The allure of a new Apple product is strong, especially when whispers of Black Friday savings begin. Many eagerly anticipate the chance to finally acquire that desired MacBook or iPad at a reduced price. This year, Apple is offering a promotion, but a closer look reveals a surprising truth: you’re likely better off shopping elsewhere.
Apple’s Black Friday “deal” isn’t a direct price cut. Instead, they’re offering an Apple gift card with qualifying purchases. While a $250 gift card sounds appealing with a new MacBook, consider this: the same MacBook Air is currently available at other retailers for $250lessthan Apple’s price, immediately.
The gift card strategy extends across the product line. An iPad Air, iPad A16, or iPad mini purchase earns a $100 gift card, but Amazon is offering comparable discounts upfront. Even the popular AirPods Max, eligible for a $75 gift card from Apple, are seeing deeper discounts at competing stores.
The value of the gift card varies depending on the item. iPhones receive smaller gift card amounts, and some products, like certain iPad Pro models and iPhone 17 devices, are excluded entirely. This tiered system highlights a key point: Apple isn’t lowering prices; they’re incentivizing future purchases within their ecosystem.
Consider the AirPods 4. Apple offers them for $179 with a $75 gift card. Amazon, however, currently lists them for $99.99 – a significant savings that surpasses the value of the gift card. This pattern repeats across numerous Apple products, making the alternative more financially advantageous.
While the gift card might be useful if you’re already committed to the Apple world and have a wishlist, for most consumers, a direct discount offers a more immediate and substantial benefit. Don’t be swayed by the promise of future credit when you can secure a lower price today.
The landscape of Black Friday sales is competitive. Major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot are all vying for shoppers, driving down prices across the board. This increased competition means that Apple’s gift card promotion often falls short compared to the outright discounts available elsewhere.
Black Friday remains a valuable opportunity to find rare discounts, particularly on tech, home improvement, and fitness products. However, a savvy shopper understands the importance of comparison. Before making a purchase, meticulously check prices at various retailers to ensure you’re securing the best possible deal.
Ultimately, the best approach is to prioritize the lowest price. While Apple’s gift card offer isn’t inherently bad, it’s often eclipsed by the more substantial savings available from other retailers. This Black Friday, don’t settle for a gift card – demand the best price upfront.
