Apple generally stays a bit quiet when it comes to shopping events like Black Friday. However, this year is different. Apple is promoting a four-day shopping event on its website. The sale starts on Black Friday and runs through Cyber Monday.
What to expect from Apple’s shopping event
Apple’s shopping event will run Nov. 23-26. The company has not revealed anything more about the event, such as which products will be on sale or what types of deals to expect, but we can expect discounts on Apple products or gift cards.
Traditionally, Apple has offered gift cards with purchases on Black Friday. Last year the company offered Apple Store gift cards worth up to $150 on purchases of selected products. In 2016 Apple also offered gift cards with Mac and iPad purchases. No special deals were announced in 2015, while in 2014 and 2012, it was again gift cards.
The last time Apple offered a discount for Black Friday was in 2012 when it slashed $61-$41 off iPad 4 models, $101 off MacBook Airs, $101 off on MacBook Pros and up to $41 off on some iPods. It will be interesting to see what Apple’s shopping event has to offer this year. The event is centered around the Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S., but the deals and offers will likely be available in many other regions as well.
To build expectations for the event, the event page says, “Mark your calendars. Our four-day shopping event will be here before you know it. This Friday, start checking things off your list,”
Apple is also sending promotional emails to customers to let them know about the event.
Based on the company’s reputation, one must not have high expectations for its shopping event. It’s not a good idea to depend solely on Apple’s shopping event because in past years, retailers like Walmart and Target have offered better deals than what shoppers could get from the Apple Store. Many big retailers are also offering their own deals on iPhones, iPad and other devices this year.
Deals on iPhones
Here are some alternative deals to check out along with Apple’s shopping event:
Walmart is offering a $300 gift card with the purchase of the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max or iPhone XR. The big box retailer is also offering a $400 gift card with the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus or iPhone X. Walmart will also be selling the iPhone 6 on Straight Talk or Total Wireless for $99, a savings of $50. The retailer will be offering the iPhone SE on Walmart Family Mobile for $79, a savings of $79.
Target will be offering a $250 gift card on qualified activations with Verizon, Sprint or AT&T on the iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max. The retailer will also be offering a $150 Target Gift Card on qualified activations with Verizon, Sprint or AT&T on the iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 8 or iPhone X.
Best Buy and Simple Mobile will be selling the 4G LTE iPhone SE with a 32 GB Memory Prepaid Cell Phone for $79.99, a savings of $60. Best Buy will also let you to save up to $200 on the iPhone X with qualified activations on Verizon, AT&T or Sprint. On the iPhone XR, iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max, Best Buy will allow you to save up to $150 with qualified activations on Verizon, AT&T or Sprint. The same deal is available on the iPhone 7 as well. On the iPhone 6s, Best Buy is allowing a savings of up to $100 on Simple Mobile and Total Wireless.
T-Mobile is offering a free iPhone XR via 36 monthly bill credits when adding a new line and trading in an eligible device.
Deals on the Apple Watch and iPads
Target is offering the Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) for $300, a savings of $80. The retailer is selling the GPS variant of the Apple Watch Series 3 for $200, a savings of $80.
Macy’s is offering a discount of $80 on Apple Watch Series 3 models, while Best Buy is offering $50 off on Apple Watch Series 3 models.
Deals on iPads include:
Walmart is selling the sixth-generation iPad (2018) for $249, a savings of $80.
Target is selling the iPad Mini 4 for $250, a savings of $150 and the regular iPad starting at $250, a savings of $80.
Costco is offering the 9.7-inch iPad with 32 GB of storage for $250, a savings of $70.
Best Buy is selling the iPad mini 4 with Wi-Fi and 128 GB of storage for $250, a savings of $150.
There are deals on MacBooks as well:
Best Buy is offering a chance to save up to $250 on the MacBook Pro. The electronics retailer is also selling the 13.3-inch MacBook Air for $800, a savings of $200.
eBay is selling the 2018 Retina MacBook Air with 256 GB of storage for $1,290, a savings of $109.
