Cyber Monday Apple Deals: What You Need to Know

Table of Contents

1. The Apple Store’s 2025 Cyber Monday Deals
2. Other Retailers’ Apple Deals Are Way Better, For the Most Part
3. 6 Cyber Monday Apple Store Deals Worth Buying

Cyber Monday Apple Store Deals

Cyber Weekend is one of the rare times when the Apple Store hosts a sale—sort of. Instead of offering cash discounts on their devices, Apple doles out free gift cards with eligible purchases. For 2025, Apple’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday Shopping Event runs through December 1, allowing customers to earn up to $250 worth of gift cards when they purchase devices directly from the store. This is an increase from previous years, where the maximum was $200. It certainly feels like free money, but potential buyers should tread carefully.

Total savings might seem attractive, but a careful comparison with third-party retailers reveals a different story. Many offers from retailers like Target and Amazon present actual cash discounts that surpass Apple’s gift card offers. For instance, if you’re eyeing the AirPods, MacBooks, iPads, or even an Apple Watch, it’s essential to consider options outside of Apple for potentially better deals.

Other Retailers’ Apple Deals Are Way Better, For the Most Part

Apple’s promotion pales in comparison to what you’ll find at other retailers. To illustrate, Target has the AirPods 4 marked down to $69.99 during its Cyber Monday sale, saving you $59 off the regular price. If you buy directly from Apple, you’ll only receive a $25 gift card.

Amazon is also offering steep discounts on the M4 MacBook Air models, with savings of at least $250. The 13-inch model is going for around $738.04 instead of $999, and the 15-inch model is priced at $949, down from $1,199. When saving $175 or $200 doesn’t seem appealing compared to a cash discount, choosing a third-party retailer becomes the logical choice.

Even high-end models like the M4 Pro and M4 Max have more competitive pricing at third-party retailers, with discounts ranging from $250 to $500 on platforms like Amazon and Best Buy. It’s crucial to be aware that Apple’s Cyber Week deals exclude some of their newest products—including models like the M5 MacBook Pro and M5 iPad Pro. These models can only be found at retailers offering better pricing.

6 Cyber Monday Apple Store Deals Worth Buying

Despite the overall lack of competitive pricing, there are a handful of instances where Apple’s deals are worth considering. Here are six standout products where the Apple Store’s gift card offer is actually better than the cash discounts available elsewhere:

1. AirPods Pro 3 – Available for $219.99, they come with a $50 gift card from the Apple Store. In contrast, you might catch them at a similar price point at retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, but without the added gift card incentive.

2. Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) – Retailing for $99.99 at Costco (currently sold out), the Apple Store offers a $25 gift card, making it a competitive option if you’re not able to find it elsewhere.

3. HomePod (2nd Gen) – Listed at $269.99 at Best Buy, this model comes with a $50 gift card from the Apple Store, making it a more enticing purchase for those loyal to Apple.

4. Beats Studio Buds + – Priced at $149.95 at Amazon, these earbuds come with a $50 gift card if purchased from Apple, making it cheaper in long run.

5. Magic Keyboard for 13-inch iPad Air – Though priced similarly at retailers, Apple’s offer of a free gift card can make a significant difference if you plan to make additional purchases later.

6. Apple Watch SE – Although it’s typically found at competitive prices elsewhere, when paired with store credit, the appeal of an Apple purchase increases.

This complicated pricing structure means that while Apple’s gift card offers can be attractive for those who plan to buy future products from the Apple ecosystem, it’s often a better value to look elsewhere for immediate cash savings.

By being savvy about where you shop this Cyber Monday, you can maximize your savings on Apple products, whether through cash discounts or gift card promotions. Happy shopping!