Context first: this roundup refers to deals published on November 14, 2025—not live prices in September 2026. The early offers included AirPods 4 for $84.99, a 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro for $1,478, an M2 MacBook Air for $699, carrier promotions advertising up to $1,100 off iPhone 17 models, and discounts on Apple-related accessories. Several of those prices improved during the main Black Friday event, so the right question is not simply whether an item was discounted, but whether it was worth buying early.
For the original deal list, see MacRumors’ November 14, 2025 roundup. Prices below are historical U.S. prices in dollars and should not be treated as current availability.
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Quick verdict
| Product | Early Black Friday price | Later 2025 low | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods 4 | $84.99, down from $129 | $69 | Good, but waiting was reasonable |
| AirPods 4 with ANC | About $100–$110, from roughly $179 | About $100–$109.99 | Strong if you wanted noise cancellation |
| 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro, 16GB/512GB | $1,478, down from $1,599 | About $1,349 | Notable early deal; later price was much better |
| 13-inch M2 MacBook Air, 256GB | $699, down from $799 | Varied | Only compelling for a strict budget |
| iPhone 17 carrier offers | Up to $1,100 off | Offer-specific | Conditional bill-credit promotions |
The strongest unconditional opportunities were the AirPods and M5 MacBook Pro discounts, but neither early price ultimately represented the best Black Friday value. Later Black Friday coverage reported AirPods 4 at $69 and the base M5 MacBook Pro at approximately $1,349.
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AirPods 4: distinguish the two models
The base AirPods 4 originally sold for $129 and fell to $84.99 in the November 14 roundup—a $45 discount. They do not include Active Noise Cancellation. The AirPods 4 with ANC were a separate model, originally priced at approximately $179, and were available around $100 to $110 depending on retailer and timing.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
That distinction matters more than the headline discount. The base model is the sensible choice for calls, Apple-device integration, and listeners who prefer an open-style fit. The ANC version costs more but adds noise reduction and related features for commuting, travel, offices, and noisy homes.
Should you have bought at $84.99?
It was a good price, but not an automatic buy-immediately price with roughly two weeks still remaining before Black Friday. The base model later reached $69, making the early deal $15 more expensive than the eventual low. At $69, the base AirPods 4 became a much stronger buy signal if you did not need ANC.
Before purchasing, verify the exact model, charging-case configuration, seller, and fulfillment status. Marketplace listings can blur the difference between the standard and ANC versions. Also check the retailer’s return policy because fit and hygiene restrictions can affect opened earbuds.
Apple’s AirPods buying page is useful for confirming the official model distinction, although Apple direct may not offer the lowest cash price during retailer promotions.
Rank #2
- 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1320x2868px at 460ppi, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM), 4685mAh Battery
- 1TB, 8GB RAM, Apple A18 Pro (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.05 GHz + 4x2.42 GHz), Apple GPU 6-core, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.3
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 12MP, f/2.8 (periscope telephoto) 5x optical zoom + 48MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide), TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth), Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9 (wide)
- 2G: 850/900/1800/1900, 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79/258/260/261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
M5 MacBook Pro: an impressive early discount that aged quickly
The featured MacBook Pro was the 14-inch Space Black model with an M5 chip, 10-core CPU, 16GB of memory, and a 512GB SSD. Its list price was $1,599 and the early deal price was $1,478, a $121 reduction. At the time, that was described as an all-time low by the roundup. That label needs a date: the price was a low reported on November 14, 2025, not a permanent record.
The same base configuration later fell to approximately $1,349 during the main Black Friday period—$250 below list price. In other words, the early discount was notable for a newly released MacBook Pro, but waiting produced roughly $129 in additional savings.
Configuration is essential when comparing offers. Other reported prices included:
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- 16GB memory and 1TB storage: $1,673.07, down from $1,799.
- 24GB memory and 512GB storage: $1,812.57, down from $1,949.
- 24GB memory and 1TB storage: $1,859.07, down from $1,999.
A lower price on a 16GB/512GB model cannot be compared directly with a 24GB/1TB listing. Confirm memory, storage, color, seller, condition, and warranty before treating one as the better deal.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
The Pro made the most sense for sustained workloads, better display quality, additional ports, and applications that benefit from more performance. For ordinary browsing, documents, video calls, and schoolwork, a MacBook Air may deliver better value. Apple’s MacBook Pro buying page provides the official configuration and warranty reference.
The $699 M2 MacBook Air: cheap, but not automatically good value
The 13-inch M2 MacBook Air with 256GB storage fell from $799 to $699. That price looked attractive in isolation, but it was already previous-generation hardware in November 2025. The important comparison was not $699 versus $799; it was $699 versus newer MacBook Air models available for a relatively modest premium.
Choose the M2 Air only when the absolute budget is the overriding concern and your work is basic. Its 256GB storage can become restrictive, and the memory and performance configuration should be considered against newer models’ expected useful life. A slightly more expensive newer Air may offer better long-term value, particularly if you plan to keep the computer for several years.
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- Basic work and the lowest possible upfront cost: the M2 Air can be reasonable at $699.
- Several years of use or heavier multitasking: prefer a newer MacBook Air if the price gap is modest.
- Video production, software development, sustained workloads, demanding creative apps, or a need for more ports: consider the M5 MacBook Pro.
A contemporaneous MacRumors forum discussion raised the same value concern: a low-priced older Mac is not necessarily a bargain when a newer Air is nearby in price.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
“Up to $1,100 off iPhone 17” was not a cash discount
The iPhone 17 headline referred to promotions from AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and other carriers. “Up to $1,100 off” generally meant a qualifying trade-in and a series of monthly bill credits—not $1,100 removed from the checkout price of an unlocked phone.
Before accepting such an offer, check all of the following:
- Which trade-in devices qualify and how their condition is assessed.
- The required unlimited plan and its monthly cost.
- The length of the bill-credit period.
- Whether the promotion requires a new line, an upgrade, or a specific iPhone 17 model.
- Activation, upgrade, installment, and other fees.
- What happens to remaining credits if you switch carriers or pay off the phone early.
- Whether the phone is unlocked and what restrictions apply during the financing period.
Calculate the total cost of the plan and device over the full installment term. A carrier offer can be worthwhile for someone already planning to remain with that provider, but it is not equivalent to an unconditional retailer markdown.
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OWC
OWC’s early Black Friday preview covered USB-C docks, external drives, drive enclosures, and other Mac accessories. Some discounts were applied automatically in the cart rather than clearly displayed on the product page, so the final checkout total mattered.
Best Value
- 6.7inch Super Retina XDR display. ProMotion technology. Always-On display. Titanium with textured matte glass back. Action button
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A17 Pro chip with 6-core GPU
- Pro camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide| Telephoto. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. Up to 10x optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 29 hours video playback. USB-C, Supports USB 3 for up to 20x faster transfers. Face ID
Check whether a dock supports ordinary USB-C, USB4, or Thunderbolt; these are not interchangeable performance claims. Confirm the included cables and power supply, drive speeds, enclosure limits, Mac formatting requirements, display support, warranty, and return policy. Compare the final price with newer docks and SSDs from competing brands before buying. OWC’s store is available here.
Anker
The reported Anker sale covered portable chargers, USB-C hubs, cables, and other charging products and was scheduled to run through November 20, 2025. A large sitewide percentage does not tell you whether a particular charger is suitable for your devices.
For a MacBook Pro, check USB-C Power Delivery wattage, the number and type of ports, cable inclusion, GaN generation, heat behavior, warranty, and return terms. A small charger may be excellent for a phone but inadequate for charging a MacBook Pro at full speed. Anker’s official store is anker.com.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
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Woot advertised up to 70% off selected Apple Watch Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop bands, alongside quantity-discount claims of 35% off two or more, 50% off three or more, and 65% off four or more. The interaction between those offers should be confirmed in the cart.
Check case-size compatibility, exact band size, color availability, authenticity, and return restrictions. Solo Loop bands are not adjustable like traditional buckle bands, so sizing errors can make an apparent bargain unusable. Large discounts are less meaningful if only an unwanted color or size remains.
What was worth buying early?
- Buy early: a verified record or near-record price, especially when the item is needed as a gift, stock is limited, or the retailer offers a strong return or price-match policy.
- Wait: a modest discount on newly released hardware, an older Mac priced close to a newer model, or a deal likely to improve during the main Black Friday event.
- Buy only if the terms fit: carrier promotions, marketplace listings, open-box products, and accessories whose compatibility has not been confirmed.
For this particular 2025 roundup, the base AirPods 4 at $84.99 and the M5 MacBook Pro at $1,478 were legitimate early deals, but both later became cheaper. The $699 M2 Air required the most skepticism because its generation and 256GB configuration reduced its value. The iPhone promotions were potentially valuable only after calculating the carrier commitment.
Checkout checklist
- Confirm the exact model, memory, storage, case, and accessory configuration.
- Check whether the item is new, refurbished, or open-box.
- Confirm who sold and fulfilled it, especially on marketplace listings.
- Compare the final cart price, including shipping, membership requirements, and taxes.
- Read the return deadline and any opened-earbud or worn-band restrictions.
- Verify warranty coverage and AppleCare eligibility.
- For phones, calculate the full cost of the plan, trade-in, installments, and bill credits.
- Confirm stock, delivery date, and whether the displayed price applies to the item actually available.
Apple’s Certified Refurbished Mac store can be a useful alternative when official warranty coverage matters more than having a brand-new retail unit, although inventory and configurations are limited. Retailer prices can change repeatedly during sale periods, and a historical “all-time low” should always be tied to its date and retailer.
Quick Recap
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.
