Do Ipods Go on Sale for Black Friday

Yes, iPods do go on sale for Black Friday, though discounts are typically modest since Apple has discontinued most iPod models. Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart offer price cuts ranging from $10 to $50 on remaining stock. Since Apple officially stopped making iPods in 2022, Black Friday deals are increasingly rare, making refurbished and older models the best options for budget shoppers. Your best strategy is comparing prices across multiple stores early in the sale season.

Picture this: you’re scrolling through Black Friday ads in early November, coffee in hand, hunting for the best tech deals of the year. You remember you wanted an iPod for your morning runs or maybe as a dedicated music player for your kid. The question hits you: do iPods actually go on sale for Black Friday?

Here’s the honest answer: yes, but with some important caveats you need to know. Since Apple discontinued the iPod line in May 2022, Black Friday deals on these devices have become like finding a vintage vinyl record in your attic. They exist, but they’re increasingly rare and the discounts aren’t always as sweet as you’d hope. Think of iPod Black Friday deals like end-of-season clearance at a clothing store. The inventory is limited, the selection is smaller, but if you’re patient and know where to look, you can still find genuine savings.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about scoring iPod deals during the Black Friday shopping extravaganza. We’ll cover which models might be available, where to find the best prices, and what alternatives might give you more bang for your buck. Whether you’re a nostalgic music lover or a parent looking for a screen-light device for your child, understanding the iPod Black Friday landscape will help you make a smart purchase decision.

Key Takeaways

• iPods do receive Black Friday discounts: Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart typically offer $10-$50 off remaining iPod inventory, though deals vary by year and availability.
• Apple discontinued iPods in 2022: This means Black Friday iPod deals have become scarcer, with discounts primarily appearing on older models and refurbished units.
• The iPod Touch 7th generation is the main survivor: Most Black Friday deals focus on this final iPod model, which Apple produced until 2022.
• Refurbished options offer better value: Certified refurbished iPods from Apple and third-party sellers often provide bigger savings than Black Friday discounts on new units.
• Timing matters for the best deals: Early Black Friday ads (released in early November) often feature better iPod prices than doorbuster deals on Black Friday itself.
• Alternative Apple products get bigger discounts: AirPods, HomePods, and Apple Watches typically receive more substantial Black Friday markdowns than iPods.
• Check authorized Apple resellers: Stores like B&H Photo, Adorama, and Target frequently offer competitive iPod pricing during the holiday shopping season.

Understanding the Current iPod Market in 2024

Before diving into Black Friday specifics, let’s set the stage with where iPods stand today. Apple officially discontinued the iPod Touch (the last surviving iPod model) on May 10, 2022. This marked the end of a 21-year era that began with the original iPod in October 2001. Fun fact: when the first iPod launched, it cost $399 and could hold “1,000 songs in your pocket,” a claim that seemed revolutionary at the time.

Did you know that Apple sold over 450 million iPods throughout the product line’s lifetime? That makes iPods one of the best-selling consumer electronics devices in history. Despite this massive success, the rise of iPhones essentially made standalone music players redundant for most consumers.

What Happened to the iPod Lineup?

Apple progressively discontinued iPod models over the years. The iPod Classic ended in 2014, the iPod Nano and Shuffle both ended in 2017, leaving only the iPod Touch as the final survivor. The 7th generation iPod Touch, released in 2019, remained the sole option until Apple pulled the plug entirely.

Today, you can only find iPods through:

• Remaining retail inventory: Stores still clearing old stock
• Refurbished sellers: Apple’s certified refurbished store and third-party refurbishers
• Used marketplaces: eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist
• Third-party retailers: Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart with limited stock

Do iPods Actually Go on Sale for Black Friday?

The straightforward answer is yes, but let’s add some important context. Black Friday iPod sales have happened consistently for years, even after Apple’s discontinuation announcement. However, the nature of these deals has changed significantly.

Historical Black Friday iPod Deals

Looking at previous years’ Black Friday ads reveals a pattern. In 2020 and 2021, when iPods were still actively sold by Apple, retailers offered discounts ranging from $20 to $50 on iPod Touch models. Best Buy, Target, and Walmart were the most reliable sources for these markdowns.

For example, the iPod Touch 7th generation (32GB) typically retailed for $199, and Black Friday sales brought it down to around $149-$179 at various retailers. The 128GB model ($299 MSRP) saw similar proportional discounts, dropping to around $249-$279.

Post-Discontinuation Deal Reality

After Apple’s May 2022 discontinuation, Black Friday deals became less predictable. In 2022 and 2023, fewer retailers advertised iPod Touch discounts. Those who did typically offered smaller markdowns ($10-$30) because they were clearing limited inventory rather than competing on seasonal sales.

Here’s a simple analogy: imagine a popular ice cream flavor gets discontinued by its manufacturer. Stores still have it in their freezers, and they might discount it occasionally to move stock, but they’re not running major “Buy One Get One Free” promotions anymore because they can’t restock.

Where to Find the Best iPod Black Friday Deals

Finding iPod deals requires knowing where to look and when to act. Here’s your strategic shopping guide.

Major Retailers Worth Checking

Amazon typically leads the pack with the most competitive iPod pricing. They often price-match competitors and offer additional discounts for Prime members. Watch for Lightning Deals during Black Friday week that might include iPod Touch models.

Best Buy has historically offered some of the most reliable Black Friday iPod deals, often bundling them with gift cards or accessories. Their doorbuster deals sometimes include older iPod models at clearance prices.

Walmart and Target frequently match or beat other retailers’ prices. Target’s Circle deals and Walmart’s rollback pricing occasionally feature iPods, especially as inventory dwindles.

B&H Photo and Adorama are worth monitoring, especially for refurbished iPods. These electronics specialists often have deals that big box stores don’t advertise as prominently.

Online vs. In-Store Availability

Here’s something many shoppers miss: online inventory for discontinued products often outlasts in-store availability. If you’re hunting for an iPod Touch on Black Friday, check online stock first. Physical stores may have already cleared shelves, while warehouse inventory might still be available for shipping.

Pro tip: Use store inventory checkers on Black Friday morning. Apps and websites like BrickSeek can show you which nearby stores have iPod stock before you waste time driving around.

Refurbished iPod Opportunities

Apple’s Certified Refurbished store occasionally features iPod Touch models at 15-20% discounts. While not technically Black Friday deals, checking this store during late November often yields better savings than traditional Black Friday pricing on new units.

Third-party refurbishers like Back Market, Gazelle, and Swappa offer iPods with warranties, sometimes at prices 30-40% below original retail. These platforms run their own Black Friday promotions that can stack with existing discounted pricing.

What About Alternative Apple Black Friday Deals?

If you’re shopping for an iPod but open to alternatives, Black Friday offers significantly better deals on other Apple products. Understanding these alternatives helps you make an informed decision about whether to pursue an iPod specifically or consider a modern substitute.

AirPods: The Logical Successor

AirPods consistently receive some of the best Black Friday discounts of any Apple product. In 2023, AirPods Pro 2 dropped to $199 (from $249), AirPods 3 hit $129 (from $169), and even AirPods Max saw $100 reductions. If your main goal is portable Apple music listening, AirPods paired with an iPhone might serve you better than an iPod.

Did you know that AirPods sales exceeded $12 billion in 2022? They’re now Apple’s most popular wearable, having essentially filled the niche that iPods once dominated.

iPhone SE and Older iPhones

The iPhone SE (3rd generation) retails at $429 but often drops to $329-$379 on Black Friday. While more expensive than an iPod, an older or discounted iPhone offers all iPod capabilities plus smartphone functionality. Carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile offer iPhone deals with contract commitments that reduce upfront costs dramatically.

iPad Mini and iPad for Music

For dedicated music use at home or in the car, an older iPad often receives substantial Black Friday discounts. The iPad (9th generation) has dropped to $199 on Black Friday, making it a viable music player with a larger screen for managing playlists and watching music videos.

Apple Watch for Fitness Music

If your iPod interest stems from wanting music during workouts, consider an Apple Watch instead. Black Friday deals frequently knock $50-$100 off Apple Watch models, and you can store music directly on the watch for phone-free listening during runs.

Tips for Scoring the Best iPod Black Friday Deals

Success in finding iPod Black Friday deals requires strategy. Here are proven tips from experienced deal hunters.

Start Researching Early

Black Friday ads now leak starting in early October, with most major retailers releasing official ads by mid-November. Subscribe to deal-tracking websites like Slickdeals, dealnews, and Brad’s Deals to get alerts when iPod prices drop.

Create a price tracking spreadsheet or use tools like CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) to monitor iPod price history. This helps you identify whether a “Black Friday deal” is actually a good price versus a marketing gimmick.

Know Your Target Models

Focus your search on specific iPod Touch generations that might still be available. The iPod Touch 7th generation (2019) is most likely to appear in Black Friday ads since it’s the newest model with the most remaining inventory.

Storage capacity affects value: the 32GB model suits casual users, while 128GB or 256GB models better serve those with large music libraries. Black Friday deals on higher-capacity models sometimes offer better percentage discounts because retailers want to move premium inventory.

Stack Savings When Possible

Combine Black Friday iPod discounts with cashback offers, credit card rewards, and store coupons. Rakuten (formerly Ebates) offers 1-10% cashback at major retailers, which can be combined with Black Friday pricing.

Check if your employer offers corporate discount programs with retailers. Some companies have partnerships that stack with Black Friday deals for additional savings.

Consider Bundle Deals

Sometimes the best “iPod deal” isn’t an iPod discount but rather a package deal. Retailers occasionally bundle iPods with accessories like cases, screen protectors, or Apple Music gift cards. These bundles can provide better overall value than straightforward price reductions.

For example, a $179 iPod Touch with a $30 case and 3-month Apple Music subscription ($30 value) effectively gives you $239 worth of product for $179.

Be Ready to Buy Quickly

Discontinued products sell out fast during Black Friday. Have your payment information saved at multiple retailers, know your preferred shipping addresses, and set up notifications for price drops on items you’re watching.

The Future of iPod Black Friday Deals

Looking ahead, the iPod Black Friday deal landscape will continue evolving. Here’s what to expect.

Increasing Scarcity

As remaining inventory depletes, expect fewer Black Friday iPod ads each year. By 2025 or 2026, iPod Touch deals during Black Friday may become extremely rare, limited to clearance sales at stores with isolated stock.

This scarcity paradoxically increases the importance of acting quickly when deals appear. The iPod you don’t buy today might not be available at any price tomorrow.

Refurbished Market Growth

The refurbished iPod market will likely expand as new units disappear. Expect more third-party refurbishers to enter the market, offering warranty-backed iPods at various price points. Black Friday deals in this segment may become more common as refurbished sellers compete for market share.

Collector Market Impact

As iPods become collector’s items, Black Friday deals on new-old-stock units will likely disappear entirely. The iPod Classic, which already sees minimal Black Friday advertising, exemplifies this trend. Nostalgia-driven demand keeps prices stable rather than discounted.

Making Your Final Decision: Should You Wait for an iPod Black Friday Deal?

Whether hunting for an iPod this Black Friday makes sense depends on your specific needs and expectations.

Buy an iPod on Black Friday If:

• You want a dedicated music player without smartphone distractions
• You’re purchasing for a child who doesn’t need a phone
• You value the iPod’s simplicity for specific use cases (running, gym, car)
• You appreciate having a backup music device
• You can find a genuine discount of $20+ on new-old-stock inventory

Consider Alternatives If:

• You already own an iPhone that can serve music purposes
• Your budget allows for AirPods, which receive better Black Friday deals
• You want modern features like streaming optimization and Bluetooth 5.0
• You need warranty coverage and long-term software support
• You can’t find iPod discounts better than $10-$15 off already-low clearance prices

The Bottom Line

Yes, iPods do go on sale for Black Friday, but manage your expectations. Realistic discounts range from $10 to $50, with the best deals appearing at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. The discontinuation of iPods in 2022 means these deals are increasingly rare, so acting quickly when you spot a genuine discount pays off.

Before making your purchase, compare iPod Black Friday prices against refurbished alternatives and modern Apple product deals. Sometimes the smartest Black Friday move is recognizing when a deal isn’t actually a deal, or when a different product serves your needs better.

Remember the golden rule of Black Friday shopping: the best deal is only a good deal if it solves a problem you actually have. Don’t buy an iPod just because it’s discounted if your iPhone already handles your music needs perfectly. Conversely, if you’ve been wanting a dedicated music player for years, and Black Friday offers a $30+ discount on remaining stock, that’s a legitimate opportunity worth pursuing.

Start your iPod deal search early, monitor prices consistently in the weeks before Black Friday, and have your buying strategy ready. Whether you end up with an iPod Touch or decide that AirPods or a discounted iPhone better serve your needs, you’ll make an informed decision based on actual value rather than marketing hype. Happy hunting, and may your Black Friday iPod deal be everything you’re hoping for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do iPods typically go on sale during Black Friday?

Yes, iPods have historically received Black Friday discounts ranging from $10 to $50 at major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. However, since Apple discontinued iPods in 2022, these deals have become less common and typically appear on remaining inventory rather than as major promotional events.

Which iPod models are most likely to be discounted on Black Friday?

The iPod Touch 7th generation (2019) is the model most likely to appear in Black Friday deals since it’s the newest iPod produced before discontinuation. Older models like iPod Nano and iPod Classic rarely receive Black Friday discounts because they’re already considered vintage or collector items.

Where can I find the best iPod Black Friday deals?

Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target typically offer the best iPod Black Friday pricing. Online retailers often have better inventory than physical stores for discontinued products. Checking Apple’s Certified Refurbished store and third-party refurbishers like Back Market can also yield significant savings during the Black Friday shopping period.

Are Black Friday iPod deals better than refurbished prices?

Refurbished iPods from Apple and reputable third-party sellers often provide better value than Black Friday deals on new units. Certified refurbished iPods typically come with warranties and offer 15-40% savings compared to original retail, frequently exceeding the modest $10-$50 Black Friday discounts on remaining new inventory.

Should I buy an iPod on Black Friday or choose AirPods instead?

AirPods generally receive much better Black Friday discounts ($30-$100 off) compared to iPods ($10-$50 off). If your goal is portable Apple music listening, AirPods paired with any iOS device offer more modern features, better sound quality, and active noise cancellation. However, iPods remain valuable for users wanting a dedicated music player without smartphone distractions.

Will there be iPod Black Friday deals in 2024 and beyond?

iPod Black Friday deals will likely become increasingly rare in coming years as remaining inventory depletes. The 2024 shopping season may be among the last to see meaningful iPod discounts, with future years probably limited to clearance sales at stores with isolated stock. Refurbished markets will likely fill the gap for budget-conscious shoppers seeking iPods.