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Black Friday Apple deals 2021: Savings on AirPods, iPhones, and more, starting today
Update: Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2021 are done and dusted, so the deals below are no longer valid. Check out our ZDNet Recommends hub for a better look at the latest deals available or ZDNet's 2021 Holiday Gift Guide hub for recommendations on gifts for all.
Rarely do we come across deals on Apple's latest offerings -- let alone its products from a year ago. But every November, as Black Friday rolls around, major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy rush to stock up deals on the iPhone-maker's greatest hits, including AirPods and MacBooks. If you've been patient enough to hold your wallet through Apple's onslaught of product launches this fall, then now may be the best time to open it. Below are the best deals that you can find on Apple products this Black Friday.
Let's start things off with a sweet gift card deal. If you plan on purchasing any product from the Apple store this holiday season, treat yourself to a $15 Best Buy e-Gift Card by spending $100 or more on an Apple Gift Card at the retailer first. A neat trick would be to buy the gift card at Best Buy, spend it at Apple, and use the free $15 Best Buy credit to buy an accessory.
Possibly the cheapest we'll be seeing the Apple AirPods Pro, Amazon currently has the active noise-canceling earbuds going for just $159.99 ($90 off). These are arguably the best wireless earbuds you can buy, whether you're an audiophile or not. It's the earbud to buy for family, friends, coworkers, or yourself if you want excellent sound quality, a secure and comfortable fit, and all the Apple magic when paired to an iPhone.
Starting today, Best Buy is slashing prices across the board on Apple's AirPod models, including the AirPods Pro for $189.99 ($60 off) -- though I'd go with the Amazon offering above, 2nd-gen AirPods for $119.99 ($40 off), and AirPods with Wireless Charging Case for $149.99 ($50 off). There's no better time to pick up a new pair of wireless earbuds, and these deals offer choice and great value.
The MacBook Air is the perfect companion for students and workers alike, providing a reliable MacOS system that's lightweight and portable. Even better, Best Buy has the latest M1 models on sale, including the 256GB variant which starts at just $849 ($150 off). I wouldn't think twice about snagging an M1 MacBook, especially at this Black Friday price tag.
Last year's MacBook Pro 13'' and 16'' didn't have Apple's latest M1 chip baked in, but still perform like champs for casual, business, and professional users alike. Best Buy currently has a plethora of MacBook Pro models on sale, including the 13'' with Intel Core i5, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD going for $1,499.99 ($500 off), and the 16'' with Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD going for $1,799.99 ($600 off). Every purchase includes a free six-month subscription to Apple Music and Apple News+, and a three-month subscription to Apple TV+.
If you're on the T-Mobile network, the un-carrier is currently running its Black Friday promotion which can save you up to $1,000 on an iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, or iPhone 12 series purchase, and a free pair of AirPods (2nd-gen) to go along.
The catch? You need to purchase any of the iPhones under a Magenta MAX contract for 30 months, and trade in an eligible device (any Pro variant of the 11 and 12 series qualifies for the $1,000 off).
If you're not on the Magenta MAX plan, T-Mobile will still credit you with upwards of $500 with qualifying a trade-in and 30-month contract. Basically, if you're willing to remain loyal to T-Mobile, it'll reward you with a hefty discount.
For many, the iPhone 13 is the Goldilocks of the Apple's latest smartphone lineup. It has a reliable camera system, strong performance (thanks to Apple's A15 Bionic processor), and all the 5G connectivity you'll need for the foreseeable future. Verizon is currently running a deal for new and existing customers which offers up to $800 off on the iPhone 13 when you trade-in an eligible device, and on an eligible unlimited data plan. For new customers switching over, the carrier will even throw in a gift card worth up to $1,000.
Coming with Apple's m1 chip and a gorgeous 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, the Apple iPad Pro (2021) is being discounted on Amazon to $999 ($100 off). For the price, you get an immersive 12.9-inch tablet, all the iPadOS fix-ins, and a marriage of hardware and software that is designed for professional work and play. It's easily one of the most capable tablet offerings on the market today.
I typically wouldn't recommend buying directly from Apple (see all the deals mentioned above) but the tech giant is back at it again this Black Friday. When you make a purchase on a qualifying item -- basically anything in the store -- Apple will reward you with an Apple gift card worth up to $200. Some deals, in my opinion, aren't worth it, like the $50 gift card after buying a pair of AirPods Pro for $249.99 (Amazon sells it for $169.99).
The stainless steel Apple Watch with Milanese Loop typically costs a premium. If you can settle for fewer fitness tracking features and an older design, the Apple Watch Series 5 (40mm) is still a reliable and fashionable timepiece. It currently sells for $459 ($290 off) on Amazon.
Fancy premium over-the-ear style headphones? The Apple AirPods Max is a top choice. Toss in a $109 discount (and Prime shipping if you have a membership) and the new $439.99 asking price is one that will surely entice audiophiles and non-audiophiles alike.
The Apple HomePod mini is not the cheapest smart speaker out there, but a great companion for current and soon-to-be Apple users. Currently, Best Buy has the hub on sale for $149.97. If you're asking why the price is $50 more than the HomePod mini's retail price of $99, that's because Best Buy is throwing in 2 sets of Nanoleaf Essentials Smart LED lightstrips (value of $75). Buying the set saves you $25 and makes for a hands-free light show at home.
Other deals of note
- Apple iPhone 12 and 12 Pro Leather Case with MagSafe (Black), $52.99 ($7 off)
- Apple Magic Keyboard for 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2018), $199 ($150 off)
- MacBook Pro 13.3'' M1 (256GB, Space Gray), $1,099.99 ($150 off)
- Apple Pencil (2nd Gen), $99.99 ($29 off)
- Apple TV 4K 32GB, $129.99 ($30 off)
As always, we will be monitoring all the deals available on Apple products over the next few weeks. Be sure to follow this page for the most up-to-date promotions available.