Black Friday is usually a flurry of discounts, bundles, and doorbuster deals but with Apple gear, deep discounts tend to be rare. These aren’t just “somewhat cheaper” offers, but discounts that meaningfully lower the barrier for flagship-class devices, making now a smart time to buy.
If you’ve been on the fence about upgrading to a new iPad, smartwatch, earbuds, or other Apple hardware and you’re willing to move quickly.
iPads — Real Discounts on Tablets People Actually Want
One of the most compelling categories in the sale is iPads. Certain base-model iPads and iPad Airs have received strong Black Friday discounts, representing some of the best savings on Apple tablets this year. For users eyeing productivity, streaming, or creative work on a tablet now is a good time to consider pulling the trigger.
Tablets often age more slowly than phones, and because iPadOS updates keep older devices usable for years, a discounted iPad now can serve reliably for a long time. For many users, the holiday sale may be the best chance to get a new iPad without overspending.
AirPods & Audio Gear — When Cheap Earbuds Just Aren’t Enough
Even though some of Apple’s cheapest earbuds get discounted heavily during Black Friday. AirPods (especially the more recent or pro-level models) drop enough in price to make them worthwhile especially if you care about active noise cancellation (ANC), sound quality, seamless pairing with iPhone/Mac, and long-term software support.
For many users, investing in higher-end AirPods rather than cheaper earbuds offers a better long-term experience: improved ANC, spatial audio, stronger integration, and better battery life. During a sale like Black Friday, the difference in cost vs long-term usefulness becomes more attractive.
Apple Watch, Smartwatch-Ready Savings
Wearables are another area where Apple’s Black Friday deals stand out. Whether you want a smartwatch for health tracking, fitness, notifications, or just as a companion to your iPhone ecosystem, this sale might make a recent or current model more accessible.
Apple Watch deals align with model refresh cycles or even slightly older models, you can get a feature-rich smartwatch at a significantly lower cost than at launch. For users who’ve delayed upgrading, or those buying their first Apple Watch, this sale could be the sweet spot.
Why These Deals Are Smart And Often Better Than “Top-of-Line” Retail Prices
- True discounts, not fluff: Because Apple seldom deeply discounts hardware, a real cut even 15–20% can mean hundreds of dollars saved. For accessories and mid- to high-range gear, that’s substantial.
- Longevity and ecosystem value: Apple devices tend to get many years of software support. Buying now means you get years of OS updates, ecosystem integration (iCloud, Continuity, device handoff, etc.), and resale value down the line.
- Bundle appeal: At times, retailers bundle devices with accessories or additional services making the effective value even higher. For a few dollars more, you might get a case, extra warranty, or useful add-ons.
- Lower entry cost for “premium” hardware: For people who weren’t ready to pay full price at launch, Black Friday brings premium Apple hardware within attainable reach for many budgets.
What to Watch Out For When Deals Aren’t Always “Worth It”
CNET cautions against some common sale-time traps:
- Marginal discounts on new models: For newly released items, even a small discount might not justify buying now especially if the device performs similarly to previous-year models that are likely to be discounted more heavily later.
- Overpriced accessories: Some “discounted bundles” end up being marked down poorly, with accessories or add-ons offering little value compared to their standalone price.
- Fast sell-outs / limited stock: Black Friday tends to drain inventory quickly, especially for popular Apple gear. Delays can risk missing the deal entirely and afterward, prices often bounce back.
- Impulse-buy risk: The hype around Black Friday can pressure buyers into choosing devices they don’t need.
Black Friday 2025: A Real Chance to Save, If You’re Strategic
CNET’s guide makes a compelling case: while Apple gear doesn’t always see big discounts, this year’s Black Friday deals include enough genuine savings to make them worth your attention especially for iPads, premium AirPods, and Apple Watches.
If you buy with a clear purpose and check that the discount actually brings value (not just “cheap because it’s sale time”), you could end up with Apple hardware that stays useful for years, at a fraction of the original cost.
That said as always knowing what you need, ignoring hype, and acting fast if the deal suits you are key. If you do that, this Black Friday could be one of the best times to get Apple gear for the money.
