Apple Black Friday 2024: Early Deals on iPads, MacBooks, AirPods & More
Black Friday sales are just around the corner, signaling the start of the holiday shopping season. But don’t wait to snag a deal on Apple products – discounts are already appearing, especially with the arrival of the latest M4-powered iPads and MacBooks potentially driving down prices on older models. Experts at ZDNET are tracking early deals on iPhones, AirPods, AirTags, and various Apple accessories, offering a head start for bargain hunters.
Apple device sales aren’t traditionally massive throughout the year, making Black Friday an excellent opportunity to save. While deep discounts on Apple products are rare, even a 5% to 20% reduction can represent significant savings given the brand’s premium pricing.
ZDNET is extensively covering the Black Friday sales event, monitoring discounts across major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. Here’s a rundown of the best early Black Friday deals on Apple products currently available online, with recommendations frequently updated as more offers emerge.
Best Black Friday Apple Deals at a Glance
AirPods Max: $430 (22% off)
Currently priced at $430, down from $549, the AirPods Max over-ear headphones are a top pick for Apple enthusiasts. Reviewers praise their high-quality sound, spatial audio capabilities, and effective active noise cancellation, powered by Apple’s H1 chip. The deepest discount is currently available on the blue finish.
Apple iPad (A16-powered): $279 (20% off)
Amazon is offering a 20% discount on the A16-powered Apple iPad, bringing the price down to $279 from $349. This tablet is a solid choice for casual users seeking an affordable device for entertainment, streaming, and basic tasks.
Apple AirTag: $18 (38% off)
For those prone to misplacing keys or wallets, Amazon has an Apple AirTag on sale for just $18, a 38% discount from its original price of $29. This is one of the largest price drops seen on the item tracker, which is considered the best Bluetooth tracker on the market.
Black Friday iPad and MacBook Deals
Apple iPad Air (M3-powered): $449 (25% off)
A $150 discount brings the M3-powered Apple iPad Air down to $449 from $599. This thin and light tablet features an 11-inch Liquid Retina display and 128GB of storage.
Apple iPad Pro (M4-powered): $1,249 (4% off)
Best Buy is also offering a discount on an iPad, with the M4-powered iPad Pro available for $1,249, a $50 reduction from its original price of $1,299. This model boasts a larger 13-inch display and 256GB of storage.
2025 MacBook Air (M4-powered): $749 (25% off)
Amazon currently has the 2025 MacBook Air on sale for $749, a 25% discount from its usual price of $999. Powered by Apple’s M4 chip, this laptop is thin, light, and equipped with a 13-inch display, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage.
2025 MacBook Air (M4-powered): $1,149 (18% off)
Ahead of Black Friday, a 2025 Apple MacBook Air with a 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage is available for $1,149, over $250 off the regular price of $1,400. This model is well-suited for both work and travel.
Additional MacBook & iMac Deals:
- Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M4): $1,250 (save $249)
- Apple MacBook Pro (M4 Pro): $2,189 (save $310)
- Apple MacBook Pro (M2 Pro): $2,099 (save $400)
- Apple MacBook Pro (M4): $1,699 (save $300)
- Apple MacBook Pro (M4 Max): $3,499 (save $500)
- Apple 2024 iMac: $1,349 (save $150)
- Apple 2024 Mac mini: $479 (save $120)
Black Friday AirPods Deals
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen): $135 (20% off)
The 3rd-generation Apple AirPods are currently discounted to $135 at Amazon, a 20% reduction from their original price of $169.
Apple AirPods 4: $80 (save $49)
The Apple AirPods 4 are available for $80 ahead of Black Friday, a significant saving of $49.
Apple AirPods Max: $430 (save $119)
Another attractive audio deal is for the Apple AirPods Max, now priced at $430 at Amazon.
Refurbished Apple AirPods (3rd Gen): $92 (save $17)
For budget-conscious shoppers, refurbished Apple AirPods with a charging case are available for under $100.
Apple EarPods (wired): $17 (save $2)
A small but welcome discount is available on wired Apple EarPods with a USB-C connector.
Apple Wireless Charging Case for AirPods: $45 (save $34)
Amazon is offering a 43% discount on a replacement wireless charging case for AirPods.
Black Friday Apple Watch Deals
Apple Watch Band: $10 (38% off)
Stylish stainless steel bands compatible with 41mm to 49mm Apple Watch models are available for $10, a 38% discount.
Apple Watch SE 3: $200 (save $49)
The Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) is available for just under $200.
Apple Watch Series 11: $350 (save $49)
Save close to $50 on the Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm) at Amazon.
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen): $160 (save $89)
A GPS, 40mm Apple Watch SE with a Midnight Sport band is available with a significant discount.
Apple Watch Ultra (Renewed): $379 (save $19)
A renewed 49mm Apple Watch Ultra with GPS and Cellular connectivity is available at a reduced price.
Apple Watch Bands (3-pack): $10 (save $8)
Discounted replacement bands for Apple Watch are available in various colors.
Black Friday Apple Accessory Deals
Apple AirTag (4-pack): $65 (34% off)
A four-pack of Apple AirTag item trackers is available for $65, a 34% discount.
Apple Pencil Pro: $99 (23% off)
Save 23% on the Apple Pencil Pro at Amazon.
USB-C Apple Pencil: $69 (13% off)
A more affordable USB-C Apple Pencil is available at a 13% discount.
Where to Find the Best Black Friday Apple Sales
- Amazon: Heavy discounts on iPads, MacBooks, and accessories.
- Best Buy: Doorbuster deals on MacBooks.
- Walmart: Bargain Apple Watches, AirPods, and refurbished tech.
- Newegg: Discounts on iPhones.
- Target: Deals on AirTags and other accessories.
When is Black Friday?
Black Friday traditionally falls on the last Friday of November. However, many retailers are extending sales throughout the week, with deals expected to appear around Monday, November 24. Black Friday itself is on November 28, leading into Cyber Monday on December 1.
Are Apple Products Cheaper During Black Friday?
Apple products can be cheaper during Black Friday, particularly older models like iPads, which often see discounts of $50 or more. While massive price cuts on new flagship devices are less common, savings of a few dollars are often available.
How ZDNET Chooses Early Black Friday Deals
ZDNET focuses on deals that align with its experts’ interests – devices and products they would recommend to readers, friends, and family. Deals of at least 20% off (or rarely on sale) are prioritized, with thorough price comparisons and customer review analysis to ensure value. The goal is to provide accurate advice and help shoppers make informed decisions.
