The anticipation is building. Black Friday, that annual surge of deals, is almost here, promising a whirlwind of discounts from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday. But the savvy shopper knows the best time to act isn’t always *on* the day – the discounts have already begun.
A careful search reveals opportunities emerging now, across major retailers. While a flood of incredible deals hasn’t yet arrived, worthwhile savings are available, particularly on previous generation technology. These aren’t cast-offs; they’re still powerful devices offering exceptional value at reduced prices.
For Apple enthusiasts, the latest M4 MacBook Air is currently available for $749, a significant drop from its usual $999 price tag. This configuration boasts the new M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage – a compelling package for everyday use and beyond. Those seeking further savings can find the M2 MacBook Air for $699, a solid choice despite being two generations behind.
Beyond laptops, the tablet market is also seeing early reductions. Apple’s iPad A16 is now priced at $299, down from $349, offering a capable tablet experience for a remarkably accessible price. For those desiring a premium experience, the 11-inch iPad Pro with the M4 chip and OLED display is available for $899, a $100 discount.
Smartphone deals are also appearing. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 FE, normally exceeding $700, is currently 25% off at $534.99. For those wanting the best Samsung has to offer, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is also seeing a substantial 25% reduction, bringing its price down to $1,057.91.
Wearable tech isn’t being left out. The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is available for $169 at Walmart, a $80 reduction from its original price. Those seeking a more advanced experience can find the Apple Watch Ultra 2 discounted to $699, a $100 savings. Garmin’s vívoactive 5 is also seeing a price drop to $199.
Audio enthusiasts will find compelling deals as well. Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 are available for $139 at Walmart, a significant saving over the latest model. Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are also discounted to $249, and JBL Tune Buds can be found for just $39.95. Sony’s acclaimed WH-1000XM5 headphones are currently available for $248.
Several other items are seeing notable price reductions, including the Shark AV2501AE robot vacuum at $294.99, the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet for $69.99, and the Blink Outdoor 4 security camera 5-pack for $159.99. These early deals demonstrate a clear trend: discounts are arriving before the official Black Friday kickoff.
The coming weeks promise an even greater influx of deals as Black Friday and Cyber Monday draw closer. Now is the time to begin your research, identify the items you desire, and prepare to capitalize on the opportunities that are unfolding.
