Prime Day Apple Deals Shine Amid Recent Price Hikes

In late June 2026 Apple raised the list prices of most MacBook and iPad models on its website. The adjustments took effect on June 25, adding to the brand’s long-standing reputation for premium pricing. Third-party retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy have not yet updated their listings, allowing them to continue offering pre-hike prices throughout Prime Day.

Wirecutter’s team identified the most attractive discounts still available from third-party sellers:

• Apple Watch Series 11 – $80 off (22 % reduction) on the 46 mm rose-gold or black model. The larger, brighter display and health-monitoring features are highlighted as the top smartwatch upgrade.

• Apple Watch Ultra 2 – Battery life more than double that of the Series 11, though it remains “very expensive, even on sale.”

• 11-inch iPad (128 GB) – USB-C port, fast performance, and a 10-hour battery. The price is not the lowest ever, but the current discount is framed as a “decent moment to buy.”

• Upgraded Bluetooth Tracker – $10 off (10 % discount) with longer range, louder speaker, and Precision Finding for iPhone 15 and newer.

• Apple Watch band adapter – $3 off (11 % discount) despite limited color choices and delayed shipping.

These savings are amplified by Apple’s higher baseline prices, making the third-party offers appear more valuable than previous Prime Day sales.

The price hikes have drawn criticism for reinforcing Apple’s “expensive” image. Reviewers note that the AirPods case remains “baffling, bra-like,” offering little protection for the headband or ear-cup debris. The earbuds are described as “quite heavy” with a “snug clamping force,” and the squeeze-and-swipe controls are called “irritating.” While the Apple Watch’s hypertension alerts are “FDA-cleared” and potentially “life-changing,” the benefit is “too early to tell.” Critics also point out that the iPad’s optional accessories and Apple Pencil compatibility are limited to first-gen and USB-C models, restricting use for some digital illustrators.

Third-party inventory is depleting rapidly. The article warns that “sale-priced stock is dwindling at third-party retailers for many of the Apple products whose prices just went up,” and that several items “may be out of stock.” Consumers are advised to act promptly if their laptop or tablet is “on its last legs,” as the remaining discounts could be the lowest for an extended period.

• “The Best Prime Day Apple Deals on iPads, AirPods, and More By Caitlin McGarry and The Wirecutter Deals Team Apple devices have long had the reputation of being expensive.” — Caitlin McGarry, Wirecutter

• “Apple remains committed to the baffling, bra-like case, which doesn’t protect the headband or keep debris out of the earcups.” — Caitlin McGarry, Wirecutter

• “Heart-rate monitoring is as reliable as that of a quality smartwatch.” — Caitlin McGarry, Wirecutter

• “FDA-cleared hypertension alerts could be life-changing (but it’s too early to tell).” — Caitlin McGarry, Wirecutter

• “Not the lowest price we’ve seen recently, but a decent drop if you need a pair now.” — Caitlin McGarry, Wirecutter

As Amazon and Best Buy update their catalogs to reflect Apple’s new pricing, the window for pre-hike discounts will close. Consumers who miss the current deals may face higher costs throughout the remainder of the year, while Apple’s next product refresh cycle could introduce additional price adjustments. Monitoring retailer listings in the weeks after Prime Day will be essential for anyone seeking the best value on Apple hardware.