Cyber Monday may have come and gone, but a handful of Apple’s best tech deals are still alive and kicking—and the real story isn’t just about saving a few bucks. It’s about what these lingering discounts say about Apple’s strategy, the shifting tech landscape, and your opportunities as a savvy shopper.
Let’s dig into why you should care, what most people overlook, and how to capitalize on these rare price drops.
Why This Matters
- Apple almost never discounts its newest products this steeply outside major shopping holidays. The fact that deals on the Apple Watch Series 11, AirPods 4, and others are sticking around signals a subtle—but significant—shift in Apple’s pricing game.
- With inflation squeezing household budgets, Apple’s willingness to let discounts linger may be a calculated move to keep its products top-of-mind and out of the hands of Android competition.
- Tech shoppers are getting savvier. A recent Statista survey found that over 60% of US shoppers now wait for big sales to make electronics purchases. Apple letting deals last longer is both a response and a driver of this trend.
What Most People Miss
- It’s not just about the headline deals. The Apple Watch SE 3 and iPad Pro M5 are also at historic lows, opening up the Apple ecosystem to new demographics—think students, first-time smartwatch owners, and creators on a budget.
- The new AirPods 4 (with and without ANC) are discounted while still fresh out of the gate. Apple usually keeps new-gen audio gear at full price for months—this is a rare exception.
- Discounts on accessories like Apple Pencil Pro and AirTags show Apple is targeting both casual and “pro” users, not just the mainstream.
Key Takeaways: Our Analysis
- Apple Watch Series 11 at $329: All-time low. If you want advanced health tracking, now is the moment. The longer battery and tougher glass over Series 10 make this more than a cosmetic upgrade.
- AirPods 4 (with ANC) at $99 / (no ANC) at $80: You get Pro-level features (like live translation) at a fraction of the price. For commuters or anyone new to the Apple audio ecosystem, this is a no-brainer.
- iPad Pro (M5) and MacBook Pro (M5): The M5 chip narrows the performance gap between tablets and laptops. If you need a future-proof device for creative work, grab the discount—these don’t come often.
- Accessories on sale (Apple Pencil, AirTag, EarPods): Not just stocking stuffers! These sales let students, artists, and travelers get more out of their existing Apple gear for less.
Industry & Consumer Context
- Apple’s 2024 product cycle is more aggressive, with chip upgrades (M4, M5) and new features (live translation, health monitoring) rolling out faster than ever.
- Competitors (Samsung, Google) rarely offer similar discounts on flagship devices post-Cyber Monday—Apple’s move is unusual and designed to keep you from jumping ship.
- Global macro trends: According to IDC, global PC/tablet shipments are rebounding in 2024 after two years of decline. Discounts like these help Apple ride that wave and keep market share in a fiercely competitive space.
Pros & Cons of Grabbing These Deals Now
- Pros:
- Best prices of the year, often beating Black Friday flash sales
- Unlocks access to Apple’s latest features and silicon at a lower cost
- Broader range of products discounted than usual
- Cons:
- Some deals (especially AirPods 4 base model) slightly higher than all-time low
- Very limited inventory—once they’re gone, they’re gone
- Next-gen models could launch mid-2025, but with only incremental upgrades expected
Action Steps: How to Make the Most of These Discounts
- Compare prices across Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target—all are offering overlapping but sometimes slightly different deals.
- Double-check device compatibility, especially with Apple Pencil models and iPad generations.
- Consider buying for future needs (gifts, upgrades, student gear) since prices may not drop this low again until next holiday season.
The Bottom Line
These lingering Apple deals aren’t just a second chance to save—they’re a window into a new, more competitive Apple. If you want in on the latest devices without paying the Apple tax, this is your moment. Don’t snooze on these discounts—they may signal a new normal in tech pricing, and missing out could mean waiting another year for deals this good.