Walmart has stopped selling Apple's older MacBook Air with the M1 chip in the U.S., with the model now completely out of stock online. The retailer had aggressively discounted the laptop, selling new-in-box units for as low as $549 during recent sales. This disappearance follows Apple's official discontinuation of the M1 MacBook Air in 2024 after launching M3 and M4 models.

First released in November 2020, the M1 MacBook Air was a landmark product that transitioned Macs from Intel to Apple silicon. Walmart's steep discounts on new units—down from a $999 starting price—were an unusual channel for Apple's older hardware. Its final clearance likely exhausted remaining inventory, with only refurbished units still listed.

The timing aligns with persistent rumors of an all-new lower-cost MacBook expected in early March. Said to use an A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro, this model would revive the plain 'MacBook' name, positioning below the Air. Leakers suggest a 12.9 or 13-inch screen, colorful options, and an ultra-thin design reminiscent of the old 12-inch MacBook.

The new model's rumored specs—including just 8GB of RAM and standard USB-C ports instead of Thunderbolt—suggest clear trade-offs for its lower price. The M1 Air's complete exit from major retailers like Walmart strongly indicates Apple is clearing the way for this upcoming tier, effectively replacing the entry-level silicon Mac with a new, more affordable option.