Black Friday and Cyber Monday represent the ideal time to secure Apple discounts, but buyers must be strategic to ensure they maximize savings and avoid purchasing products that will quickly feel outdated. CNET cautions consumers that Apple products are not directly on sale at Apple retail stores or on apple.com. Instead, Apple offers gift cards with a purchase, which can be spent on future visits, starting Friday through Cyber Monday. For instance, while the iPad Mini can be found for $100 off at many stores, including Amazon, buying it directly from Apple only yields a $50 gift card with purchase. This reinforces the core advice: shop elsewhere for better immediate savings.
This holiday season is considered the best time to purchase an iPad, as almost every model is on sale. iPads are highlighted as products that can be held onto for years without feeling outdated. The powerful iPad Mini, released last year, is still capable enough to do any necessary task. For those seeking a cheaper option, the larger, colorful base model iPad, featuring an A16 chip, is available for $279, a $70 discount off the normal price. This is "still a better discount than the $50 gift card Apple stores will give you". Accessories are also discounted, making it a good time to buy the Apple Pencil. The Apple Pencil Pro is marked down to $99, a $30 discount, proving that if you're going to "pay a lot for a stinking stylus at least do it when there's a good sale". The Apple Magic Keyboard Folio, which includes a trackpad, is also on sale, allowing users the "dream of pretending you can get real work done on an iPad," but its compatibility is limited to the basic 2025 iPad with the A16 chip or the basic 10.9-inch iPad from 2022.
When it comes to earbuds and headphones, CNET warns it will "save people from Air Pod regret this year". Shoppers are strongly advised to skip the new AirPods 4, even though they are available for just $80, knocking off about $50 from the price. Instead, consumers should opt for the AirPods Pro 2, even though they are the older model, because they are still considered superior. The AirPods Pro 2 offer the ability to be used as a hearing aid to assist with hearing loss or for adjusting to noisy environments. They also include live language translation features, providing real-time translation of languages spoken in front of the user, a "killer" feature for travelers. The AirPods Pro 2 are selling for $139, which is $100 off the normal price. However, an alternative recommended for greater long-term happiness is the Beats Power Beats Pro 2 earbuds, which are on sale for $200 (a $50 discount from normal). These earbuds are the CNET contributor’s "go-to no matter what" because they stay securely in the ear, sound great, handle workouts, boast long battery life, and feature "real tangible buttons on the side," making them worthwhile.
Apple Watches fall into a "funny category," as consumers often want all the cool new features but may not always use them. The recommendation centers on devices that offer essential functions like fast charging and health alerts. The Apple Watch SE3 is highlighted for its great value, offering sleep tracking, fast charging, and always-on display for only $200. For those requiring ECG readings, last year's Apple Watch Series 10 is on sale for $250, which is "a whole lot less than you pay normally".
For those needing a MacBook, CNET advises consumers to "wait a few months" for a rumored budget-priced MacBook. If an immediate purchase is necessary, last year's 14-inch Pro model is available on sale for just over $1,400. The newest MacBook Air with the M4 chip is even cheaper, priced at $750, which shaves $250 off the price.
For smaller purchases and gift ideas, accessories are emphasized. Apple Air Tags are recommended as gifts, with a four-pack available for $65, noted as the lowest price yet. Although a new version of Air Tags is rumored for next year, the current ones effectively track lost items and can emit sounds using the Find My app, which is helpful for finding lost keys. Another purchase that offers "peace of mind" is power adapters. Apple’s 35-watt dual USBC adapter is available for $29, saving 50%, a necessary purchase since products no longer come with adapters. Finally, regarding the current trend of "overpriced fashionable cross body straps for their iPhone," consumers are urged not to pay full price at Apple. Online shops like Custer and Bandelier are noted for offering case accessories with a "very high-end" look, with sales of 50% off, presenting a much better value than spending $120 for a case and strap at Apple.
