Key Things to Know About Apple’s Black Friday Sales

Apple ranks among the top companies that consistently provide quality gadgets for tech enthusiasts. However, its prices might not always be pocket-friendly. So, with Black Friday around the corner, this might be the best opportunity to score a deal on the brand’s newest devices without burning a hole in your pocket. Here are the key things to know about Apple’s biggest Black Friday trends to help you make the most of the season.
Apple participates in Black Friday with gift cards
Apple rarely discounts its products, especially the latest additions. Past trends indicate that the company participates in the season by mainly offering gift cards and incentives through retailers. So, instead of price cuts on Apple products, you may get up to $150 worth or more of gift cards. You can later redeem them for Apple products and accessories like phone cases, keyboards, or chargers.
In the years gone by, customers have scored an Apple gift card of $25 by purchasing the Beats Studio Flex and a $200 gift card after buying select Mac products. You might have noticed that Apple dealers offer Macs and even iPads for more discounted rates than Apple around Black Friday. So keep an eye out for online and offline stores and compare their prices to nab the best deal.
Older Apple models will likely see higher discounts
This year, Apple released its iconic new iPhone 14 series and the Apple Watch Ultra, but you will not find these heavily discounted at stores. So, consider buying models introduced in the previous years instead. They might not have the most recent designs, but they do boast cutting-edge technology and high caliber. This trade-off can lead to significant savings.
The certified refurbished iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max, which typically cost $999 and more, are currently available at the online Apple shop for as little as $649. Alternatively, you can save up to $800 on the most recent iPhone 14 by trading an outdated or damaged phone. Visit Apple’s online portals for information on eligibility and availability.
Third-party retailers offer the best Black Friday deals on Apple products
You do not have to buy new iPhones, AirPods, or iPads exclusively from the Apple Store. Seeing the company’s popularity and the season’s competitive nature, many credible retailers entice customers by providing attractive early Black Friday deals. Apple Authorized Resellers also provide cash discounts on select products. For instance, B&H currently offers up to a whopping $700 off MacBook Pro models!
It is crucial to choose third-party retailers wisely. For iPhone bargains, look for online deals from Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others. B&H Photo, Adorama, and Expercom are Apple Authorized Resellers that routinely provide high discounts on Macs and other Apple products. But remember that deals and stocks usually run out within minutes when the sales go live at these stores on Black Friday. So, it is best to plan ahead of time and buy your preferred Apple products as soon as these retailers announce their early deals.
Newsletters give early access to the best Black Friday Apple deals
Many stores send their latest updates on their Black Friday deals, promos, and discount coupons first to their email list. So, by signing up, you can get an early sneak peek into the sales on Apple products. It allows you to compare prices across stores faster and determine the best offer from multiple retailers before the stock sells out.
The best time to shop Apple products is ahead of Black Friday
Every year, Black Friday sales start earlier at physical stores and online merchants, so the discounts may not last long, and the inventory will likely sell out quickly. So, grab the early bird deals for Apple products that are absolute must-haves for you without waiting for Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Some people prefer making a list of the iPhones and Apple accessories and buying at least a few of them early to avoid hassle when the online shopping onslaught begins!
Current Black Friday deals on Apple products to look out for
Even as in-store shopping is back, retailers have emphasized more on internet deals. Here are some online deals on Apple tech you can take advantage of:
Apple Watches
The latest Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra have created a buzz with their features, such as water and dust resistance, good battery life, different sensors, and more. AT&T is currently running a promotion that offers $200 in credit on smartphones when you buy two Apple Watches. This can act as a perfect holiday gifting option. Besides that, many e-commerce websites are offering up to 40% discount on older Apple Watch versions.
iPhones
Verizon’s early Black Friday promotion for the iPhone 14 Series includes a trade-in refund of up to $1,000. On the iPhone 13, Mint Mobile is giving away six months of service, while Verizon is giving away a $10 monthly plan on the iPhone 13 Pro. Alternatively, you can save up to $800 with AT&T trade-ins.
iPads
Throughout the holiday season, Apple’s iPads remain a top seller. The flagship iPad Pro can replace a laptop. This makes the iPad portfolio diverse, with tablets that suit varied demands at varying price points. Right now, B&H Photo has put up the 10.9-inch iPad on sale for $399, saving you a whopping $50. You can also find fantastic iPad bargains on refurbished models with deals starting at $209. The refurbished models at the Apple Store come with the same one-year warranty as a new, factory-sealed iPad. This makes it an ideal time to upgrade.
Besides these deals, retailer shop cards like the Adorama Edge Card and B&H Payboo Card provide additional opportunities to save or pay in installments. Savings can especially pile up with Adorama Edge’s 5% discount and B&H Payboo’s sales tax refund on the MacBook Pro or Mac Studio. It is advisable to also look for credit card cashback offers for Black Friday to save money on high-end gadgets you wish to add to your shopping cart.