Apple’s annual Black Friday and Cyber Monday event for 2025, running from November 28th through December 1st, largely avoids direct price cuts. Instead, the tech giant is offering gift cards with qualifying purchases — ranging from $25 to $250, depending on the product. While a free gift card is better than nothing, competing retailers are providing deeper cash discounts on many of the same items.
Why This Matters: Apple rarely offers substantial discounts directly. This strategy forces consumers to choose between immediate savings elsewhere or future store credit with Apple. The trend highlights how major brands leverage loyalty programs instead of aggressive pricing during peak sales events.
Apple’s Gift Card Breakdown
The value of the gift card depends on the product purchased:
- AirPods 4/4 with ANC: $25 gift card
- AirPods Pro 3: $50 gift card
- AirPods Max: $75 gift card
- Apple Watch SE 3/Series 11: $50 gift card
- iPad Air (11″/13″ M3): $100 gift card
- iPad (A16)/mini: $50 gift card
- iPhone 16/16 Plus: $75 gift card
- iPhone 16e: $50 gift card
- MacBook Air (13″ M4): $175 gift card
- MacBook Air (15″ M4): $200 gift card
- MacBook Pro (14″/16″ M4): $250 gift card
- Mac mini: $100 gift card
- iMac: $150 gift card
- Apple TV 4K: $25 gift card
- HomePod: $50 gift card
Where to Find Better Deals
Third-party retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy are offering more significant savings on many of the same products. For example, AirPods 4 are available for $69 at some stores, while Apple only offers a $25 gift card with the purchase. Similarly, M4 MacBook Airs are discounted by $250 at competitors, compared to Apple’s $175–$200 gift card incentive.
Key Insight: The Apple Store’s Cyber Week savings event excludes newer products like the M5 MacBook Pro, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and certain Beats models. These items are only available at discounted prices through other retailers.
Five Deals Where Apple Wins
After comparing offers, there are five scenarios where Apple’s gift card promotion edges out competitor discounts:
- AirPods Pro 3: Better value at Apple than Amazon/Best Buy/Target.
- Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen): Apple provides a $25 gift card where other retailers do not offer discounts.
- HomePod (2nd Gen): Apple’s $50 gift card beats Best Buy’s $29 discount.
- Beats Studio Buds +: Apple’s $50 gift card is better than Amazon/Best Buy’s $20 savings.
- iPad Air Magic Keyboard: Apple’s $25 gift card beats minor discounts elsewhere.
Conclusion: While Apple’s Black Friday strategy prioritizes future spending over immediate savings, consumers can still find value in select deals. However, for the best prices on most products, checking third-party retailers is essential.
