Buy a MacBook Air right after a new model drops.

Right after Apple announces the next MacBook Air, the previous generation hits its lowest price. That’s your window.

Apple usually refreshes the MacBook Air in spring or early summer. Within a week of the announcement, retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H slash prices on the outgoing model by $150–$250. If you don’t need the very latest processor or color, you get essentially the same laptop for significantly less.

The second-best time is August through October, during back-to-school and early holiday sales. Those discounts are smaller—maybe $100 off—but you can get the current model instead of last year’s.

Avoid buying in February or March. Prices are stable then because no new model is coming, and sales are rare. Also skip the first 4–6 weeks after a release: the new model is full price, and the old model might still be clearing out at full retail.

If you’re not in a rush, wait for the next announcement. Future you will thank you.