Does Apple Do Black Friday Sales? What to Expect This Year

Alex Westby

Apple, known for its premium pricing, participates in Black Friday sales through various channels. While Apple itself offers modest gift card promotions, authorized retailers provide significant discounts on Apple products during Black Friday events. These deals encompass a wide range of items, including iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and Apple Watches.

Shoppers can find Apple Black Friday deals at major retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon. The discounts often reach their peak during the Black Friday weekend and Cyber Monday. For example, the latest Apple Watch models may see price reductions of $50 or more, while MacBooks could be discounted by hundreds of dollars.

Apple’s approach to Black Friday has evolved over the years. The company now focuses on offering gift cards with purchases rather than direct price cuts on its website. This strategy encourages customers to make additional purchases within the Apple ecosystem while still providing value during the holiday shopping season.

Apple Black Friday Deals: What You Need to Know

Apple is known for its premium products and high prices. Many people wonder if Apple even participates in Black Friday sales. The answer is yes, but maybe not in the way you expect.

How Apple Does Black Friday

Apple rarely offers direct discounts on its products. Instead, they usually offer gift cards with the purchase of eligible items. This strategy lets them keep their prices high while still giving customers an incentive to buy.

Typical Apple Black Friday Offers:

  • Gift cards with iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watch, AirPods, and Apple TV.
  • Gift card amounts vary depending on the product. You might get a \$50 gift card for an iPhone or a \$200 gift card for a MacBook.
  • Sometimes they offer special deals on older models or refurbished products.

What to expect this year:

  • Apple usually announces its Black Friday deals on Thanksgiving Day or Black Friday itself.
  • The deals are available for a limited time, usually through the weekend.
  • You can find the deals on Apple’s website, in their retail stores, and at authorized resellers.

Tips for getting the best Apple Black Friday deals:

  • Shop early: Apple’s deals are popular, and some products may sell out quickly.
  • Compare prices: Check prices at different retailers to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
  • Consider refurbished products: Apple offers certified refurbished products at a discount. These products are like new and come with a warranty.
  • Don’t forget about AppleCare: If you’re buying a new Apple product, consider adding AppleCare+ for extended warranty coverage.

Here’s a table summarizing Apple’s typical Black Friday offers:

ProductTypical Black Friday Offer
iPhone$50-$100 gift card
iPad$50-$100 gift card
Mac$100-$200 gift card
Apple Watch$25-$50 gift card
AirPods$25-$50 gift card

Is it worth waiting for Apple’s Black Friday deals?

It depends. If you’re looking for a significant discount, you might be disappointed. However, if you’re planning to buy an Apple product anyway, a gift card is a nice bonus.

Black Friday Deals from Other Retailers

While Apple’s own Black Friday deals are usually limited to gift cards, other retailers often offer more substantial discounts on Apple products. Keep an eye on stores like:

  • Amazon: They often have great deals on Apple products, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
  • Best Buy: Another good option for finding Apple deals on Black Friday.
  • Target: They sometimes offer gift cards with Apple purchases, plus additional discounts.
  • Walmart: They also offer Black Friday deals on Apple products, but their selection may be more limited.

Remember to compare prices and shop around to find the best deals!

Key Takeaways

  • Apple participates in Black Friday through gift card offers and authorized retailer discounts
  • Major retailers offer significant price reductions on Apple products during Black Friday
  • Apple’s strategy combines gift card promotions with third-party retailer discounts

Historical Perspective and Current Trends

Apple’s approach to Black Friday has evolved over the years, shifting from direct discounts to gift card offers. This change reflects the company’s strategy to maintain brand value while still participating in the popular shopping event.

Evolution of Apple’s Black Friday Promotions

In the early 2000s, Apple offered direct discounts on products during Black Friday. These sales included small price cuts on popular items like iPods and MacBooks. As Apple’s brand grew stronger, the company moved away from traditional discounts.

2011 marked a significant shift. Apple introduced a one-day shopping event with modest discounts. By 2013, the company switched to offering Apple Store gift cards with purchases instead of price cuts. This new strategy allowed Apple to participate in Black Friday while protecting its premium image.

The gift card promotions have continued in recent years. Apple typically offers gift cards ranging from $25 to $200, depending on the product purchased. This approach encourages customers to make additional Apple purchases in the future.

Anticipated Deals for Black Friday 2024

For Black Friday 2024, Apple is expected to continue its gift card promotion strategy. Based on past trends, gift card values may range from $50 for AirPods to $200 for select Mac models.

Apple products might see better discounts at authorized retailers:

  • iPhones: Up to $200 off latest models
  • Apple Watch: Potential $50-$100 savings on newer series
  • iPads: Discounts of $50-$150, depending on the model
  • MacBooks: Possible savings of $200-$400 on select configurations

Accessories like AirTags, cases, and chargers may see direct discounts of 20-30% at both Apple and third-party retailers.

Comparison to Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday deals for Apple products often mirror Black Friday offers. However, some key differences exist:

  1. Stock availability: Popular items may sell out by Cyber Monday
  2. Focus on online sales: More emphasis on e-commerce deals
  3. Bundled offers: Retailers might include extra accessories or services

Apple’s official Cyber Monday promotions typically extend their Black Friday gift card offers. Third-party retailers may introduce new deals to clear remaining stock.

Cyber Monday sometimes features better deals on Apple’s previous-generation products. Shoppers might find steeper discounts on older iPhone models or refurbished Macs compared to Black Friday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Apple’s Black Friday sales generate significant interest among consumers. The company’s approach to discounts and promotions during this shopping event has evolved over the years.

What deals does Apple offer during the Black Friday sale?

Apple typically offers gift cards with purchases of eligible products. The value of these gift cards varies depending on the item bought. In recent years, customers have received gift cards worth up to $200 with select Mac purchases.

Are there special Black Friday discounts on iPhones at the Apple Store?

Apple rarely offers direct discounts on iPhones during Black Friday. Instead, the company may include iPhones in its gift card promotion. Customers often find better iPhone deals at authorized retailers or carriers.

Can customers expect Apple to participate in Cyber Monday following Black Friday?

Apple usually extends its Black Friday promotion through Cyber Monday. The company treats the entire weekend as one shopping event, maintaining consistent offers from Friday through Monday.

Do Apple product prices typically drop on Black Friday?

Apple does not typically reduce product prices for Black Friday. The company’s strategy focuses on adding value through gift cards rather than cutting prices on its devices.

Will Best Buy feature discounts on Apple products during Black Friday?

Best Buy often offers significant discounts on Apple products during Black Friday. These deals can include price cuts on iPads, MacBooks, and Apple Watches. Best Buy’s promotions frequently provide more direct savings than Apple’s own offers.

What has been the historical trend for Apple’s Black Friday promotions?

Apple’s Black Friday approach has changed over time. In earlier years, the company offered small discounts on products. More recently, Apple has shifted to gift card promotions, providing store credit with purchases instead of price reductions.