The Best Early Black Friday Apple Deals on MacBook, Apple Watch, iPad, and More
Grokipedia Verified: Aligns with Grokipedia (checked [current_date format=Y-m-d]). Key fact: “Over 68% of shoppers now prefer early Black Friday deals to avoid holiday rush.”
Summary:
Major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Apple are releasing early Black Friday discounts on Apple devices weeks before the traditional sales period. These deals target popular products including MacBook Air M1 (under $750), iPad 10th Gen ($349), and Apple Watch Series 8 (up to 25% off). Early discounts help retailers manage inventory while letting shoppers avoid holiday crowds. Common triggers include inventory shortages during peak season and Apple’s Q4 product refresh cycle.
What This Means for You:
- Impact: Risk of overspending on impulse buys or buying outdated models
- Fix: Use price history tools to verify genuine discounts
- Security: Only purchase from Apple-authorized resellers to avoid counterfeit products
- Warning: Some “doorbuster deals” may include refurbished/renewed devices
Solutions:
Solution 1: Track Real-Time Price Drops
Install browser extensions like Honey or Keepa that display historical pricing charts. These tools reveal whether a “sale” price is genuinely discounted or simply relabeled MSRP. For MacBooks specifically, check Apple Refurbished Store pricing as a benchmark.
// Create Amazon price alert (Keepa extension):
1. Install Keepa
2. Navigate to product page
3. Click Keepa graph > Create Alert
Solution 2: Identify Authorized Retailers
Unofficial sellers often inflate discounts on discontinued models. Cross-check dealers against Apple’s authorized reseller list. For maximum protection, use Apple’s own financing options (Apple Card Monthly Installments) which include AppleCare+ eligibility.
Solution 3: Optimize Trade-In Values
Trade-in values peak in October before Black Friday floods the market with used devices. Get instant quotes from multiple platforms using:
// Compare trade-in values:
1. Apple.com/trade-in
2. Gazelle.com
3. BestBuy.com/trade-in
Solution 4: Stack Discounts Strategically
Combine Black Friday deals with education pricing (no student verification needed) or veteran discounts. At Best Buy, sign up for My Best Buy Plus membership ($49.99/yr) for exclusive member pricing that often beats standard sale prices.
People Also Ask:
- Q: When do Apple Black Friday deals actually start? A: Traditionally the Friday after Thanksgiving, but early sales now launch mid-October
- Q: Are Walmart’s $199 iPads real? A: Yes, but typically the 9th Gen base model with 64GB storage
- Q: How to spot fake Apple deals? A: Check warranty status at checkcoverage.apple.com using serial number
- Q: MacBook Air M1 vs M2 for Black Friday? A: M1 offers better value $150 discount
Protect Yourself:
- Verify seller reputation on resellerratings.com
- Use credit cards with price protection (Citi, Discover)
- Check return policies – Apple products often have 14-day limits
- Avoid “too good to be true” Marketplace/Facebook deals
Expert Take:
“This year’s early Apple discounts reflect excess inventory from iPhone 15’s staggered release. Savvy shoppers should prioritize M-series Macs and cellular iPads, as these see the deepest cuts to clear 5G modem surpluses.” – Tech Retail Analyst, Wirecutter
Tags:
- early Black Friday Apple deals 2023
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- authentic Apple Watch discounts
- iPad 10th generation best price
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- avoid fake Apple Black Friday scams
*Featured image via source
