Best Black Friday MacBook, iMac & Mac mini Black Friday deals

MacBook Air – Our best overall choice

The MacBook Air is our recommendation for most buyers. Both sizes offer a lightweight, silent laptop for everyday work, studying, and occasional creative projects. Choose the 13-inch for portability or the 15-inch for more workspace without MacBook Pro pricing.

We’d prioritize a competitive price on the memory and storage you need. For regular lengthy exports or other sustained demanding tasks, consider a MacBook Pro with active cooling instead.

U.S. Black Friday price: October Prime Day brought the 13-inch M5 Air with 16GB memory and 512GB storage to $1,099, and the equivalent 15-inch to $1,299. Last Black Friday, the older M4 models with 256GB reached $749 and $949 respectively. We are already seeing up to $250 off the 1TB models, and $200 off the 512GB options, bringing the price back to the original MSRP before Apple increased prices.

U.K. Black Friday price: October offers included approximately £1,199 for the 13-inch M5 Air and £1,349 for the 15-inch, both with 512GB storage. Last Black Friday’s M4 models with 256GB reached £849 and £1,025. Match storage capacities when comparing generations. So far in November 2026 we are seeing the same £100 off the 13-inch MacBook Air, and £150 off the 15-inch model as we saw in Prime Day this October.

MacBook Neo – Our budget choice, at the right price

The MacBook Neo suits browsing, schoolwork, streaming, and office apps. Its lower starting price makes it appealing, but its fixed 8GB of memory leaves less room for demanding workloads.

Check which configuration is discounted: only the 512GB version includes Touch ID. Both lack a backlit keyboard, MagSafe, and Thunderbolt. Compare clearance MacBook Air stock before deciding how much those compromises save you.

U.S. Black Friday price: October’s $689 price for the 256GB Neo was only a small reduction from its $699 asking price and the current $9 saving is equally small.

U.K. Black Friday price: We saw a Prime Day low of £549. So far this Black Friday month we are seeing £79 off the 512GB MacBook Neo.

MacBook Pro M6 – Best step up from the Air

Halyna Kubiv

The standard M6 MacBook Pro is worth considering if you want a better built-in display, more connections, and cooling for sustained workloads without paying for a Pro or Max chip. It comes in a 14-inch size, with a non-touch Liquid Retina XDR display, HDMI, and an SDXC card slot.

It starts with 16GB memory and 1TB storage, so account for those specifications when comparing prices with an Air or older Pro. Despite the newer generation number, the standard M6 isn’t automatically the better choice for demanding work than an M5 Pro or M5 Max.

U.S. Black Friday price: The M6 model wasn’t available during October Prime Day. Its M5 predecessor with 16GB memory and 1TB storage reached $1,839. We aren’t seeing discounts on the M6 yet, but you can get the 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro for $200 less than the new model.

U.K. Black Friday price: Last Black Friday, the older 14-inch M5 with 16GB memory and 1TB storage reached approximately £1,619. We are already seeing £168 off the 14-inch, M6 with 1TB, 16GB, bringing the price to £1,830.97.

MacBook Pro M5 Pro – Best for demanding professional work

Foundry

The non-touchscreen M5 Pro MacBook Pro is a strong choice for development, photography, video editing, and heavier multitasking. Available in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes, it offers professional performance without the Max chip’s higher price.

Compare it with the touchscreen version using the same memory and storage. Both offer M5 Pro configurations, so a discounted non-touch model could be particularly good value if its existing XDR display meets your needs.

U.S. Black Friday price: October prices included $2,339 for the 14-inch M5 Pro with 24GB memory and 1TB storage, and $2,749 for the equivalent 16-inch. So far this Black Friday month we are seeing $250 off the 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro, 1TB).

U.K. Black Friday price: The equivalent configurations reached approximately £2,250 and £2,700. Last Black Friday, selected previous-generation M4 Pro models received discounts of around £350. So far this Black Friday there is a £349 saving on the 16-inch M5 Pro model.

MacBook Pro M5 Max – Best for demanding graphics and video

Stephan Wiesend

Consider the non-touchscreen M5 Max MacBook Pro if your work benefits from additional graphics power or more memory than an M5 Pro supports. Complex 3D projects and demanding video production make a stronger case for it than everyday productivity.

We’d choose the configuration around the work you do. A larger advertised discount on a Max doesn’t necessarily make it better value than a less expensive Pro that meets your needs. Our MacBook Pro buying advice explains the options.

U.S. Black Friday price: October offers included $3,499 for a 14-inch M5 Max with 2TB storage and $3,899 for a 16-inch with 36GB memory and 2TB storage. Last Black Friday, selected M4 Max configurations were $500 off and this Black Friday month we are already seeing $500 off the M5 Max models.

U.K. Black Friday price: October coverage included a 14-inch M5 Max with 2TB storage at £3,799, saving £300. This time there is £100 off the 14-inch MacBook Pro M5 Max.

Touchscreen MacBook Pro – Best for its OLED display

Roman Loyola/Foundry

The touchscreen MacBook Pro is most compelling for its OLED display and thinner, lighter design. Improved blacks and reduced blooming could matter more to your everyday experience than touch controls, particularly if you spend most of your working day using the built-in screen.

Available in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes with M5 Pro or M5 Max chips, these models offer comparable processing performance to their non-touch equivalents. Compare matching configurations: the regular premium is $400/£400, so consider how much you’ll benefit from the display before paying extra.

U.S. Black Friday price: These models arrived in November, so there are no equivalent October Prime Day or Black Friday 2025 prices. Compare any offer with the matching non-touch M5 Pro or M5 Max model. It’s early days so we don’t expect to see big savings here this Black Friday.

U.K. Black Friday price: We don’t expect to see significant price drops since these Macs launched so recently.

Mac mini M6 – Our best-value desktop choice

Foundry

The M6 Mac mini suits buyers who already own a display, keyboard, and mouse. It offers a compact desktop for everyday work and lighter creative projects. Check storage carefully: the entry-level model has a restrictive 256GB SSD.

U.S. Black Friday price: October’s entry-level M6 mini reached approximately $780. Last Black Friday, the older M4 equivalent was $479. So far this November we’ve seen $149 off the 512GB model.

U.K. Black Friday price: October’s M6 model reached approximately £824, compared with £499 for the M4 last Black Friday. There is £135 off the 512GB Mac mini in the U.K.

Mac mini M5 Pro – Best compact desktop for professional work

Ida Blix

The M5 Pro mini offers more processing power and memory capacity for demanding work without moving to a Studio. Compare upgraded configurations carefully: if the total approaches Mac Studio pricing, check which machine better suits your workload.

U.S. Black Friday price: The 24GB/512GB M5 Pro mini reached approximately $1,550 in October. Last Black Friday’s M4 Pro equivalent was $1,249. So far this November we’ve seen $150 off the 512GB model.

U.K. Black Friday price: October’s M5 Pro configuration reached approximately £1,647. The previous-generation M4 Pro with 24GB/512GB was £1,269 last Black Friday. There is £150 off the 512GB Mac mini M5 Pro in the U.K.

iMac – Best complete desktop setup

Foundry

The iMac combines a 24-inch 4.5K display with the computer and matching accessories. Compare the two-port and four-port versions carefully: the latter adds processing power, connections, and a Touch ID keyboard. Factor those differences into the final price.

U.S. Black Friday price: The M6 wasn’t available during October Prime Day. The entry-level M4 predecessor reached approximately $1,360 in October and $1,149 last Black Friday. We’ve not seen any savings yet.

U.K. Black Friday price: October’s four-port M4 with 256GB storage was £1,620. Last Black Friday, comparable four-port M4 stock reached £1,349. These are predecessor prices rather than M6 targets. The new iMac models aren’t discounted at the moment.

Mac Studio – Best for demanding desktop workflows

Fundry

The M5 Max Studio suits demanding graphics, video, and other professional workloads. Compare it with the M5 Pro mini first. The considerably more expensive M5 Ultra is for exceptional workloads requiring its additional performance and memory; most buyers won’t need it. Budget for a display and peripherals.

U.S. Black Friday price: October’s M5 Max Studio with 36GB memory and 512GB storage reached approximately $2,300. There’s currently a $50 saving, but that’s smaller than October’s approximately $200 discount.

U.K. Black Friday price: The Mac Studio is £209 off in the U.K.

Should you buy a Mac or MacBook now or wait for a better deal?

With Black Friday approaching, we’d avoid paying full price unless you need a Mac immediately. But sales stretch across much of November, so an early offer can be worth taking if it matches or approaches a previous low for the same configuration. Waiting can be a gamble if you’re buying clearance stock with a particular screen size, memory capacity, or finish.

The M5 MacBook Air remains an appealing purchase at a good discount, with a replacement not expected until 2027. The recently updated Mac mini and Mac Studio are also worth considering if they meet your needs. The main reason to wait is a better price rather than an imminent replacement.

MacBook Pro buyers no longer need to wait for the rumored October launches: the standard M6 and OLED touchscreen models are now available. However, their recent arrival may limit initial discounts. Non-touch M5 Pro and M5 Max models could offer better value, particularly if you don’t need the touchscreen version’s improved display and lighter design. If your existing M4 or M5 MacBook Pro still meets your needs, there’s little reason to upgrade simply because a newer option exists.

The M6 iMac has only just arrived, replacing the aging M4 version. Compare a modest saving on the latest model with a substantial clearance discount on its predecessor, rather than assuming the older machine is automatically the better deal.

Previous prices need context this year. Following June’s increases, a discount from Apple’s current asking price may still leave you paying more than before the increases. Compare retailers as well: Amazon competes with Best Buy, Walmart, and B&H in the U.S., and retailers including Currys and John Lewis in the U.K. Our MacBook Pro buying advice explains the current choices.

Which Mac specifications are worth paying for?

The cheapest Mac isn’t always the best value. Use Black Friday to get a configuration that will serve you for longer within your budget, but don’t pay for performance or features you won’t use.

Check the exact chip, screen size, memory, and storage. A standard M6 and an M5 Pro or M5 Max serve different needs: the newer generation number alone doesn’t tell you which is better for your work. For MacBook Pro listings, distinguish the OLED touchscreen version from non-touch models.

Avoid saving a small amount by buying too little memory or storage. Most current Macs start with 16GB of unified memory, but the MacBook Neo has a fixed 8GB, and some desktop configurations include only a 256GB SSD. Unified memory cannot be upgraded later. An external SSD can add storage, but it cannot compensate for insufficient RAM.

Once the processor meets your needs, additional memory may be more useful than a faster chip. Compare a discounted Air with the Neo, too: the M5 Air starts with twice the memory and storage of the entry-level Neo. Our Mac buying guide explains which specifications suit different workloads.

Check whether the configuration includes nano-texture glass. This optional finish reduces glare and reflections, which can help in bright rooms or near windows, but increases the price. If reflections rarely bother you, standard glass may offer better value.

Should you buy an older Mac or MacBook?

Foundry

An older Mac can be excellent value if its price reflects its age and configuration. Compare its actual selling price with the discounted price of the newer equivalent, rather than focusing on a large percentage saving from its original launch price.

Previous-generation Apple silicon models are the most promising starting point. A discounted M4 MacBook Air or standard M5 MacBook Pro may meet your needs comfortably. Older Pro and Max configurations can also be worth considering if they provide the memory, graphics performance, and connections your work requires for substantially less money.

Check what the saving buys—and what you give up. An older Mac with more memory or storage could be more useful than a newer entry-level configuration. Conversely, a cheaper older Air with 256GB storage isn’t directly comparable with an M5 Air that starts with 512GB. The non-touch M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros also remain current options, despite the arrival of the standard M6 and touchscreen models.

Be much more cautious with Intel Macs. Their software support is winding down, and a low purchase price may leave you with a machine that has a limited useful life for current apps and macOS features. Check compatibility with the software you need before buying any older model.

For used or refurbished Macs, check battery condition on laptops, warranty coverage, and the returns policy. Confirm that Activation Lock has been removed and that the Mac isn’t still enrolled in an organization’s management system.

For more advice read:

Mac or MacBook deals to avoid

Treat large advertised discounts carefully. Following June’s price increases, “$400 off” may simply bring a Mac closer to what it cost before the increase. Compare previous selling prices for the same configuration, rather than judging the offer solely against today’s recommended price.

Check whether the price includes AppleCare+ or another protection plan. Some Amazon listings bundle coverage with the Mac. If you don’t want it, a listing without coverage could be cheaper; if you do, compare the bundle with buying the Mac and coverage separately.

Check for a bundled power adapter, too. Some Mac laptops are sold without one in the U.K. and EU. A charger bundle may be useful if you need an adapter, but could mean paying extra unnecessarily if you already own a suitable one.

Compare the complete setup cost. A Mac mini or Studio requires a display, keyboard, and mouse or trackpad, while adapters and docks can add to the cost of any Mac.

Finally, distinguish cash discounts from gift cards, trade-ins, financing, and membership-only offers. Read the conditions, check the seller, and confirm whether the Mac is new, refurbished, or used, along with its warranty and returns policy.

How we choose Mac and MacBook deals

Macworld has covered the Mac since its launch in 1984, and our recommendations draw on decades of experience and hands-on reviews. We consider performance, display quality, battery life, portability, connectivity, and everyday use alongside price to explain which Macs suit different buyers.

Our reviews help us assess which upgrades are worth paying for. We look at whether additional processing power benefits demanding workloads, when more memory is useful, and whether a premium display justifies the extra cost. A MacBook Air may offer better value for everyday work, while a Pro, Max, or Ultra configuration needs to earn its higher price through the work it enables.

We combine those findings with current prices and previous offers, matching the exact chip, screen size, memory, and storage. Following Apple’s June price increases, we also consider earlier selling prices rather than judging a deal solely against today’s recommended retail price. A large advertised discount doesn’t automatically make an offer exceptional.

We consider the complete purchase, too: the retailer, product condition, warranty, and any conditions attached to the price. For desktop Macs, we also account for the display and accessories you’ll need. Our Mac buying guide and MacBook comparison explain how to choose the right model and configuration.

For more offers, visit our Black Friday coverage and our roundups of the best iPad deals, AirPods deals, and Apple Watch deals.