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Short answer: The headline is outdated and the current “lowest price to date” claim is not verifiable from the available evidence. The previous-generation 14-inch MacBook Pro with the base M4 chip, 16GB of unified memory, and a 512GB SSD has a third-party tracked low of $1,249, last recorded on December 13, 2025. M5 MacBook Pro models are now the current generation, and a comparable 14-inch M5 with 16GB memory and 1TB storage was reported at about $1,500 in May 2026.
That makes an M4 a sensible buy only when the discount is substantial, the machine is genuinely new or Apple-certified refurbished, and the seller and warranty are clear.
Which M4 MacBook Pro does the claim refer to?
“MacBook Pro with M4” is not one configuration. Apple sold 14-inch and 16-inch models with base M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips, along with different memory and storage options. A deal headline is incomplete unless it identifies the exact specification.
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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The historical price record discussed here applies to the 14-inch base M4 MacBook Pro with 16GB unified memory and a 512GB SSD. The model launched on November 8, 2024, at $1,599. A separate 14-inch M4 configuration with 16GB memory and a 1TB SSD launched at $1,799.
#1 Best Overall
- SUPERCHARGED BY M4 PRO OR M4 MAX — The 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro or M4 Max chip gives you outrageous performance in a powerhouse laptop built for Apple Intelligence.* With all-day battery life and a breathtaking Liquid Retina XDR display with up to 1600 nits peak brightness, it’s pro in every way.*
- CHAMPION CHIPS — The M4 Pro chip blazes through demanding tasks like compiling millions of lines of code. M4 Max can handle the most challenging workflows, like rendering intricate 3D content.
- BUILT FOR APPLE INTELLIGENCE—Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data—not even Apple.*
- ALL-DAY BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Pro delivers the same exceptional performance whether it’s running on battery or plugged in.
- APPS FLY WITH APPLE SILICON — All your favorites, including Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud, run lightning fast in macOS.*
Is it currently at an all-time low?
There is not enough evidence to confirm a specific live August 18, 2026 listing as a new all-time low. Do not treat an old deal article or a retailer’s “was” price as proof of a record.
For the base 14-inch M4 configuration, iClarified reports a lowest tracked price of $1,249, last seen December 13, 2025. Its tracker reports a low of $1,449 for the 16GB/1TB version. These are third-party price-history records, not Apple-confirmed historical prices, and trackers can differ in whether they include coupons, marketplace sellers, tax, shipping, refurbished units, or open-box products.
| Configuration | Launch price | Reported tracked low | Last recorded |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14-inch M4, 16GB, 512GB SSD | $1,599 | $1,249 | December 13, 2025 |
| 14-inch M4, 16GB, 1TB SSD | $1,799 | $1,449 | December 13, 2025 |
A December 2024 deal report described $1,399 for the base model as the lowest price at that time. That was a genuine historical low when published, but the later $1,249 record shows why “lowest price to date” must always include the model, retailer scope, and date.
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What to check before buying
- Exact configuration: Confirm the screen size, chip, memory, storage, and color. Silver and Space Black availability may differ.
- Condition: Make sure the listing says new, Apple-certified refurbished, open-box, or renewed. These are not interchangeable.
- Seller: On Amazon, Walmart, and other marketplaces, check whether the retailer itself or a third-party seller is handling the sale.
- Price requirements: Look for coupons, memberships, student eligibility, trade-ins, or payment-method restrictions.
- Warranty and returns: Confirm the return window, standard warranty, and AppleCare+ eligibility for that specific unit.
- Delivery and stock: Clearance inventory may be limited to one color or configuration and may not be available for every ZIP code.
For live listings, compare the official Apple MacBook Pro store with retailer listings from Amazon, Best Buy, B&H, and Walmart. Those search pages are not evidence of a particular live price by themselves.
Why the M4 MacBook Pro can still be good value
The 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro remains a materially more capable machine than a basic laptop for buyers who need sustained performance and professional hardware.
Rank #2
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 80% capacity relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- A 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with high brightness and strong contrast.
- Active cooling for workloads that run for extended periods, such as video exports, software builds, and large photo projects.
- Built-in HDMI, SDXC, headphone, and Thunderbolt/USB-C connectivity, reducing the need for adapters.
- A 12MP Center Stage camera.
- Support for Apple Intelligence on Apple silicon Macs, subject to supported language, region, and software requirements.
- Better support for professional display and peripheral workflows than a MacBook Air.
It is a reasonable upgrade for people coming from an Intel Mac or older Apple silicon model, especially if they need the display, ports, or sustained performance. It is overkill for browsing, office work, streaming, schoolwork, and ordinary photo editing if a MacBook Air meets those needs.
Why the M5 changes the buying decision
M4 is no longer Apple’s latest MacBook Pro generation. Current 2026 coverage identifies M5 MacBook Pro models as the newer lineup. In one May 2026 deal report, a 14-inch M5 with 16GB memory and 1TB storage was priced at approximately $1,500, compared with a $1,699 Apple list price at the time.
The relevant comparison is therefore not the M4’s original $1,599 MSRP. Compare the actual M4 price with the current discounted price of a comparable M5, using the same screen size, memory, storage, condition, warranty, and seller type.
| Situation | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Base 14-inch M4 at or near $1,249, new or Apple-certified refurbished | M4, if you value the Pro hardware and do not need the newest generation |
| M4 is $200–$300 cheaper than a comparable M5 | Usually M4, assuming warranty and seller terms are comparable |
| M4 is only slightly cheaper than a discounted M5 | M5, for newer silicon and potentially better resale longevity |
| M4 Pro or M4 Max at a compelling price | Consider it for sustained professional workloads, but do not compare it directly with a base M5 |
Who should buy the M4?
- Video editors who need active cooling but do not need the newest chip.
- Developers running local builds, containers, simulators, or virtual machines.
- Photographers and creators who benefit from the XDR display, SD card slot, HDMI, and sustained performance.
- Buyers replacing an Intel Mac or an older Apple silicon model.
- Anyone who needs more ports and a higher-end display than the MacBook Air provides.
Who should skip it?
- Casual users who would be better served by a lighter and less expensive MacBook Air.
- Buyers paying nearly as much for an M4 as for a discounted M5.
- Shoppers considering a renewed or open-box unit with unclear warranty coverage.
- Buyers who need more than 16GB of memory or more storage and can obtain those specifications in an M5 for a similar total price.
- Anyone relying on a “record low” claim that does not identify the exact configuration, condition, retailer, and date.
Other options worth checking
MacBook Pro with M5
The M5 is the direct alternative for buyers who want the current generation. It costs more when both models are new, but the gap can narrow during retailer promotions. Check the live price before deciding.
Apple-certified refurbished M4
Apple’s refurbished Mac catalog has listed M4 MacBook Pro models, including 14-inch units. Inventory is volatile, so confirm the exact configuration, availability, warranty, and AppleCare+ eligibility before checkout. Do not assume a retailer’s “renewed” product has the same terms.
Rank #3
- SUPERCHARGED BY M4 PRO OR M4 MAX — The 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro or M4 Max chip gives you outrageous performance in a powerhouse laptop built for Apple Intelligence.* With all-day battery life and a breathtaking Liquid Retina XDR display with up to 1600 nits peak brightness, it’s pro in every way.*
- CHAMPION CHIPS — The M4 Pro chip blazes through demanding tasks like compiling millions of lines of code. M4 Max can handle the most challenging workflows, like rendering intricate 3D content.
- BUILT FOR APPLE INTELLIGENCE—Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data—not even Apple.*
- ALL-DAY BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Pro delivers the same exceptional performance whether it’s running on battery or plugged in.
- APPS FLY WITH APPLE SILICON — All your favorites, including Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud, run lightning fast in macOS.*
MacBook Air
The Air is the better financial choice when portability, quiet operation, and lower cost matter more than the Pro display, built-in ports, and sustained workload performance. It is not an equivalent substitute for demanding professional work.
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These configurations make sense for heavy video production, 3D work, software compilation, data science, or other sustained workloads. Their higher prices reflect materially different performance and should be evaluated against the buyer’s workload rather than against the base M4 alone.
Bottom line for shoppers
Use $1,249 as the key benchmark for the base 14-inch M4/16GB/512GB configuration, because that is the lowest price reported by the cited tracker. At or near that level, a new or Apple-certified refurbished unit can be a strong value. Above it, the M4 should be at least $200–$300 cheaper than a comparable M5 to compensate for being an older generation. If the price gap is small, choose the M5 instead.
Prices, stock, colors, sellers, coupons, shipping, taxes, and warranty terms can change without notice. Verify all of them on the checkout page before paying.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
