When Croma dropped the price of Apple’s new MacBook Air M4 to ₹55,911, Indian consumers didn’t just blink—they scrambled. The laptop, which launched globally on November 5, 2024, with a starting price of ₹99,900, is now being sold for less than half that amount under a perfect storm of discounts. This isn’t a clearance event. It’s a strategic blitz. And it’s reshaping how Indians think about premium laptops.
How Croma Pulled Off the Impossible
Croma, operated by Infiniti Retail Limited, didn’t just lower the price. They stacked discounts like a Jenga tower. Students and teachers get Apple’s education discount, bringing the base price to ₹88,911. Then comes ₹10,000 cashback. Add up to ₹13,000 for trading in an old device. Throw in another ₹10,000 exchange bonus. The math? ₹88,911 minus ₹33,000 equals ₹55,911. That’s not a sale. That’s a giveaway.Pranav Sawant, who wrote about the deal on Croma’s Unboxed blog on November 27, 2024, called it “a steal.” And he’s right. For context: Apple’s own website still lists the M4 MacBook Air at ₹99,900. Even Apple’s No Cost EMI plan starts at ₹14,983 per month. Croma’s offer is a one-time, time-bound miracle.
Reliance Digital’s Slightly Less Radical, But Still Powerful Offer
Meanwhile, Reliance Digital isn’t going quite as low—but it’s still aggressive. The 16GB RAM, 256GB storage model, normally ₹99,900, is now ₹93,900. That’s a ₹6,000 discount right off the bat. But here’s the twist: if you pay with an ICICI Bank, SBI, or IDFC First credit card, you get ₹10,000 instant cashback. That brings the final price to ₹83,900.That’s still ₹16,000 cheaper than Apple’s official price. Cashify News reported this on November 26, 2024, calling it “one of the biggest discounts ever on Apple’s newest thin-and-light champion.” And they’re not exaggerating. Apple rarely slashes prices this early in a product’s lifecycle—especially on its flagship ultraportable.
Why This Matters Beyond the Price Tag
The MacBook Air M4 isn’t just a laptop. It’s a statement. With its 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine, it handles video editing, photo workflows, and multitasking like a workstation. It weighs just 1.24kg. The speakers? Best-in-class. The trackpad? Huge, responsive, and buttery smooth.But here’s the catch: gaming. As Cashify pointed out, macOS still doesn’t support most AAA titles or the full Steam library. If you’re the kind of person who plays Cyberpunk 2077 or Elden Ring after work, this isn’t your machine. Windows laptops still own that space. But for students, freelancers, designers, and remote workers? This is the perfect tool. Quiet. Powerful. Beautiful.
What Apple’s Official Pricing Tells Us
Apple’s Indian store, launched just weeks ago on November 5, 2024, hasn’t budged from ₹99,900. But its financing options are generous: No Cost EMI, up to ₹10,000 cashback on select cards. That’s Apple’s way of saying: “We don’t discount. But we make it easy to afford.”Meanwhile, Croma and Reliance Digital are playing a different game. They’re using Apple’s brand power to drive foot traffic—knowing full well that someone who comes in for a discounted MacBook might also buy a pair of AirPods, a charger, or a protective case. Retailers are betting on the bundle. Apple? They’re betting on loyalty.
What’s Next? The Holiday Rush and the Aftermath
Croma’s Black Friday sale started November 25 and runs through the holidays. Reliance Digital’s offer is labeled “limited-time,” with no end date—but history says Apple discounts vanish fast. Once the holidays end, prices will likely snap back to ₹99,900. Or higher.Analysts say this reflects a broader shift: India’s premium laptop market is heating up. Dell, HP, and Lenovo are all pushing high-end models with better specs at lower prices. Apple can’t afford to sit still. This isn’t just a sale. It’s a signal.
And for consumers? The message is clear: if you need a laptop that lasts, performs, and looks stunning—this is your moment. Don’t wait for “next year.” This deal might not come again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the educational discount on the MacBook Air M4?
Students currently enrolled in colleges or universities, as well as teachers and staff at educational institutions, qualify for Apple’s education discount. Proof of enrollment or employment is required at checkout, either through an .edu email or institutional ID. This discount alone reduces the price to ₹88,911 before any Black Friday offers are applied.
Can I combine Croma’s exchange bonus with Reliance Digital’s cashback?
No. These are separate retail promotions with different terms. Croma’s ₹10,000 exchange bonus requires trading in a device through their program, while Reliance Digital’s ₹10,000 cashback requires payment via specific Indian banks. You can’t stack them. Choose the retailer offering the better total deal based on what you already own and how you plan to pay.
Is the MacBook Air M4 worth it for students in India?
Absolutely. With the M4 chip, it handles everything from Zoom calls and research papers to light video editing and graphic design. The battery lasts up to 18 hours, and the lightweight design makes it easy to carry across campus. At ₹55,911 through Croma, it’s cheaper than many Windows ultrabooks with similar specs—making it one of the best-value premium laptops for Indian students right now.
What’s the warranty on the MacBook Air M4, and should I buy AppleCare+?
All MacBook Air M4 units come with a 1-year limited warranty and 90 days of free technical support. AppleCare+ extends this to 3 years and covers two incidents of accidental damage—for ₹8,900 per screen or enclosure repair, or ₹25,900 for internal damage. If you travel often or work in unpredictable environments, AppleCare+ is worth it. At this discounted price, it’s a smart investment.
Why is Croma selling the MacBook Air M4 so cheaply?
Croma is using the MacBook Air M4 as a loss leader to drive traffic during the holiday rush. They know people who come for a discounted Apple product are likely to buy accessories, extended warranties, or other electronics. It’s a classic retail strategy: attract with a star item, then profit on the rest. Apple doesn’t mind—it’s still building brand loyalty in India’s fastest-growing tech market.
Will this price drop continue after Black Friday?
Highly unlikely. Apple rarely repeats such steep discounts so soon after launch. Historically, major MacBook price drops happen during back-to-school season or around Diwali—not during Black Friday. Once the holiday season ends, expect prices to return to ₹99,900 or higher. If you’re considering buying, don’t wait. This window is narrow—and may close as early as December 15.