For the first time in years, an Apple MacBook Air is within reach of middle-income Indian consumers — not because of inflation, but because of a rare, aggressive discount. Croma has slashed the price of the MacBook Air M4 to just Rs 55,911 during its Black Friday sale, ending November 30, 2025. That’s less than half the standard retail price of Rs 99,900. Meanwhile, Reliance Digital is clearing out the discontinued MacBook Air M1 for Rs 51,990, with bank offers from Axis Bank, IDFC First Bank, and HSBC pushing the final cost close to Rs 50,000. The twist? Apple hasn’t lowered its official prices — these are retailer-driven fire sales, and they’re reshaping what’s possible in India’s laptop market.
How the Rs 55,911 MacBook Air M4 Deal Works
The math behind Croma’s offer is as clever as it is rare. Start with the educational price of Rs 88,911 — available to students and teachers who qualify. Then add Rs 10,000 cashback. Stack on up to Rs 13,000 for trading in an old laptop. Finally, tack on an extra Rs 10,000 exchange bonus — a promotional incentive Croma is using to clear inventory. The result? Rs 55,911. That’s not just a discount. It’s a reset.
The MacBook Air M4 isn’t a budget device. It’s Apple’s current mid-tier laptop, with a 13-inch Liquid Retina display, a 12MP Center Stage camera, and macOS Sequoia optimized for its new chip. It’s fast enough for video calls, light editing, and college workloads. For most Indian students and remote workers, it’s overkill — and now, for the first time, it’s affordable.
The M1’s Last Stand: Rs 50,000 for a Discontinued Mac
While the M4 gets the spotlight, the real bargain might be the MacBook Air M1. Apple discontinued the model in 2024, but Reliance Digital still has stock — and it’s selling it like hotcakes. At Rs 51,990, it’s already a steal. But with additional discounts from Axis, IDFC, and HSBC credit cards, users can bring the price down to Rs 49,900–50,200. That’s the lowest price ever recorded for the M1 Air in India.
Why buy it? According to India Today, the M1 still delivers 18 hours of battery life, seamless app performance, and the quiet reliability of macOS. For web browsing, document editing, Zoom calls, and streaming — it’s flawless. But skip it if you need the latest design, better webcam quality, or heavy video rendering. The M4’s chip is 35% faster in graphics tasks. Still, for Rs 50,000? It’s hard to argue.
Apple’s Secret Weapon: The Rs 55,000 Mac Coming in 2026
Here’s where things get really interesting. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports Apple is testing a budget Mac codenamed J700 — a device that could launch as early as March 2026. Unlike any Mac before it, J700 will use an iPhone processor (likely the A17 or A18), feature a smaller LCD screen (under 13.6 inches), and be priced around $600 — roughly Rs 55,000.
This isn’t just a new product. It’s a strategic pivot. Apple has spent decades building its Mac line as a premium product, with entry-level models starting above $1,000. Now, it’s chasing the Chromebook market — and India is ground zero. With over 60% of Indian students using low-cost Windows laptops or Chromebooks, Apple needs a foothold. J700 isn’t meant to replace the MacBook Air. It’s meant to replace the Rs 35,000 Lenovo Ideapad.
What This Means for Indian Buyers
Two things are clear. First, Apple’s pricing strategy is fracturing. Retailers are now the real price-makers — not Apple. Second, the gap between premium and budget is collapsing. The M4 at Rs 55,911 and the M1 at Rs 50,000 aren’t just deals. They’re signals.
For students: If you need power and future-proofing, go for the M4. If you just need reliability and don’t care about the latest design, the M1 is a smarter buy. For professionals? Wait for J700 — if it delivers even 80% of the M1’s performance at half the price, it could redefine entry-level computing in India.
One thing’s certain: November 2025 won’t be remembered for the iPhone 17. It’ll be remembered as the month Apple let India in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MacBook Air M4 worth buying at Rs 55,911?
Yes — if you’re a student, content creator, or remote worker who needs a fast, reliable Mac. The M4 chip handles multitasking, video calls, and light editing effortlessly. At Rs 55,911, it’s the best value Apple has ever offered in India. But if you only need basic tasks, the M1 at Rs 50,000 is nearly as good and saves you Rs 5,000.
Why is Reliance Digital selling the M1 so cheaply?
Apple discontinued the M1 Air in 2024, leaving retailers with unsold stock. Reliance Digital is clearing inventory before year-end to make room for newer models. The bank discounts are a tactic to boost card usage and customer loyalty. This isn’t a permanent price — it’s a final clearance.
Should I wait for Apple’s budget J700 Mac in 2026?
If you don’t need a Mac immediately, waiting makes sense. The J700 is expected to cost around Rs 55,000 and use an iPhone chip — meaning it’ll be efficient, quiet, and battery-friendly. But it may lack the display quality and port selection of current MacBooks. It’s ideal for students and casual users, not professionals.
Are these Black Friday prices available nationwide?
Croma’s Rs 55,911 deal is online-only and limited to select configurations — typically the 8GB RAM/256GB SSD model. Reliance Digital’s M1 offer is in-store and online, but stock is extremely limited. Both deals are expected to sell out before December 1. Check store inventory before visiting.
Can I use the educational discount with Croma’s sale?
No — the educational discount is only available directly through Apple’s India website. Croma’s Rs 55,911 price is a standalone retail promotion combining cashback, exchange bonuses, and trade-in value. You can’t stack Apple’s education pricing with Croma’s Black Friday deal.
What’s the difference between M1 and M4 MacBook Airs?
The M4 chip is 35% faster in graphics, supports higher-resolution external displays, and has better AI performance for features like Live Captions and photo enhancements. The M1 is still powerful for everyday use — but the M4 has better thermal efficiency, longer battery life under heavy loads, and a slightly brighter display. For most users, the difference is noticeable but not essential.
