Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Apple quietly launches unprecedented price cuts to its best MacBook Pros

Apple’s top of the line MacBook Pro 16-inch and 14-inch models are some of the best laptops the company has ever made — but they’re extremely expensive machines that rarely come down in price.

However, Apple has quietly dropped the price on these sought-after laptops with some surprising price cuts.

The back lid of the MacBook Pro.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Spotted by MacRumors, Apple slashed pricing on the refurbished 14 and 16-inch models with both the M1 Pro and Max variants. Specifically, the prices have been reduced by about 15% off the regular pricing for brand-new units. MacRumors points out that previous refurbished M1 MacBook Pro models were about 10% off. And yes, while these are not brand new products, Apple’s refurbished product program still come with warrantees and even brand new packaging.

A base 14-inch model is going for $1,709 (normally about $2,000) while a refurbished M1 Max equipped 16-inch MacBook Pro is now going $2,989 (normally about $3,500). That’s a drastic price decrease and may entice anyone who was on the fence about getting one.

For comparison, the refurbished 14-inch is about the same price as adding the 16GB memory option to a brand new 13-inch MacBook Pro with the M2 chip. Mind you, the base 14-inch comes with 16GB out of the box while having a better GPU, webcam, bigger screen, and overall design. It’s almost a no-brainer to go with the 14-inch if you’re shopping for a pro-level MacBook.

A side profile of the 2021 MacBook Pro.
Digital Trends

The price reductions could mean an update to the 14/16-inch MacBook Pro models is right around the corner. Though the year is winding down, there’s still time for Apple to release M2 Pro/Max variants of the high-end MacBook Pro models, and they could launch as soon as early November. That said, it may not be the best idea to wait for the M2 models for now, given some of the speculation.

Even if Apple updates the 14/16-inch models with M2 Pro/Max chips, the performance on the 2021 MacBook Pro models was outstanding and would likely accomplish most professional tasks with ease (and save you a bit of money with these discounts).

Additionally, the new models will likely retain many of the design features of the 2021 models such as the screen, port selection, and overall design. Apple doesn’t usually change the design for several years.

Editors' Recommendations

David Matthews
David is a freelance journalist based just outside of Washington D.C. specializing in consumer technology and gaming. He has…
This tiny ThinkPad can’t quite keep up with the MacBook Air M2
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 rear view showing lid and logo.

While the laptop industry continues to move toward 14-inch laptops and larger, the 13-inch laptop remains an important category. One of the best is the Apple MacBook Air M2, with an extremely thin and well-built chassis, great performance, and incredibly long battery life.

Lenovo has recently introduced the third generation of its ThinkPad X1 Nano, one of the lightest laptops we've tested and a good performer as well. It's stiff competition, but which of these two diminutive laptops stands apart?
Specs and configurations

Read more
This powerhouse laptop gives the MacBook Pro an honest run for its money
Lenovo Slim Pro 9i front view showing display and keyboard.

The 16-inch creator's laptop is increasingly popular, and a number of excellent options have emerged. The Apple MacBook Pro 16 is the premier example, offering a combination of performance, battery life, and quality that's hard to match.

Lenovo recently upsized its attractive Slim 9i laptop, creating the Slim Pro 9i that packs in a very powerful CPU and a choice of lower-end GPUs. Don't let the latter fool you, though, as Lenovo has squeezed out a lot of performance. Can the Slim Pro 9i take on the mightly MacBook Air 16?
Specs and configurations

Read more
This Windows laptop costs under $1,000 and handily beats the MacBook Air
Asus Zenbook 14 OLED rear view showing lid and logo.

The least expensive MacBook you can buy remains the MacBook Air M1, which Apple is keeping around in spite of a complete redesign with the MacBook Air M2. And there's good reason. The MacBook Air M1 is among the best laptops that sell for under $1,000.

But it's not the only great laptop for under $1,000. The Asus ZenBook 14 OLED is also a special machine, offering considerable value at a starting price of $700, including a luscious OLED display. As good as the MacBook Air is, the ZenBook 14 just might have it beat.
Specs

Read more