Historical deal snapshot: MacRumors published this roundup on December 13, 2025. At that time, Amazon listed AirPods Pro 3 at $199, Samsung promoted a 4TB T7 Shield portable SSD for $349.99, and several Apple Watch and M5 iPad Pro configurations were discounted. Those offers may have expired; verify any live price, seller, stock, warranty and return terms before buying.
The $199 AirPods price was the clearest general-purpose bargain. MacRumors described it as the lowest price it had tracked, approximately $20 below the previous Black Friday price—not a permanent guarantee of the lowest price ever across every retailer.
AirPods Pro 3 for $199: the standout deal
The December 2025 listing cut AirPods Pro 3 from Apple’s $249 list price to $199, a $50 reduction (about 20%). The retailer cited was Amazon. See the original roundup at MacRumors and Apple’s product specifications at Apple.
Before treating a low marketplace price as equivalent to the advertised deal, check that it is the third-generation Pro model, new rather than renewed or open-box, sold by a reputable seller, and covered by the warranty available in your region. Color, stock, delivery date and any coupon or membership requirement can change the checkout price. The archived article does not establish that every configuration or seller qualified.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
What you get
- Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode and Personalized Spatial Audio.
- Heart-rate sensing during workouts.
- Apple’s stated maximum of up to eight hours of listening with ANC enabled under its test conditions; real-world endurance varies.
- A MagSafe-compatible case with Qi wireless and USB-C charging.
- IP57 water- and dust-resistance rating in controlled laboratory testing. Apple warns resistance can diminish with normal wear.
Live Translation and hearing-related tools require compatible hardware, software, languages, regions and current firmware. Apple says Hearing Protection is not intended for gunfire, fireworks, jackhammers or sustained sound above 110 dBA, so these earbuds are not a substitute for occupational or recreational hearing protection.
Who should—and should not—buy
- Good fit: iPhone owners who want automatic Apple-device integration; commuters and travelers who value ANC; fitness users interested in heart-rate data; and owners replacing degraded AirPods batteries.
- Consider alternatives: Android users, people satisfied with recent AirPods Pro 2, shoppers prioritizing maximum battery life, or anyone who can meet their needs with AirPods 4 with ANC or a refurbished model.
- Be cautious: an unusually cheap unknown-marketplace listing may carry different return, activation or warranty terms.
Samsung T7 Shield 4TB for $349.99
Samsung’s holiday promotion featured the Portable SSD T7 Shield, 4TB, at $349.99, described in the roundup as $115 off. That comparison price is the promotion’s claim; the article does not clearly identify the reference MSRP. Samsung’s later March 2026 MSRP document lists USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity and a three-year warranty for the line, but those later MSRP figures do not prove the December street price. The reference document is Samsung’s MSRP file.
Rank #2
- Active Noise Cancellation blocks outside noise, so you can immerse yourself in music
- Transparency mode for hearing and interacting with the world around you
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you
- Adaptive EQ automatically tunes music to your ears
- Three sizes of soft, tapered silicone tips for a customizable fit
When 4TB makes sense
- Photographers, videographers and MacBook, iPad or Windows users who need a large portable working or backup drive.
- People who value a ruggedized enclosure and a compact 4TB device.
Important limitations
- USB-C describes the connector, not guaranteed speed. Results depend on the host port, cable, filesystem, workload, temperature and how full the drive is.
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 external performance is not the same as internal-SSD, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 or Thunderbolt performance; sustained transfers can slow as cache or thermal limits appear.
- One external SSD is not a complete backup strategy. Keep another copy, ideally in a separate location.
- If you need less than 4TB, a smaller capacity may deliver better value; confirm your computer, phone, tablet or console supplies adequate power and supports the required format.
Other Apple deals in the December 2025 roundup
| Product and exact configuration | Historical price | Claimed reduction | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 11, 42mm GPS | $299 | $100 off | Cellular, case, color and band prices differ. |
| Apple Watch Series 11, 46mm GPS | $329 | $100 off | GPS-only configuration. |
| Apple Watch SE 3, 40mm GPS | $199 | $50 off | GPS-only configuration. |
| Apple Watch SE 3, 44mm GPS | $229 | $50 off | GPS-only configuration. |
| M5 iPad Pro, 11-inch, 256GB, Wi-Fi | $899 | $100 off | Amazon listing cited; listed from $999. |
| Selected M5 iPad Pro models | Varies | Up to $180 off | Maximum depended on size, storage and connectivity. |
The Apple Watch prices apply to the specified GPS sizes, not automatically to cellular models or every band and color. For the iPad Pro, larger displays, more storage and cellular connectivity can materially change the price. A keyboard and Apple Pencil can also reduce the effective savings; buyers who do not need Pro-tier display or performance should compare an iPad Air.
Accessory and non-Apple offers
Burton Goods: 25% off
Burton Goods advertised 25% off sitewide with code MR25, described as a MacRumors-exclusive weekend promotion covering leather iPhone and iPad cases, MacBook sleeves, Apple Watch bands and MagSafe-compatible wallets. It was time-limited and should not be treated as an active code now.
Rank #3
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
Samsung Frame Pro
The roundup also listed Samsung’s Frame Pro television at $1,999, described as $1,200 off. This was peripheral to the Apple-shopping focus and the least relevant offer for readers primarily seeking Apple hardware.
How to verify a historical deal before paying
- Match the exact model number, storage, screen size, case size and GPS-versus-cellular configuration.
- Confirm the item is new, identify the actual seller, and check the warranty region and return window.
- Check shipping charges, delivery estimate, stock status and whether a coupon, membership or account login is required.
- Screenshot the advertised price and terms before checkout in case the cart changes.
- Test earbuds, watches, tablets and drives promptly while returns remain available. For an SSD, create a second backup before placing irreplaceable files on it.
How the deals ranked for most shoppers
- AirPods Pro 3 at $199: the simplest discount to evaluate and the broadest likely appeal for iPhone users.
- Samsung T7 Shield 4TB at $349.99: potentially excellent for users who genuinely need 4TB, but excessive for light storage needs.
- M5 iPad Pro: substantial dollar savings, tempered by configuration and accessory costs.
- Apple Watch discounts: worthwhile when the exact size and GPS requirement match your needs.
- Burton Goods: useful for accessory shoppers, but a short-lived promotion rather than hardware savings.
- Frame Pro: a large nominal discount outside the core Apple deal.
The Bottom Line
In the December 13, 2025 snapshot, AirPods Pro 3 at $199 was the strongest all-around deal, while the 4TB T7 Shield made sense mainly for buyers with a real high-capacity storage requirement. Apple Watch and M5 iPad Pro discounts were real but configuration-specific. Treat every price and promotion above as historical until a retailer confirms it again.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION - Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE - Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING - Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION - Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE - Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
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.
