Does Apple Have Black Friday Sales on Airpods

Yes, Apple does offer Black Friday sales on AirPods, but they’re rarely the headline-grabbing doorbusters you might expect. Instead of extreme discounts, Apple typically offers modest gift card bundles or modest price reductions on AirPods during their annual Black Friday shopping event. The best AirPods deals are usually found at third-party retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target, where discounts can reach 25-40% off.

Picture this: It’s the morning after Thanksgiving, you’re scrolling through your phone with a hot cup of coffee, and you’re wondering if Apple’s website is about to drop those legendary AirPods prices everyone’s been talking about. Let me save you some time and give you the real story behind Apple’s Black Friday AirPods sales.

Here’s the thing about Apple and Black Friday deals: it’s complicated. Apple absolutely participates in Black Friday shopping events, but they play by their own rules. Unlike your typical retailer who slashes prices dramatically, Apple takes a more refined approach. Think of it like going to an upscale restaurant during happy hour. You’re still getting a deal, but it’s not the same wild experience as a dive bar offering two-for-one drinks.

Over the past several years, Apple’s Black Friday AirPods promotions have generally fallen into two categories: modest direct discounts that rarely exceed $25 to $50, or gift card bundles that require you to spend more to save more. Meanwhile, third-party retailers go absolutely wild with AirPods deals, often offering 20-40% off. So the real question becomes: where should you actually shop? Let’s break down everything you need to know.

Key Takeaways

• Apple’s Black Friday strategy: Apple participates in Black Friday but prefers gift card bundles over deep discounts on AirPods directly.
• Historical discounts: Apple has occasionally offered $25-$50 off AirPods during Black Friday, but this is less common than gift card promotions.
• Better deals elsewhere: Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target typically offer the deepest AirPods discounts during Black Friday week.
• Timing matters: The best AirPods deals often drop in early November or on Black Friday itself, not waiting until Cyber Monday.
• AirPods Pro discounts: Premium models like AirPods Pro see larger absolute dollar discounts, sometimes $50-$80 off.
• Refurbished options: Apple’s Certified Refurbished store offers year-round savings on AirPods without waiting for Black Friday.
• Price tracking tools: Using tools like CamelCamelCamel or Honey can help you verify whether a “Black Friday deal” is genuinely the lowest price.

Apple’s Official Black Friday AirPods Sales: What to Expect

When we talk about whether Apple has Black Friday sales on AirPods, we need to distinguish between what Apple does directly versus what happens across the broader retail landscape. Apple runs an annual “Black Friday through Cyber Monday” shopping event on their website, usually starting the day after Thanksgiving and running through the following Monday.

How Apple’s Black Friday Event Typically Works

Apple’s approach to Black Friday has evolved over the years, but the core philosophy remains consistent: maintain brand prestige while offering some value to shoppers. During their Black Friday event, Apple usually offers one of two types of promotions on AirPods:

• Gift Card Bundles: Buy specific AirPods models and receive an Apple Gift Card (typically $25-$75) with your purchase. This gift card can then be used on future Apple purchases, essentially functioning as a delayed discount.
• Direct Price Reductions: Less commonly, Apple offers a straight percentage or dollar amount off select AirPods models, though these discounts are usually modest compared to third-party retailers.

For example, during recent Black Friday events, Apple has offered promotions like receiving a $50 Apple Gift Card when you purchase AirPods Pro, or $25-$40 off certain AirPods models. These aren’t the jaw-dropping deals you’ll see at Amazon, but they come with advantages like Apple’s full warranty, easy returns, and guaranteed authentic products.

Why Apple Doesn’t Do Deep Discounts

Here’s an analogy that might help: Apple’s pricing strategy is like a luxury car dealership. They rarely run screaming “50% off!” sales because it would damage their brand perception. Instead, they offer subtle incentives that maintain their premium positioning while still rewarding loyal customers. This is intentional. Studies have shown that consumers often associate frequent discounting with lower quality, even when the products are identical.

Apple also has incredibly tight control over their pricing through authorized retailers. Most retailers must maintain Apple’s Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policies, which prevents them from dropping prices below certain thresholds without authorization. This is why you won’t see Walmart running a “60% off AirPods” banner on their homepage.

Historical Apple Black Friday AirPods Deals (2020-2024)

Looking at past years helps us understand the pattern and set realistic expectations for future sales. Let me walk you through what Apple has actually offered during recent Black Friday events.

2024 Black Friday Event

For the 2024 shopping season, Apple offered gift card promotions on various products, though AirPods deals were relatively modest. The standout promotions included gift cards with select Mac and iPad purchases, with AirPods seeing minimal direct discounts.

2023 Black Friday Event

In 2023, Apple’s Black Friday promotion included a $50 Apple Gift Card with the purchase of AirPods Pro (2nd generation), along with various other product bundles. Standard AirPods received smaller gift card incentives, typically around $25.

2022 Black Friday Event

Apple’s 2022 Black Friday deal featured gift cards with AirPods Pro purchases, similar to previous years. The promotion ran from late November through Cyber Monday and was promoted heavily through Apple’s email marketing.

What This Pattern Tells Us

The consistency here is striking. Apple has essentially used the same playbook for years: gift card bundles rather than direct price cuts. If you’re waiting for Apple to suddenly offer $100 off AirPods Pro on Black Friday, you’ll likely be disappointed. If you’re willing to accept a $50 gift card with your purchase, you’ll probably find some value.

Did You Know? Apple’s fiscal year ends in late September, which means they’re actually pushing into a new financial year by Black Friday. This is interesting because many retailers offer deeper discounts to clear old inventory at fiscal year-end, but Apple’s Q1 (October-December) is their biggest sales quarter, driven heavily by holiday shopping. So Apple is actually in growth mode during Black Friday, not clearance mode.

Where to Find the Best AirPods Black Friday Deals (Hint: Not Always Apple)

Here’s where things get exciting. While Apple’s direct discounts might disappoint, third-party retailers absolutely make Black Friday the best time to buy AirPods if you know where to look.

Amazon: The AirPods Discount King

Amazon consistently offers the most aggressive AirPods discounts during Black Friday week. Why? Because Amazon prioritizes volume over margin and wants to capture holiday shoppers searching for deals. In recent years, Amazon has offered:

• AirPods (2nd generation): Discounts of $30-$50, often bringing them below $100
• AirPods (3rd generation): $40-$60 off, sometimes with additional coupon savings
• AirPods Pro (2nd generation): $50-$80 off, making them competitive with mid-range alternatives
• AirPods Max: $100+ off, which represents significant savings on Apple’s premium headphones

Amazon also offers Lightning Deal events throughout Black Friday week, which can feature even deeper discounts on AirPods, though these deals sell out quickly. Pro tip: Add AirPods to your Amazon wishlist well before Black Friday so you get notified when prices drop.

Best Buy: The Tech Specialist Advantage

Best Buy runs aggressive Black Friday promotions on AirPods, often matching or beating Amazon’s prices. What makes Best Buy special is their price match guarantee, which means if you find a lower price elsewhere, they’ll match it. During Black Friday 2023, Best Buy offered AirPods Pro at $179 (regularly $249), representing a $70 discount.

Best Buy also bundles AirPods with other tech purchases, like offering gift cards when you buy AirPods with a new MacBook or iPad. These bundle deals can sometimes beat even Amazon’s standalone discounts.

Walmart and Target: The Brick-and-Mortar Battle

Walmart and Target both run Black Friday AirPods sales, often with doorbuster-style promotions on entry-level AirPods models. These deals are particularly attractive if you prefer shopping in-store or need the AirPods immediately rather than waiting for shipping.

Walmart’s Black Friday AirPods deals have historically included:

• AirPods (2nd gen) for $89-$99 (regularly $129)
• AirPods Pro at $199-$219 (regularly $249)
• Bundle deals with Walmart+ membership perks

Target typically matches Walmart’s pricing but offers the advantage of Target Circle deals and REDcard 5% off, which can stack with Black Friday pricing for additional savings.

Other Retailers Worth Checking

Don’t overlook these retailers during your AirPods Black Friday shopping:

• Costco: If you’re a member, Costco often has competitive AirPods pricing, especially on bundles with AppleCare+
• B&H Photo: Known for tech deals and often offers AirPods with exclusive bundles
• Adorama: Similar to B&H, often has competitive pricing on AirPods during Black Friday week
• Apple Premium Resellers: Authorized Apple resellers sometimes offer better deals than Apple directly

When to Shop: The AirPods Black Friday Timeline

Timing your AirPods purchase correctly can mean the difference between saving $30 and saving $80. Let me break down the shopping timeline so you know exactly when to buy.

Early November: The Calm Before the Storm

Surprisingly, early November (before Black Friday week even begins) often features some of the best AirPods deals. Retailers start offering “early Black Friday” promotions to capture shoppers before the official shopping holiday. During this period, you might find AirPods Pro already discounted by $40-$50, which could be the lowest price you’ll see.

Why does this happen? Retailers want to spread out the shopping frenzy and avoid website crashes on Black Friday itself. Plus, early shoppers tend to be more deliberate buyers who spend more per transaction.

Black Friday Week (Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday)

This is the main event. The deepest discounts on AirPods typically appear between Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday itself. Here’s the typical pattern:

• Thanksgiving Day: Early access deals begin, often online-only
• Black Friday (Day After Thanksgiving): Peak discounts, doorbuster deals in stores, online deals go live
• Saturday-Sunday: Most deals continue, some sell out
• Cyber Monday: Online-only deals, similar pricing to Black Friday but different inventory

December: The Last Chance

If you miss Black Friday week, retailers often extend deals through mid-December to capture last-minute shoppers. However, popular AirPods models may sell out, and you won’t see the deepest discounts of the season.

Did You Know? According to Adobe Analytics, Cyber Monday 2023 generated $12.4 billion in online sales in the United States alone, making it the largest online shopping day in U.S. history. Black Friday came in second at $9.8 billion. AirPods consistently rank in the top 10 most-purchased tech items during these events.

The Strategic Shopping Calendar

Here’s my recommended approach for the best AirPods deal:

• October: Research current prices using tools like CamelCamelCamel or Honey
• Early November: Set up price alerts and watch for early deals
• Thanksgiving Week: Check daily, compare across retailers
• Black Friday Morning: Make your purchase decision
• Cyber Monday: Final chance if you missed Black Friday

Tips for Getting the Absolute Best AirPods Black Friday Deal

Now that you know where and when to shop, let me share some pro tips that can help you maximize your savings.

Use Price Tracking Tools

Before you buy, install a price tracking browser extension like CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon), Honey, or Capital One Shopping. These tools show you the price history of AirPods, which helps you determine if a “Black Friday deal” is actually a good price or just a marketing gimmick.

For example, if AirPods Pro are normally $249 and Amazon drops them to $199 on Black Friday, that’s a solid deal. But if they’ve been sitting at $199 for two months, that’s not really a Black Friday sale. Price tracking tools remove this confusion entirely.

Stack Discounts When Possible

Some retailers allow you to stack multiple discounts on AirPods:

• Target: Black Friday price + Target Circle offer + REDcard 5% off
• Best Buy: Black Friday price + member exclusive deals + trade-in credits
• Amazon: Black Friday price + Prime exclusive discounts + coupon clips

These stacked discounts can sometimes save you an additional 5-15% on top of the Black Friday price.

Consider Older AirPods Models

If you want maximum savings, consider buying older AirPods models that Apple still sells. For example, AirPods (2nd generation) receive much steeper discounts than the latest AirPods because retailers want to clear inventory. You can often find AirPods 2 for $79-$89 on Black Friday, which represents nearly 40% off the original price.

The tradeoff is that older models lack some features (like spatial audio or water resistance), but for many users, these features aren’t essential.

Check Apple’s Refurbished Store

Apple’s Certified Refurbished store is open year-round and offers AirPods at 15-20% off retail prices. While the discount isn’t as steep as Black Friday deals at third-party retailers, you get:

• Genuine Apple products with full functionality testing
• New battery and outer shell
• One-year Apple warranty (extendable with AppleCare+)
• Apple’s return policy

If you miss Black Friday or don’t want to deal with the shopping frenzy, Apple’s refurbished store is an excellent alternative.

Buy AirPods with AppleCare+

During Black Friday, some retailers offer bundle deals that include AppleCare+ with AirPods. While you’re paying more upfront, the long-term value can be significant, especially for AirPods Pro where battery replacement or accidental damage could cost $70-$90 out of warranty.

Common Misconceptions About Apple Black Friday AirPods Sales

Let me address some myths and clarify what’s true versus what’s marketing hype.

Myth: Apple Offers 50% Off AirPods on Black Friday

This is categorically false. Apple has never offered a 50% discount on AirPods during Black Friday in the United States. The deepest direct discount Apple has offered is typically around $50 off AirPods Pro, which is closer to 20% off rather than 50%. Where do these exaggerated claims come from? Usually from affiliate marketers trying to drive clicks to third-party retailer deals and mixing up “up to 50% off” statements that refer to older or refurbished models.

Myth: You Have to Wait Until Black Friday for AirPods Deals

Wrong! As I mentioned earlier, AirPods go on sale throughout the year, especially around major shopping events like Prime Day, back-to-school season, and Amazon’s various deal days. Black Friday typically offers the best prices, but it’s not the only opportunity to save.

Myth: AirPods Black Friday Deals Are Always Authentic

Unfortunately, this is where shoppers need to be careful. Counterfeit AirPods flood the market during Black Friday, appearing on eBay, third-party Amazon sellers, and shady websites. To ensure you’re getting authentic AirPods:

• Buy directly from Apple, Amazon (sold by Amazon), Best Buy, Walmart, or Target
• Check the serial number on Apple’s website after receiving them
• Be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true (AirPods Pro for $99 is suspicious)
• Use authorized retailers only

Myth: Apple’s Black Friday Sale Is Worse Than Other Retailers

Actually, this one is partially true but requires context. Apple’s direct discounts are usually worse than third-party retailers. However, Apple’s pricing includes benefits like guaranteed authenticity, full warranty support, and easy returns. If you value these perks and only need modest savings, buying from Apple during Black Friday is still a reasonable choice. If you want maximum savings and are comfortable buying from other retailers, skip Apple and shop elsewhere.

Making Your Final Decision: Is the AirPods Black Friday Deal Worth It?

So, does Apple have Black Friday sales on AirPods? The answer is yes, but with the caveat that you’ll likely find better deals at third-party retailers. Let me help you make the right decision based on your priorities.

Shop at Apple Directly If:

• You want guaranteed authentic products
• You plan to buy other Apple products and want to use a gift card
• You value Apple’s customer service and return policy
• You’re not super price-sensitive and a modest savings is acceptable
• You want to use Apple Card financing or trade-in credits

Shop at Third-Party Retailers If:

• You want the deepest possible discount
• You’re comfortable with the retailer’s return policy
• You have loyalty to a particular retailer (Amazon Prime, Walmart+, etc.)
• You want to stack discounts with coupons or membership perks
• You’re flexible on which AirPods model you buy

The Bottom Line Recommendation

For most shoppers seeking AirPods Black Friday deals, I’d recommend the following strategy:

Start your search at third-party retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart for the deepest discounts. Use price tracking tools to verify you’re getting a genuinely good price. If you find AirPods at a price you’re comfortable with, buy immediately rather than waiting, as popular models sell out fast.

If you prefer shopping at Apple directly, consider waiting for their Black Friday gift card promotion and plan an additional Apple purchase to maximize the gift card’s value. Alternatively, check Apple’s refurbished store year-round for consistent savings without the Black Friday hassle.

Remember, the best AirPods deal is the one that gets you the AirPods you want at a price you’re happy with, from a retailer you trust. Don’t get so caught up in finding the absolute lowest price that you miss out on a deal that’s still genuinely good.

Black Friday AirPods deals represent some of the best opportunities of the year to save on premium Apple audio products. Whether you shop Apple’s website or a third-party retailer, some preparation and research will ensure you get a great deal on AirPods this holiday season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Apple directly offer Black Friday discounts on AirPods?

Yes, Apple participates in Black Friday, but typically through gift card bundles rather than dramatic direct price cuts. Recent Apple Black Friday promotions have offered $25-$75 Apple Gift Cards with AirPods purchases, which function as delayed discounts you can use on future Apple products.

How much can I save on AirPods during Black Friday?

Savings vary significantly by retailer. Through Apple’s website, expect modest savings of $25-$50 or gift cards of similar value. At third-party retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, AirPods discounts typically range from $30-$80 off, with premium models like AirPods Pro seeing the largest absolute savings and entry-level AirPods seeing the largest percentage discounts.

When do Black Friday AirPods deals start?

AirPods Black Friday deals typically begin in early November with “early Black Friday” promotions, peak on Black Friday itself (the day after Thanksgiving), and continue through Cyber Monday. The deepest discounts usually appear on Black Friday, but popular models can sell out quickly during this period.

Are Black Friday AirPods deals better than other sales events?

Generally yes, Black Friday offers the best AirPods discounts of the year, though Prime Day in July and other major sales events feature competitive deals. For premium models like AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, Black Friday typically provides the largest absolute dollar discounts of any shopping event.

Is it safe to buy AirPods during Black Friday from third-party sellers?

It’s safe when buying from major authorized retailers like Amazon (sold and shipped by Amazon), Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and authorized Apple resellers. Be cautious of third-party sellers on marketplace platforms, as counterfeit AirPods are common during Black Friday. Always verify the serial number on Apple’s website after purchase.

Should I buy AirPods from Apple’s Refurbished store instead of waiting for Black Friday?

Apple’s Certified Refurbished store offers year-round savings of 15-20% on AirPods with full warranty coverage and genuine Apple products. If you miss Black Friday or don’t want to deal with shopping chaos, the refurbished store is an excellent alternative. However, Black Friday deals at third-party retailers typically offer deeper discounts of 20-40% off.