Apple just made every MacBook more expensive: here's how I'd buy one without paying the 'AI tax'

(Image credit: Amazon edited with Gemini) I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but MacBook deals absolutely suck right now. Whereas a month ago you could easily buy the 13-inch MacBook Air M5 for $899 to $949, today's MacBook deals are hovering in the $1,243 range.Back in June, Apple announced it was raising prices as a result of the ongoing RAM crisis and within days MacBook deals started drying up. Traditionally, back to school season is filled with excellent Mac sales, but so far this month I've yet to see an entry-level MacBook Air for less than $1,243.As a deals editor and Mac user, I've been tracking MacBook deals since the launch of the Core 2 Duo-based MacBook Air. I will continue using Macs, but I'll never pay full price. Whether you're shopping for the best MacBooks for college or looking to replace your home machine, below are my top tips for scoring the best deals — even when it feels impossible to find any.Quick Linksshop all MacBooks from $689 @ Amazon13" MacBook Air M5 (24GB/1TB): was $1,799 now $1,649 @ Amazon14" MacBook Pro M5: was $1,999 now $1,849 @ Amazon14" MacBook Pro M5 Pro: was $2,499 now $2,349 @ AmazonTrade-In Program: get instant quotes @ AppleTrade-In Program: get instant quotes @ Best Buyrefurb MacBook Neo w/ Touch ID: was $799 now $679 @ Applerefurb 13" MacBook Air M5: was $1,299 now $1,099 @ Apple Future-proof your MacBook (Image credit: Apple)MacBooks are renown for lasting a long time (I get at least 5 years from mine), but when it comes to buying a new MacBook, I've always recommended spending a little more for the upgraded model. This ensures you'll be able to squeeze even more life out of your Mac. Now there's another reason to buy the upgraded model: It's sporting a bigger discount. For the past few days the base 13-inch MacBook Air M5 has been selling for $1,243 (was $1,299), whereas the upgraded model with 24GB of RAM and 1TB SSD has been selling for $1,649 (was $1,799). Yes, that's a big jump from the base model, but the upgraded model is $150 off instead of just $56 off. If you were already questioning the base model's 512GB SSD, this discount on the 1TB model should help you decide.Use that student discount (Image credit: Apple)I've traditionally refrained from recommending the Apple Back to School Sale. It's predictable and usually eclipsed by bigger dollar-off discounts at authorized Apple resellers like Amazon and Best Buy. This year, things are different. MacBook deals are hard to come by and almost no retailer is offering big discounts on the base MacBook Air. If you're looking to buy the base model and you have a student ID, the 2026 Apple Back to School Sale is worth your consideration. You'll get a $150 Apple gift card with your MacBook Pro purchase or a $100 Apple gift card with your MacBook Air purchase. Additionally, you'll get student pricing on said laptops. After student discount, the 13-inch MacBook Air M5 costs $1,199 ($100 off), whereas the MacBook Neo costs $599 ($100 off). I don't foresee any retailer slashing $100 off the MacBook Neo anytime soon, so this may be as good as it gets.Trade-in that old Mac (Image credit: Future)Apple devices tend to have great resale value. If you have an older Apple device you're willing to part with, the Apple Store offers a trade-in credit you can put toward the purchase of a new Mac. You can trade-in iPhones, Apple Watches, iPads, Macs, and even Android smartphones. You can choose to trade-in your device in person at your local Apple Store or online. Just mouse over to the Apple Trade-In website to start the process. I've used it in the past and the process is seamless. I'm also a fan of the Best Buy Trade-In program, so my advice is to get quotes from both and opt for the program that offers the larger credit or biggest convenience.Don't be afraid of refurbished (Image credit: Tom's Guide)Buying a refurbished Mac is an easy way to save a few bucks. While the germophobe inside you may cringe at the thought, a lot of times the outer shells, batteries, and even keyboards are replaced in the refurbishing process. The Apple Store is especially known for the excellent condition of its refurbished products and they're all backed by a 1-year Apple warranty. (That's the same warranty you'd get if you were to purchase a new Apple device). I've also had positive experiences buying a refurbished iMac from Best Buy. At the time of this writing, you can get the base refurb 13-inch MacBook Air M5 for $1,099, which is $200 off and the cheapest price I've seen since the increases. Likewise, you can get the upgraded refurb MacBook Neo w/ Touch ID for $679, which is $120 off.Best MacBook dealsShop more deals Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. As deals editor-in-chief at Tom’s Guide, Louis is constantly looking for ways to avoid paying full price for the latest gadgets, appliances, and apparel. With over 10 years of deals-hunting experience, Louis price checks against multiple retailers and searches high and low for the best deals to bring readers. He's also always on the look out for the best coupon codes to use when shopping. A born-and-bred New Yorker, Louis is also an avid swimmer and marathoner. His work has appeared on Gizmodo, CNET, and Time Out New York.