Almost every autumn, Apple reveals a slew of new hardware. It’s perfectly aligned with the back-to-school season, which also means that older gadgets get a discount. If you need the latest and greatest, then wait for Apple’s September event. But if you’re looking to save, we’ve found great deals on iPads, MacBooks, the Apple Watch, and more. Be sure to check out these other back-to-school deals if you’re checking off that supply list.
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iPad Deals
iPad Air, 2020
Photograph: AppleIn the market for an iPad? There are a few discounted options to choose from. Read our Best iPads guide to figure out which model is best for your needs.
If you’re looking for a tablet that can double as a work machine, the iPad Air is your best bet. The price is a match of the lowest we have tracked. It’s the “Goldilocks” iPad—not too overpowered, not too underpowered. It has zippy performance, Touch ID, charges via USB-C, and it even looks like the more expensive iPad Pro. Read our in-depth review for more.
This discount isn’t truly a discount. The basic iPad has been hovering around this price for about the last six months, though it does occasionally jump up to $320. Still, you shouldn’t pay full price for one, and if you don’t want to shell out more money, this is about the best deal we’ve seen outside of Black Friday. This model has fewer bells and whistles than the aforementioned iPad Air, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad. It’s the best tablet for most people.
You’ll save an extra $35 at checkout, dropping the iPad Mini to the best price we’ve tracked. For travelers and light packers, the iPad Mini is a great tablet. It’s small and thin, weighing just over half a pound, but the 8-inch screen doesn’t feel too cramped. Just keep in mind that it’s a bit dated, though it still supports the first-gen Apple Pencil. Here’s the full review.
This price was $50 lower earlier in the week, meaning it’s relatively safe to expect another drop to $700 at some point in the future. If you insist on getting the most luxe iPad on the market, the Pro is the way to go. It comes in two sizes. The 12.9-inch version is also discounted, and it has a much nicer screen. Check out the full review for more details.
This is only the third time the second-gen Apple Pencil has fallen so low in price. We have not seen it go for less. An Apple Pencil is one of the biggest draws for iPad owners. It has excellent pressure sensitivity and comes in handy for taking notes, drawing, and other stylus-like functions. It isn’t compatible with every iPad model, so double-check before purchasing. If your iPad needs the older, first-generation Apple Pencil, you’re in luck—it’s discounted too.
You can also save some money on select Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio accessories. Check our guide to the best iPad accessories for additional third-party recommendations.
AirPods Deals
These deals are more common and less stellar than the iPad discounts above, and prices will likely drop again around the holidays. Note that Amazon says the AirPods and AirPods With Wireless Charging Case are discounted, but both were significantly cheaper earlier in the month.
The MSRP for the AirPods Pro might be $250, but in reality, these have been selling for somewhere between $190 and $197 since March. You’re really getting about $15 off the average price. Still, $190 is cheaper than $197, so if you don’t want to wait, now’s your chance. Just remember that your chance will probably come again. They’re getting a bit old, but we highly recommend the AirPods Pro.
This is the lowest price we’ve seen for some colors of the AirPods Max (8/10, WIRED Recommends). Other colors were $15 cheaper in late July. These are ridiculously expensive, but that caveat has never stopped Apple enthusiasts before. Definitely avoid buying them for full price.
MacBook Deals
MacBook Pro, 2020
Photograph: AppleRead our MacBook Buying Guide for assistance in choosing between the available options, as well as the Best Mac Apps for loading up your new machine. We also have a guide to the best laptops for college students if you’re looking specifically for school.
This deal is $50 higher than the best price we’ve seen for our favorite MacBook. You get powerful performance, and the battery will make it through a full day. As there’s no fan, it’s also quiet even under intense workloads. Here’s our detailed review.
Amazon has been offering this deal since late July, but it’s still the lowest price we’ve tracked for this particular MacBook Pro. This model is slightly more powerful than the MacBook Air above. It notably has better battery life and a brighter display. Learn more about the differences here.
You’ll save $50 at checkout. If you’d prefer a desktop, then you may want to opt for this deal, which beats the other discounts we’ve seen. The Mac Mini (9/10, WIRED Recommends) has a tiny footprint and great performance, though you’ll need to supply your own display, keyboard, and mouse. There are better desktop options out there if you don’t necessarily need an Apple product.
Apple Watch Deals
Apple Watch Series 6
Photograph: AppleAn Apple Watch is the best fitness tracker and best smartwatch for iPhone owners. These go on sale pretty often, so if you aren’t purchasing today, keep an eye out around Black Friday, when we’ll probably see another round of price cuts. Here’s a guide to all of the various models.
We have yet to see a better deal than this for the Series 6. This is the best Apple Watch for most people. The always-on display and built-in health tracking features make it more than just a way to tell the time.
This deal is going in and out of stock, so be sure to check all of the size and color options. The Apple Watch SE dropped to $230 during Black Friday 2020, but this is a match of its next-lowest cost. The SE is good for folks that don’t need all of the bells and whistles found in the Series 6.
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