Full Breakdown
Apple Black Friday 2025: Record Low Prices on iPads and Other Devices
11/22/2025, 4:11:37 PM
Significant Discounts on iPads
Apple's Black Friday 2025 event has introduced substantial discounts across its iPad lineup, with the entry-level iPad (A16) now priced at $279, a $70 reduction from its original $349 MSRP. This model features Apple's A16 chip, providing efficient performance for everyday tasks such as streaming, video calls, and light productivity. The 11-inch Liquid Retina display offers a resolution of 2360 x 1640, ensuring sharp visuals. Additionally, the tablet includes 128GB of storage, doubling the capacity of its predecessor, and boasts a battery life of up to 10 hours. However, it does not support advanced features like Apple Intelligence or the Apple Pencil Pro.
The M3-powered iPad Air is also seeing a significant price drop, now available for $449, down from $599. This model supports Apple Intelligence and is compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro, making it a better option for users needing more advanced capabilities. At the high end, the M5 iPad Pro is on sale for $899.99, a $100 discount, featuring enhanced processing power and capabilities.
Apple's Black Friday Strategy
Apple's Black Friday promotion runs from November 28 to December 1, 2025, and primarily focuses on offering Apple Gift Cards with qualifying purchases rather than direct discounts. Customers can receive up to $250 in gift cards depending on the product purchased. For instance, the iPad (A16) qualifies for a $100 gift card, while Macs can earn up to $250. This strategy contrasts with other retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, which are offering direct cash discounts on Apple products, often at lower prices than Apple's own promotions.
Retailer Competition
Retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy have already launched their Black Friday sales, featuring aggressive discounts on Apple products. For example, the latest AirPods Pro 3 are available for $220, down from $249, and the AirPods 4 are priced at $80, marking their lowest price to date. The competition is fierce, with many consumers finding better deals outside of Apple's own offerings.
Criticism of Apple's Approach
Critics argue that Apple's strategy of offering gift cards instead of direct discounts may not provide the best value for consumers. Many shoppers are opting for retailers that offer immediate price reductions, which can lead to better overall savings. This sentiment is echoed by various tech analysts who note that while Apple's gift card promotion is appealing, it often falls short compared to the cash discounts available elsewhere.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The A16 chip also helps future-proof the device, ensuring it stays compatible with new iPadOS updates for years.” — Engadget
- “At $280, this iPad deal offers excellent value for Apple’s newest entry-level tablet.” — Engadget
- “Unlike Amazon or Best Buy, which offer cash discounts on myriad Apple products, Apple’s approach is a gift card with purchase on select devices.” — TechRadar
What's Next
As Black Friday approaches, consumers are encouraged to compare prices across various retailers to secure the best deals on Apple products. With the competition heating up, further price drops may occur as the shopping holiday nears, particularly from major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.
