Apple Black Friday 2023: The Ultimate Guide to Top Deals and Gift Card Offers
Earning bonus credit on select devices lets you save more long after the sale ends.
Black Friday 2023 brings a wave of discounts on beloved Apple products, with exclusive offers available directly from Apple and major retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. The highlight this year: Apple’s official Black Friday shopping event features elevated savings and the return of its coveted Apple Gift Card promotions.
Apple’s Official Black Friday Shopping Event: Dates and Overview
Apple’s Black Friday shopping event kicks off on November 24, 2023, running four days through Cyber Monday, ending November 27th. Deal-seekers can shop onsite at Apple Stores or online at apple.com, enjoying promotional gift cards with eligible purchases. These offers are exclusively available via Apple’s own sales channels this year, so the biggest official perks won’t be found at other retailers.
- Event dates: Nov 24—Nov 27, 2023
- Location: Apple Store and apple.com only
- Promotion: Up to $200 Apple Gift Card with qualifying purchases
- Gift card delivered via email, alongside receipt
- Eligible even with device trade-in
How the Apple Gift Card Promo Works
Instead of instant discounts, Apple offers Apple Gift Cards as rewards for buying select devices. These can be used for future Apple purchases—including products, accessories, or digital content.
- Buy a qualifying Apple product during the event
- Get an Apple Gift Card (amount varies by product) sent by email
- Use the gift card toward future purchases
- Offer also valid when trading in your current device
Complete List of Apple’s 2023 Eligible Black Friday Deals and Gift Card Values
| Product Category | Eligible Models | Gift Card Value |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone | iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone SE | Up to $75 |
| AirPods | AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), AirPods (2nd/3rd Gen), AirPods Max | Up to $75 |
| iPad | iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad mini, iPad (10th Gen) | Up to $100 |
| Apple Watch | Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) | Up to $50 |
| Mac | MacBook Air, Mac mini (Not MacBook Pro or iMac) | Up to $200 |
| Accessories | Apple Pencil, HomePod | Up to $50 |
Note: The newest product releases—including iPhone 15, MacBook Pro, and Apple Watch Ultra—are typically not eligible for Apple’s gift card Black Friday promotion.
Top Apple Products on Deal: Detailed Roundup
This season, shoppers can expect solid value across Apple’s main product categories. Below is a spotlight on the most popular lines:
iPhone Deals
- iPhone 14: Up to $75 Apple Gift Card at Apple. Retailers like Amazon may offer price cuts or bundled savings.
- iPhone 13: Eligible for Apple’s $75 gift card, with low pricing on unlocked handsets at select retailers.
- iPhone SE: Value pick for Apple gift card promotion.
- Note: The latest iPhone 15 is not part of Apple’s own Black Friday deal.
iPad Deals
- iPad Pro: Up to $100 Apple Gift Card for 11-inch and 12.9-inch models.
- iPad Air & iPad mini: Up to $100 gift card.
- iPad (10th Gen): Best all-purpose model for Black Friday gifting.
- Tip: Big discounts often appear on older generations at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy, making them great alternatives for budget shoppers.
What others are reading
Mac Deals
- MacBook Air: Up to $200 Apple Gift Card.
- Mac mini: Up to $200 gift card.
- MacBook Pro and iMac models are not included in Apple’s deal, but may see reductions at other stores.
AirPods Deals
- AirPods Pro (2nd Gen): Up to $75 Apple Gift Card, with retailers like Amazon reaching all-time low prices.
- AirPods (3rd/2nd Gen): Eligible for Apple gift card, and strong discounts elsewhere.
- AirPods Max: Included in Apple’s offer; watch for further retailer competition.
Apple Watch Deals
- Apple Watch Series 9: Up to $50 Apple Gift Card plus fresh markdowns at Amazon.
- Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen): Included in Apple’s official shopping event.
- Apple Watch Ultra 2: Not eligible for Apple’s gift card, but on sale at Amazon and other retailers for a lower price than ever.
Accessories & Other Tech
- Apple Pencil: Up to $50 Apple Gift Card.
- HomePod: Smart home speaker also included, with $50 gift card.
Comparison: Apple Store Deals vs Major Retailers
| Retailer | Main Offer | Key Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store | Apple Gift Card promo with select devices | Official warranty; best product selection; easy returns; trade-in eligibility | No instant cash discount; restrictions on newest models |
| Amazon | Deep price cuts; some bundles | Largest range of discounts; all generations; fast shipping | Limited official perks (no gift card); popular models can sell out quickly |
| Best Buy / Walmart | Competitive sales; bundled accessories | Local pickup options; extended returns; open-box deals | Product stock can vary; discounts may not match Amazon |
Shopping Tips for Securing the Best Apple Black Friday Deals
- Shop Early: Stock on Apple’s most popular products (especially AirPods and iPads) can run out fast at both Apple and major retailers.
- Use Trade-In Programs: Apple allows device trade-ins, and you still get gift card promotions when you upgrade. Compare with retailer trade-in values.
- Compare Deals: While Apple provides gift cards, stores like Amazon and Walmart may offer direct price reductions. Use price trackers.
- Check for Bundles: Retailers may bundle AppleCare, accessories, or subscription services with select purchases.
- Track Inventory: Hot Black Friday deals sell out fast. Use inventory checkers or set up alerts for restocks.
- Cyber Monday: Some deals improve after Black Friday, so monitor offers throughout the weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Apple Black Friday 2023
Q: Can I use the Apple Gift Card instantly on my Black Friday purchase?
No, the Apple Gift Card is emailed to you after your qualifying purchase and is intended for future Apple transactions—not as an instant price reduction.
Q: Which products are ineligible for Apple’s Black Friday promotion?
The newest models—including iPhone 15, MacBook Pro, iMac, and Apple Watch Ultra—are generally excluded from Apple’s official gift card offers.
Q: Are prices lower on Apple.com than other retailers during Black Friday?
Apple typically offers stable pricing but includes gift cards rather than cash discounts. Amazon, Walmart, or Best Buy often offer direct price reductions, which might result in bigger upfront savings.
Q: What happens if I trade in my device for a new Apple product?
Trading in through Apple still qualifies you for the Black Friday gift card deal. The device trade-in value is a separate credit applied at checkout, based on your current model and its condition.
Q: Will Apple stores be crowded on Black Friday?
Apple’s physical stores are traditionally busy, especially for holiday events. Shopping online is advised for convenience and to ensure stock on popular products.
Expert Insights: Pros and Cons of Apple’s Black Friday Approach
- Pros:
- Guaranteed Apple warranty and customer support
- Easy, direct product returns
- Apple Gift Cards can be used for later purchases or as gifts
- Consistent product availability—less risk of stock issues compared to third-party retailers
- Cons:
- No direct discounts on purchase price—savings only with a gift card
- Newest and most in-demand products usually not included in promotions
- Competing retailers may offer deeper instant savings on some models
Strategies for Finding the Best Apple Black Friday Deals Beyond Apple Store
While the Apple Store is the only source of the official gift card event, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and other electronics retailers list substantial discounts on Apple products. Veteran shoppers often compare:
- Upfront price reductions vs. value of Apple Gift Card
- Early releases of deals (some begin before Black Friday)
- Availability of older-generation products
- Bundled accessories, AppleCare, or extended return policies
- Added extras (e.g., free wireless chargers, headphones)
Best Deals Found at Third-Party Retailers (2023 Examples)
- AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C): $190 on Amazon (was $249)—lowest ever
- AirPods 3rd Gen: $140 on Amazon (was $169)
- Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen): $179 on Amazon (was $249)—28% off
- Apple Watch Series 9: $329 for 41mm (was $399); $359 for 45mm
- Apple Watch Ultra 2: $739 on Amazon (was $799)
Holiday Shopping Advice: Why Buy During Black Friday?
- Largest discounts of the year on tech, including Apple devices
- Early holiday shopping ensures gifts arrive on time and reduces stress
- Exclusive bundles and extras often unlock only during Black Friday weekend
- Peace of mind with return/exchange options extended through January at many retailers
Apple Black Friday Deals 2023: FAQs
Q: What is the difference between Apple’s Black Friday offer and deals at Best Buy/Amazon?
Apple’s offer is a future-use Apple Gift Card with select purchases, while other retailers generally give instant savings, especially on older or less recent models.
Q: Can I redeem the Apple Gift Card for cash?
No, Apple Gift Cards can only be used for purchases at Apple or iTunes and are not redeemable for cash.
Q: Are there bundle deals with Apple products?
Apple rarely bundles beyond their event, while third-party retailers sometimes bundle products with accessories or subscriptions.
Q: How do I maximize savings for Black Friday shopping?
- Shop early for limited stock
- Compare gift card value vs. instant discounts
- Trade-in your old device for additional credits
- Check for extended return policies and bundled offers
Summary: Smart Shopping for Apple Deals This Black Friday
Black Friday 2023 stands out for its mix of official Apple promotions and record-low prices at major retailers. Whether you choose the flexibility of an Apple Gift Card or the instant price cut at Amazon, Amazon and other leading stores, savvy shoppers can secure major value this year on iPhones, iPads, Macs, AirPods, and much more. Remember, deals can change quickly and stock moves fast, so planning and price comparisons are essential.
- Apple’s Black Friday deals rely on gift card rewards
- Popular products are covered, except for newest releases
- Compare Apple’s offers with deep discounts on Amazon/Best Buy
- Trade-in options and extended returns add value
- Prepare and shop early for the widest selection
For more updates, monitor Apple’s event listings and trusted retailer sale pages as Black Friday approaches.
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