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Editor’s note: This is an archived recap of Black Friday and Cyber Monday Apple deals reported from November 29 through December 2, 2024. Every promotion and price below has expired; retailer pages may now redirect or show different products.
The strongest 2024 Apple bargains generally came from Amazon, Best Buy, B&H Photo, Target and Walmart, which offered immediate discounts. Apple’s own promotion primarily provided an Apple Gift Card with eligible purchases rather than reducing the checkout price.
The five standout Apple deals from 2024
| Best for | Configuration | Reported price | Why it stood out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheapest modern Mac laptop | 13-inch M2 MacBook Air, 16GB/256GB | $749 | About $250 off; strong mainstream value |
| New Mac desktop | M4 Mac mini, 16GB/256GB | $529 | About $70 off soon after launch |
| Budget iPad | 10th-generation iPad, 64GB Wi-Fi | $249.99 | About $100 off with a newer design and USB-C |
| Performance tablet | M2 iPad Air, 11-inch/128GB | $499 | About $100 off; supports Apple Pencil Pro |
| Pro tablet | M4 iPad Pro, 11-inch/256GB | $849 | About $150 off, though some offers required a coupon or membership |
These prices were reported in contemporary live coverage by AppleInsider, Tom’s Guide and MacRumors. They were not universal, permanent prices: stock, color, retailer, coupons, membership status and configuration affected the final cost.
Best Mac deals
MacBook Air: the best value for most buyers
The 13-inch M2 MacBook Air with 16GB of memory and 256GB of storage fell to about $749, roughly $250 below the cited list price. It was the clearest value choice for students, families and office users who wanted a portable modern Mac without paying MacBook Pro prices.
#1 Best Overall
- BUILT FOR COLLEGE. AND BEYOND — MacBook Air with the M5 chip packs blazing speed and powerful AI capabilities into an incredibly portable design. And with up to 18 hours of battery life,* this thin and light powerhouse is ready to take on almost any major, just about anywhere.
- TEAR THROUGH TOUGH ASSIGNMENTS — With its faster CPU and unified memory, the M5 chip delivers even more performance and fluidity across apps, making multitasking and creative workflows smooth and responsive. A powerful Neural Engine and next-generation GPU with Neural Accelerators give you a powerful platform for AI.
- MAKE QUICK WORK OF YOUR TO-DO LIST — Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly — whether it’s for school or everyday life. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple.*
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Air delivers incredible battery life with amazing performance, so you can power through a full day of classes without worrying about plugging in.
- A BRILLIANT 13.6-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Air supports 1 billion colors, making photos and videos pop with rich contrast and sharp detail, and text appears supercrisp. So everything — from class presentations to movies to games — looks truly stunning.
The 13-inch M3 MacBook Air with the same 16GB/256GB configuration was reported at approximately $844 to $849, also about $250 off depending on retailer and color. The M2 was the cheaper buy; the M3 was the better choice for shoppers who valued the newer chip generation and longer-term positioning. The 15-inch M3 MacBook Air with 16GB/256GB was reported at approximately $1,044, about $255 off.
Do not compare these prices with an 8GB MacBook without adjusting for memory. Storage, screen size, chip generation and whether a unit is new, refurbished or open-box materially change the deal.
MacBook Pro: worthwhile for sustained workloads
The 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M4 chip, 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage was reported at approximately $1,399, about $200 below the cited $1,599 list price. An M4 Pro version was reported at about $1,749, roughly $250 off.
These were better fits for video editing, software compilation, virtual machines and other workloads that run hard for long periods. For web browsing, schoolwork and general productivity, the discounted MacBook Air usually offered better value. Higher-end M4 Max discounts of around $400 sounded substantial, but the remaining prices were still too high to call them broad consumer bargains.
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The M4 Mac mini with 16GB of memory and 256GB of storage was reported at $529, approximately $70 off. The discount was notable because the M4 Mac mini had only recently launched.
Rank #2
- BUILT FOR COLLEGE. AND BEYOND — MacBook Air with the M5 chip packs blazing speed and powerful AI capabilities into an incredibly portable design. And with up to 18 hours of battery life,* this thin and light powerhouse is ready to take on almost any major, just about anywhere.
- TEAR THROUGH TOUGH ASSIGNMENTS — With its faster CPU and unified memory, the M5 chip delivers even more performance and fluidity across apps, making multitasking and creative workflows smooth and responsive. A powerful Neural Engine and next-generation GPU with Neural Accelerators give you a powerful platform for AI.
- MAKE QUICK WORK OF YOUR TO-DO LIST — Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly — whether it’s for school or everyday life. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple.*
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Air delivers incredible battery life with amazing performance, so you can power through a full day of classes without worrying about plugging in.
- A BRILLIANT 13.6-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Air supports 1 billion colors, making photos and videos pop with rich contrast and sharp detail, and text appears supercrisp. So everything — from class presentations to movies to games — looks truly stunning.
Remember that the Mac mini is a computer, not a complete workstation. A display, keyboard and mouse are separate purchases, so the real setup cost is higher than $529. A discounted Mac mini makes the most sense for shoppers who already own compatible peripherals or can acquire them inexpensively.
Best iPad deals
Cheapest option: 9th-generation iPad
The 64GB Wi-Fi 9th-generation iPad reached approximately $199.99, about $130 off. That was a compelling low price for a basic family tablet or children’s device, but it used an older design and a Lightning port.
It was not the best overall iPad simply because it was the cheapest. Buyers should choose it only if the low price matters more than newer hardware, USB-C connectivity and a more modern design.
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The 64GB Wi-Fi 10th-generation iPad fell to approximately $249.99, around $100 off. It was the stronger general-purpose recommendation because of its newer design and USB-C port.
The limitation was storage. Sixty-four gigabytes can become restrictive with large games, downloaded video, photos and offline media. A shopper who expects to keep the tablet for years should compare the cost of more storage before treating the headline price as the complete value.
Rank #3
- BUILT FOR COLLEGE. AND BEYOND — MacBook Air with the M5 chip packs blazing speed and powerful AI capabilities into an incredibly portable design. And with up to 18 hours of battery life,* this thin and light powerhouse is ready to take on almost any major, just about anywhere.
- TEAR THROUGH TOUGH ASSIGNMENTS — With its faster CPU and unified memory, the M5 chip delivers even more performance and fluidity across apps, making multitasking and creative workflows smooth and responsive. A powerful Neural Engine and next-generation GPU with Neural Accelerators give you a powerful platform for AI.
- MAKE QUICK WORK OF YOUR TO-DO LIST — Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly — whether it’s for school or everyday life. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple.*
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Air delivers incredible battery life with amazing performance, so you can power through a full day of classes without worrying about plugging in.
- A BRILLIANT 15.3-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Air supports 1 billion colors, making photos and videos pop with rich contrast and sharp detail, and text appears supercrisp. So everything — from class presentations to movies to games — looks truly stunning.
Best balance of performance and price: M2 iPad Air
The 11-inch M2 iPad Air with 128GB of storage was reported at $499, while the 13-inch 128GB model was approximately $699. Both were reported as roughly $100 discounts.
The iPad Air was the middle ground for buyers who wanted substantially more performance for drawing, multitasking or gaming, plus Apple Pencil Pro support, without paying iPad Pro prices. Choose the 13-inch model for a larger canvas or split-screen workspace; choose the 11-inch model for easier portability.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesBest professional tablet: M4 iPad Pro
The 11-inch M4 iPad Pro with 256GB of storage was reported at approximately $849, about $150 off. Some 13-inch and higher-storage configurations received discounts of approximately $200 to $400.
The iPad Pro made sense for professional creative work when its display and M4 performance justified the premium. It was excessive for casual streaming, reading and email, and the base storage tier could be limiting for professional video, photography or large creative projects.
Accessories could change the calculation
Reported accessory prices included approximately $99 for Apple Pencil Pro and $69 for Apple Pencil USB-C. Magic Keyboard discounts were also reported during the Cyber Monday period.
Rank #4
- BUILT FOR COLLEGE. AND BEYOND — MacBook Air with the M5 chip packs blazing speed and powerful AI capabilities into an incredibly portable design. And with up to 18 hours of battery life,* this thin and light powerhouse is ready to take on almost any major, just about anywhere.
- TEAR THROUGH TOUGH ASSIGNMENTS — With its faster CPU and unified memory, the M5 chip delivers even more performance and fluidity across apps, making multitasking and creative workflows smooth and responsive. A powerful Neural Engine and next-generation GPU with Neural Accelerators give you a powerful platform for AI.
- MAKE QUICK WORK OF YOUR TO-DO LIST — Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly — whether it’s for school or everyday life. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple.*
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Air delivers incredible battery life with amazing performance, so you can power through a full day of classes without worrying about plugging in.
- A BRILLIANT 13.6-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Air supports 1 billion colors, making photos and videos pop with rich contrast and sharp detail, and text appears supercrisp. So everything — from class presentations to movies to games — looks truly stunning.
Add the cost of a Pencil, keyboard, case, charger and possibly AppleCare+ before comparing an iPad with a laptop. A tablet that appears to be $100 cheaper can lose much of that advantage once it is equipped for school or work.
AirPods, Apple Watch and other offers
AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C were reported at approximately $154, about $94 off in some coverage, although price and inventory fluctuated. Apple Watch SE 2 models were reported from approximately $149. These were retailer prices and should not be confused with Apple’s own checkout promotion.
Some iPhone promotions involved carriers rather than ordinary device discounts. “Free” generally depended on trade-in eligibility, installment billing, a new line or a qualifying service plan. The headline value was not comparable with an unlocked phone sold $200 below retail.
What Apple’s own promotion actually meant
Apple’s 2024 Black Friday promotion was primarily a gift-card offer, not a broad hardware price cut. Eligible shoppers received an Apple Gift Card with qualifying purchases, with the value varying by product and region. Contemporary coverage reported examples and values as high as $200, but the available evidence does not establish a complete official U.S. eligibility table for every product.
An Apple Gift Card can be used toward eligible Apple products and accessories and Apple services, subject to the applicable Apple Gift Card terms. It is still future spending credit: a $200 card does not reduce the amount charged to your payment card at checkout.
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Best Value
- BUILT FOR COLLEGE. AND BEYOND — MacBook Air with the M5 chip packs blazing speed and powerful AI capabilities into an incredibly portable design. And with up to 18 hours of battery life,* this thin and light powerhouse is ready to take on almost any major, just about anywhere.
- TEAR THROUGH TOUGH ASSIGNMENTS — With its faster CPU and unified memory, the M5 chip delivers even more performance and fluidity across apps, making multitasking and creative workflows smooth and responsive. A powerful Neural Engine and next-generation GPU with Neural Accelerators give you a powerful platform for AI.
- MAKE QUICK WORK OF YOUR TO-DO LIST — Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly — whether it’s for school or everyday life. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple.*
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Air delivers incredible battery life with amazing performance, so you can power through a full day of classes without worrying about plugging in.
- A BRILLIANT 13.6-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Air supports 1 billion colors, making photos and videos pop with rich contrast and sharp detail, and text appears supercrisp. So everything — from class presentations to movies to games — looks truly stunning.
That distinction matters. A shopper planning to buy an iPhone case, accessories, apps or another Apple device may value the credit close to its face amount. Someone seeking the lowest immediate price, or someone unlikely to buy from Apple again, would generally have been better served by an equivalent retailer discount.
Apple could still be the preferred seller for shoppers who valued official support, setup assistance, trade-in, financing or an Apple retail return experience. Its gift-card overview and Apple Store remain the appropriate places to check current policies—not the expired 2024 promotion.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How the retailers differed
| Retailer | Typical 2024 advantage | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Broad selection and frequent low prices | Coupon activation, seller, configuration, stock and return terms |
| Best Buy | Strong Mac and iPad pricing, pickup availability | Whether the price required Best Buy Plus or Total membership |
| B&H Photo | Competitive MacBook and professional configurations | State tax, shipping, inventory and return conditions |
| Target | Selected iPad and iPhone discounts or Target gift cards | Gift-card restrictions, price-match rules and pickup availability |
| Walmart | Aggressive pricing on older iPads and some carrier-linked devices | Generation, seller, carrier obligations and return policy |
| Apple | Support, trade-in, financing, setup and gift-card value | Gift-card terms rather than an instant discount |
A price requiring an on-page coupon should be labeled as a coupon price. A Best Buy Plus or Total price should not be presented as universally available. Tax and shipping also varied by state and retailer.
Deals to avoid or evaluate carefully
- Older products near newer-model pricing: A 9th-generation iPad or older Mac may be cheap but can give up newer ports, design and performance.
- Configuration mismatches: Compare memory, storage, chip, screen size, connectivity and generation—not just the product family.
- 64GB tablets for heavy users: The base 10th-generation iPad was attractive, but large games and downloaded media can quickly consume its capacity.
- Membership-only discounts: Include the membership cost when calculating the net saving.
- Carrier “free” devices: Read the trade-in, installment, new-line and service requirements.
- Large dollar discounts on luxury configurations: Saving $400 on an expensive MacBook Pro or iPad Pro does not automatically make it good value for a casual user.
- Accessory-free comparisons: Pencil, keyboard, case, peripherals and AppleCare+ can materially increase the total cost.
Archived live-coverage timeline
The 2024 coverage was a moving target rather than a single fixed sale page. Early previews and retailer sales appeared before Black Friday, with additional prices and stock changes on Friday, November 29. Weekend extensions and Cyber Monday updates continued through Monday, December 2. At least one major live page was updated into December 2, while AppleInsider documented weekend extensions.
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That format explains why articles from the period may show different prices for the same product. Deals sold out, coupons changed, retailers adjusted prices and some listings redirected. None of those pages should now be read as a current offer.
Quick Recap
The buying verdict by shopper
- Cheapest Mac laptop: The 13-inch M2 MacBook Air at $749 was the standout value, provided the 16GB/256GB configuration matched your needs.
- Best Mac for students and general users: The discounted MacBook Air, especially the M2 model, offered the best balance of price, portability and performance.
- Best Mac for professionals: The 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro at about $1,399 was the more appropriate choice for sustained demanding work.
- Best desktop value: The M4 Mac mini at $529 was compelling, but only after budgeting for a display and input devices.
- Best cheap iPad: The 10th-generation model at $249.99 was the better all-around buy; the 9th-generation model at $199.99 was the bargain-basement option.
- Best tablet for most performance-conscious buyers: The 11-inch M2 iPad Air at $499 balanced performance and price.
- Best creative-work iPad: The M4 iPad Pro was justified only when its display and performance mattered enough to cover its higher price and accessories.
- Best Apple Store purchase: Apple made the most sense for support, trade-in, financing or gift-card redemption—not necessarily for the lowest immediate cash price.
- Best retailer purchase: A retailer’s instant discount was usually the better financial choice when the configuration was identical and no membership, coupon, trade-in or service commitment was required.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
