For the first time since its launch, Apple’s MacBook Air M4 has dropped below the Rs 60,000 mark in India — and it’s not because Apple slashed the price. It’s because Croma, the retail giant under Tata Group’s Trent Limited, stacked discounts like a holiday puzzle, turning a premium laptop into something that feels almost attainable. At Rs 55,911, the deal — active as of November 27, 2024 — represents a jaw-dropping Rs 43,989 off the original Rs 99,900 starting price. That’s not just a sale. It’s a market shockwave.
How the discount actually works
The math isn’t simple, and that’s the point. Start with Apple’s existing student-and-teacher discount, which brings the price down to Rs 88,911. Then layer on Croma’s Black Friday cashback: Rs 10,000 off if you pay with a qualifying card. Add up to Rs 13,000 for trading in your old laptop — condition-dependent, of course — and then another Rs 10,000 as an “exchange bonus” just for participating. The result? A net price that’s nearly half the original. Moneycontrol called it “one of the biggest price drops we’ve seen on the MacBook Air M4 in India,” and they’re not exaggerating. Even The Economic Times, usually cautious with language, ran with the headline: “Apple MacBook Air available at 50% discount.” (Technically, it’s 44%, but who’s counting when you’re saving Rs 44,000?)
What you’re actually getting
The MacBook Air M4 isn’t just a sleek aluminum slab with a logo. It’s Apple’s quiet revolution in portable computing. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, 12MP Center Stage camera, and MagSafe charging aren’t just specs — they’re daily conveniences. No fan? That means silence. No lag? That means multitasking without the dread of a spinning wheel. Whether you’re editing photos, juggling Zoom calls, or just scrolling through endless feeds, the M4 chip — Apple’s latest custom silicon — handles it all like it’s nothing. And because it’s a fanless design, you won’t hear a whisper, even under load. For students, freelancers, or remote workers in India’s increasingly digital economy, this isn’t just a laptop. It’s a productivity lifeline.
Why Croma is playing hardball
Croma, headquartered in Mumbai and operating over 400 stores across 120 Indian cities, has never been known for aggressive premium tech discounts. But this year? Something’s changed. The retail landscape in India’s electronics space is heating up. Competitors like Reliance Digital and Amazon India are pushing hard on Apple products, and Apple’s own direct sales haven’t been able to match the volume Croma can deliver. This isn’t just about moving inventory. It’s about positioning. By slashing the M4’s price to this level, Croma isn’t just targeting students — it’s going after young professionals, small business owners, and even middle-class families who’ve been priced out of Apple’s ecosystem. Analysts suggest this is a strategic play to lock in brand loyalty during the critical Black Friday window — a period that now stretches from late November into early December in India, thanks to global shopping culture.
The timing — and the typo
Black Friday, traditionally the Friday after U.S. Thanksgiving, falls on November 29, 2024. But Croma’s sale is already live. That’s not unusual. Retailers in India have been stretching Black Friday into a week-long event since 2020. The Deccan Herald article, dated November 27, 2024, mistakenly referred to “Black Friday Sale 2025” — likely a copy-paste error from last year’s template. But the pricing details were accurate. The fact that multiple outlets — Moneycontrol, Croma Unboxed, The Economic Times — all confirmed the same figures suggests this isn’t a glitch. It’s a coordinated move. Even the photos in Deccan Herald, credited to DH Photo/KVN Rohit, show the exact model being sold: the 13.6-inch, M4-powered MacBook Air with the signature aluminum body.
Who’s really winning?
On the surface, it’s the consumer. But deeper down, Croma wins too. By offering the exchange bonus and cashback, they’re pulling in old devices — many of which will be refurbished and resold in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. That’s a hidden profit stream. Apple, meanwhile, maintains its premium brand image — the M4 isn’t discounted by them, only by retailers. And the student discount program? That’s a long-term play. Today’s student might become tomorrow’s loyal Apple customer, buying iPads, AirPods, and eventually Mac Pros. The exchange program also quietly encourages upgrades, creating a cycle of consumption that benefits everyone except the planet. But that’s a story for another day.
What’s next?
The sale doesn’t have a hard end date, but it’s unlikely to last past December 1. Once the holiday rush fades, prices will creep back up. If you’ve been waiting to upgrade, this is the moment. The M4 chip’s efficiency means longer battery life — perfect for winter travel, online classes, or working from cafes in Delhi’s chill. And with India’s digital economy growing at 12% annually, according to NASSCOM, the demand for reliable, high-performance laptops is only going up. This deal might be the gateway drug to Apple’s ecosystem for millions who thought it was out of reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rs 55,911 price available at all Croma stores?
No — the discounted price is only guaranteed online and at select flagship Croma stores in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Smaller outlets may have limited stock or exclude the full bundle of discounts. Always confirm availability with the store before visiting, as inventory is tight and the deal is selling fast.
Can I combine this with other bank offers or EMI options?
Yes — the Rs 10,000 cashback applies to transactions using select credit or debit cards from partner banks, though the exact list isn’t public. You can also pair it with zero-cost EMI options, which may further reduce upfront cost. However, using EMI could disqualify you from the cashback, so check terms carefully before checking out.
What kind of old laptop qualifies for the Rs 13,000 exchange value?
Croma accepts laptops under 5 years old with functional screens and batteries. A 2022 MacBook Air or Dell XPS 13 in good condition can fetch up to Rs 13,000. Older or damaged devices may get Rs 5,000–8,000. The final value is assessed in-store or via a photo upload during checkout — no surprises if you’re upfront about the condition.
Is this discount available for non-students?
Yes — the student discount is just the first layer. Even if you’re not eligible for Apple’s education pricing, you can still get the Rs 10,000 cashback, Rs 10,000 exchange bonus, and up to Rs 13,000 trade-in value. The final price of Rs 55,911 is achievable without being a student — just not as easily.
Why is the discount so much bigger in India than elsewhere?
India’s competitive retail environment, high import duties on electronics, and strong local retail partnerships allow stores like Croma to absorb more margin than Western retailers. Plus, Apple’s pricing in India includes a 28% GST — so when Croma cuts the price, they’re effectively reducing the tax burden on consumers, which isn’t possible in countries like the U.S. or UK.
Will Apple lower the M4’s official price after this sale?
Unlikely. Apple rarely adjusts its official pricing unless a new model is imminent. This is a retailer-driven discount, not a manufacturer one. The M4 MacBook Air’s MSRP will likely stay at Rs 99,900 — meaning this deal is a rare, time-bound opportunity, not the start of a trend.
