On Thursday, November 27, 2025, Croma Stores India Private Limited pulled off one of the most aggressive tech discounts India has ever seen — slashing the Apple MacBook Air M4 from ₹99,900 to just ₹55,911. That’s not a typo. For the first time ever, a brand-new MacBook Air in India is being sold at less than half its original price — and it’s only available during Croma’s early Black Friday sale, which kicked off a day before the U.S. event. The deal isn’t just a markdown; it’s a layered puzzle of discounts that only the most savvy shoppers can unlock. But here’s the thing: if you qualify, this might be the best laptop deal you’ll see for years.
How the ₹44,000 Discount Actually Works
Let’s break it down. The ₹99,900 sticker price doesn’t stand a chance. First, Apple’s Student and Teacher offer brings it down to ₹88,911 — no tricks, just institutional verification. Then comes the Croma magic: a ₹10,000 bank discount (available with select credit or debit cards), a ₹10,000 exchange bonus (on top of trade-in value), and up to ₹13,000 for trading in an old laptop. Add them all up? ₹88,911 minus ₹10,000 is ₹78,911. Minus another ₹10,000 bonus? ₹68,911. Then subtract ₹13,000 for your old device? You land at ₹55,911. It’s not one sale — it’s four sales stacked like Russian nesting dolls.
And yes, you need all four. No single discount gets you there. That means students with valid IDs, users with eligible banking cards, and people holding onto a 2020-era MacBook or Dell XPS are the ones who win. If you’re holding an old Android laptop? You might get less. If you’re not a student? You’re out of luck on the first discount. The system is designed to reward loyalty, education, and upgrading — not just impulse buyers.
What You Get for ₹55,911
The Apple MacBook Air M4 isn’t some stripped-down model. It’s the full-fat 13-inch version with a Liquid Retina display, a 12MP Center Stage camera that keeps you framed in video calls, and macOS Sequoia pre-installed. The aluminium body? Light as a water bottle but feels like a luxury item. Two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a MagSafe charger that snaps free if you trip over the cable (a quiet genius design), and yes — a 3.5mm headphone jack. No dongles. No compromises.
Apple’s M4 chip — a 4nm processor with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU — makes this thing fly. It handles 4K video editing, AI tools, and 20 browser tabs without breaking a sweat. In real-world terms? This isn’t a student laptop. It’s a pro tool at a student price. And for the first time, it’s within reach of middle-class families in tier-2 cities. That’s huge.
Why Croma Is Playing Chicken with Apple
Croma, a subsidiary of Tata Digital Limited, isn’t just selling laptops. It’s making a statement. Apple doesn’t typically allow third-party retailers to discount its flagship products this deeply. But Croma, backed by the financial muscle of the Tata Group, is betting that volume will make up for margin loss. They’re not just trying to clear stock — they’re trying to steal market share from Amazon and Reliance Digital.
And it’s working. According to Croma Unboxed, sales of the MacBook Air M4 spiked 300% within six hours of the sale going live. Foot traffic at Croma stores in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru surged. Online orders reportedly crashed their website briefly. The Economic Times called it “a seismic shift in consumer behavior,” while MoneyControl noted that “this is the kind of deal that makes people cancel their Christmas shopping plans.”
The Bigger Picture: Black Friday in India Is No Longer a Copycat Event
Five years ago, Black Friday in India was a marketing gimmick. Retailers slapped on 10% off and called it a day. Now? It’s a full-blown cultural moment. People plan their year around it. Students save their stipends. Families delay buying a new TV. Offices delay upgrading equipment. And Apple? It’s watching. This sale isn’t just about Croma — it’s about whether Indian consumers can now dictate pricing to global tech giants.
The ₹55,911 price tag is 44% below Apple’s official rate. That’s deeper than any discount Apple has ever allowed in the U.S. or Europe. And it’s happening in India — a market where Apple’s premium pricing has long been a barrier. This could be the moment the premium laptop market in India truly democratizes.
What Happens Next?
No one knows how long the sale lasts. Croma hasn’t announced an end date. But given the pattern, it’ll likely run through Sunday, December 1. Inventory? Unclear. Rumors suggest only 5,000 units are allocated nationwide — and they’re already flying off shelves. If you’re thinking about it? Don’t wait. The moment this deal ends, Apple’s pricing snaps back. And the next time you’ll see this low? Maybe never.
Meanwhile, competitors are scrambling. Reliance’s Reliance Digital has reportedly started preparing its own MacBook discount for Cyber Monday. Amazon India is rumored to be negotiating with Apple for a similar bundle. But right now? Croma owns the moment.
Who Really Wins?
Students and educators, obviously. But also small businesses, freelancers, and remote workers who need a reliable machine but can’t afford ₹99,900. The ripple effect? More people will start using Macs. More developers will optimize for macOS. More schools will recommend Apple devices. And Apple? It might not like the discount — but it loves the new users. Once you’re in the ecosystem, you rarely leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the Student and Teacher discount on the MacBook Air M4?
You must be a currently enrolled student, teacher, or staff member at an accredited educational institution. Proof includes a valid .edu email, student ID, or official letter from your school. Home-schooled students and parents purchasing for children in school may also qualify — but Croma reserves the right to verify eligibility at checkout.
Can I combine this offer with other Croma promotions?
No. The ₹55,911 price already includes all eligible discounts — student, bank, exchange bonus, and trade-in. You cannot stack it with coupon codes, cashback offers, or festive vouchers. Croma’s system auto-applies the maximum possible discount, so there’s no need to try combining offers.
What devices qualify for the ₹13,000 exchange value?
Croma accepts most laptops from 2018 or newer, including Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, and older MacBooks. The value depends on condition, model, and specs — a 2021 MacBook Air might fetch ₹12,000–13,000, while a 2020 Dell XPS could get ₹8,000–10,000. The exchange bonus of ₹10,000 is added on top regardless of trade-in value, making it a guaranteed win.
Is this deal available nationwide?
The offer is live on Croma’s website and in over 120 physical stores across India — but stock is limited. Major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune have the highest availability. Smaller towns may have none. It’s first-come, first-served, and online orders are prioritized. Don’t assume your local store has one in stock.
What if the MacBook Air M4 I want isn’t in stock?
Croma is restocking, but slowly. The 256GB model is selling fastest. If your preferred configuration is sold out, consider the 512GB version — it’s often priced similarly after discounts, and you’ll thank yourself later. You can also sign up for stock alerts on Croma’s website or check back daily — restocks happen overnight.
Will Apple respond to this discount?
Apple hasn’t commented publicly. But historically, it reacts to deep discounts by tightening retail partnerships — not by matching them. Expect tighter control over future promotions. This sale may be a one-time exception, made possible by Tata’s scale and Croma’s aggressive inventory planning. Don’t count on it recurring next year.
