refurbished worth it?

Apple sells certified refurbished products on its store for less than new. According to Apple, they are tested, shipped in a new white box with all accessories, covered by the one-year limited warranty and eligible for AppleCare, with free delivery and returns in France.

The catch: stock changes constantly, so you often have to keep checking for the configuration you want. Refurbished MacBooks from other sellers can also be good value, as long as you check battery health, warranty length and the exact chip.

Black Friday, Amazon, retailers: where to pay less?

On Black Friday, MacBook price drops generally come from retailers rather than Apple. They can be genuine, but three traps come up again and again:

• the configuration: the same name ("13-inch MacBook Air") covers several chips, memory and storage options. Always compare the full spec sheet;
• the crossed-out price: it is sometimes Apple's recommended price rather than the price the retailer actually charged. Our tips to spot a fake discount apply perfectly;
• the seller: on a marketplace, check who actually sells and ships the product.

On Amazon, the price history shows whether today's price is genuinely low. For the full event calendar, see our Black Friday 2026 guide.

Which MacBook should you buy to avoid overpaying?

Memory and storage on an Apple silicon MacBook can't be upgraded after purchase, so that's the most important choice. A better-equipped previous-generation model can be smarter than a new one with too little.

• MacBook Neo: browsing, office apps and study.
• MacBook Air: the best balance for most people, including photos and light video.
• MacBook Pro: worth it if you'll really use its power, display or ports.

Torn between a Mac and a Windows laptop? See when to buy a laptop. Looking at an iPad instead? Read when to buy a tablet.

Put it into practice: track your MacBook's price

Watching a MacBook by hand means checking the right configuration at several shops every day, writing prices down and hoping to catch the drop in time. A deal that lasts a few hours is easy to miss. UniverTrack does that work for you:

1. Paste the link to the exact MacBook you want (Amazon, Cdiscount or another retailer site): the price is checked automatically and a dated history builds up.
2. Set a target price, for example the price at which the previous generation becomes worth it to you.
3. Get an email alert when the price reaches it, then buy with confidence. See how to set a price drop alert.

For a single MacBook, the Découverte plan is plenty. If you want to compare the same model across several retailers, the Pro plan groups the links you add on one product page and shows the best offer. See pricing; every plan starts with a 14-day free trial, no commitment.