The fall Prime sale is bringing rare price cuts on Apple gear, and I, for one, do not believe the hype. We’re seeing everything from up to 32% off top items like AirPods Pro 2 down to sizable discounts on MacBook Air, iPad, Apple Watch and more. Although these deals are based on Amazon, big-box competitors will often match or beat them — competition works!
Apple price cuts outside of major events are usually weak, but the Prime Big Deal Days have traditionally been one of the only times that entry-level machines hit sub-all-time-low territory and upgraded models receive strong discounts. Depending on what you’re looking for and the discounts, this can indeed hit a sweet spot — $50 to $200 off core device pricing with even better promos on accessories and older hardware.
Worthy MacBook and Mac Deals With Real Savings
MacBook Air 13-inch is showcasing one of the catchier prices at $799 (save $200) for its current model, a strong option for students and on-the-go people who desire all‑day battery life and a fanless design. Retailers are also discounting 13-inch M3 models with 512GB storage, the kind that’s comparable to storage in your computer rather than iCloud; they’re around $850 and remain a solid value.
Prefer a larger screen? As of press time, the 15-inch MacBook Air is hovering close to $1,099 (save $200), which has historically been a “buy” indicator for this model. If you’re editing photos or juggling dozens of browser tabs, that discount on the bigger canvas is usually a more meaningful impact than a smaller deduction on Pro-tier machines.
Desktop folks should pay attention to the Mac mini (regularly $599). It’s a small percentage dip, but value in the mini is how you pair it with an existing monitor and peripherals. Among all-in-ones, the base 24-inch iMac falling to around $1,299 (save $500) is noteworthy — one of those rare discounts you usually only see around marquee retail events.
Expert tip: Apple’s memory and storage upgrades are punitively priced. If you’ve been holding out for 16GB unified memory or perhaps a higher‑storage SKU, keep an eye out there, because when they’re discounted, the effective savings compared to straight build price can extend beyond the percentage savings on base models.
iPad and Apple Pencil Deals Worth Considering
The baseline 11-inch iPad is on sale for roughly $299 (save $50), making it a simple recommendation for casual streaming, note‑taking and traveling. If you’re seeking some more horsepower, the iPad Air for about $449 (save $150) is currently the value play for creators and students looking to do a bit of multitasking and peripheral pivoting.
Power users will want to keep an eye on the iPad Pro, currently $896 (save $103), which includes a more advanced display and pro‑grade performance that illustrators and video editors crave. For those who are on the go and need a super‑portable slate, the iPad mini with A17 Pro, at around $499 (save $100), is still surprisingly game for field work, drones and handheld gaming.
Don’t forget about the accessories: The Apple Pencil Pro, at around $99 (save $30), is a showstopper. For students and digital artists, that discount is often the lowest-friction path into a quality pen workflow relative to third-party options.
AirPods and Audio Highlights With Standout Discounts
One looker would be AirPods Pro 2 for around $170 (save $79), the marquee 32% off banner audio deal. You still get strong active noise cancellation, the H2 chip (I consider any of Apple’s wireless chips to be a big plus) and of course the ease and convenience of USB‑C charging — it’s a combo that’s tough to beat at this price. If you’re in the market for an entry-level model, AirPods 4 can be had for around $90 (save $39), which is a record-low price — they typically sell for at least $129, even when on sale, and are good for calls and commuting.
Pro tip: ANC earbuds tend to reach their best prices during short-lived sales before bouncing back up. If you’re listening in open offices or on airplanes or trains, getting ahold of the AirPods Pro 2 while this window is open might be more cost-effective than waiting out the potential stock uncertainty of peak holiday season.
Apple Watch and Everyday Add‑Ons at Lower Prices
The Apple Watch Series 10 is on sale for roughly $329 (save $70), a solid price for a flagship wearable with advanced health features and a brighter display. Shoppers on a budget might want to check out Apple Watch SE (2nd‑gen) for as low as $179 (save $70), which provides essential fitness and notifications but lacks the top-tier sensors.
For adventurers and endurance athletes, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for around $649 (save $150) draws attention with its tough build, better battery life and custom action button. And if you’re looking to keep track of keys, bags and the like, a four-pack of AirTags for around $75 (save $24) deserves consideration as an easy add-on that almost never dips below this price.
How to Get the Lowest Price on Apple During Sales
Compare retailers in real time. Best Buy, Walmart and other bigs often price-match Amazon during Prime festivals. Adobe Digital Insights has also consistently seen competitive price-matching behavior across large retail sites on tentpole sale days, so a quick cross‑check could end up saving you more or enabling faster pickup.
Check price history for context. For that reason, tools that track historical pricing can help verify whether a “deal” really is close to an all-time low. Discounts in coupon clip boxes and limited-time credits at checkout should be added to the final price before making a decision.
Consider total ownership cost. (If you want AppleCare+ or a case or extra chargers, try finding bundles of the iPad with those items on sale at third-party retailers, or other sorts of gift card promotions from competing stores.) Carrier trade‑in offers can also knock down iPhone costs significantly, but remember to check the fine print — bill credits often require multi‑year commitments.
How We Selected These Apple Deals and Evaluated Value
We focused on deals below or near historical lows according to recent street pricing, and we placed a premium on configurations that deliver long-term value. We also considered expert testing and consumer feedback from outlets like Consumer Reports and independent labs to confirm the discounted models continue to be strong picks at their sale prices.
If you see an Apple device at those prices, to summarize, it’s a buy-worthy window. Inventory and lightning deals vanish fast during Prime Day events, so make sure to add it to your cart, compare against a rival retailer’s listing, then check out before the discount goes away.
