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Archive note: This roundup was originally published on March 11, 2025. The listed offers have expired and are retained for historical reference only. Prices, stock, sellers, product condition, and warranty terms were specific to that March 2025 sale period—not current purchase opportunities.
The roundup included a discounted 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro, AirPods Pro 2, a Costco AppleCare+ bundle, an Amazon Renewed Premium iPhone 15, Apple Watch models, and accessories. As of the August 18, 2026 verification snapshot, Apple’s lineup has moved on to M5 Macs, iPhone 17-family devices, and AirPods Pro 3, so shoppers should compare any old-stock listing with current-generation alternatives before buying.
Quick verdict
The March 2025 deals were legitimate historical offers, but they should not be republished as live bargains. The MacBook and AirPods discounts applied to new products, the Costco AirPods offer was membership-dependent, and the iPhone 15 was Amazon Renewed Premium—not new retail stock.
| Product | Historical offer | Condition or restriction | Status and current buying view |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14-inch MacBook Pro | $2,129 | M4 Pro, 24GB memory, 1TB SSD; Space Black | Expired. Consider only if substantially cheaper than a comparable M5 Pro model. |
| Base MacBook Pro | $1,395 | M4, 16GB memory | Expired. A different configuration from the M4 Pro deal. |
| AirPods Pro 2 | $169.99 | USB-C case with MagSafe charging; historical Amazon price | Expired. Compare with current AirPods Pro 3. |
| AirPods Pro 2 with AppleCare+ | $179.99 | Costco members; two years of AppleCare+ | Expired. Value depended on membership and coverage terms. |
| iPhone 15 | $646.60 | Black, 512GB, Amazon Renewed Premium | Expired. Not equivalent to a new Apple-sold iPhone. |
| Hyper Pro backpack | $160 | Third-party backpack with Find My support | Expired. Not an Apple-made tracker or GPS device. |
See the original roundup and its linked deal pages for the historical listings.
#1 Best Overall
- 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. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 80% capacity relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
The M4 Pro MacBook Pro deal
The headline MacBook offer was a 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M4 Pro chip, 24GB of unified memory, and a 1TB SSD. The highlighted Space Black configuration was listed at $2,129, compared with a stated regular price of $2,399—a $270 reduction. The silver model was listed at $2,139.
This was not simply an “M4 MacBook.” The chip tier, memory, and storage were central to the deal. The roundup also described a 512GB version as starting at approximately $1,779, but considered the 1TB configuration more attractive because the additional storage materially improved the value proposition.
The linked deal page now identifies the offer as expired. If an M4 Pro machine appears in clearance or refurbished inventory, compare it with a current MacBook Pro rather than relying on the old $2,129 price. As of the August 18, 2026 snapshot, Apple’s U.S. store listed M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max MacBook Pro models from $1,999.
When older M4 Pro inventory can still make sense
- The price is substantially below a comparable M5 Pro configuration.
- You need sustained CPU or GPU performance, more memory, or 1TB storage.
- The machine is new, or its refurbished condition, warranty, and return policy are clearly stated.
- You are comfortable accepting an older generation and potentially lower resale value.
Compare chip tier, memory, SSD capacity, display and port requirements, battery condition, warranty, and return window. A lower price is not automatically a better deal if it buys less memory, less storage, or weaker coverage.
The cheaper 16GB M4 MacBook Pro
The roundup separately linked to a base M4 MacBook Pro with 16GB of memory for $1,395, described at the time as $204 off and an all-time-low price by the deal tracker. That offer was a different product from the 24GB/1TB M4 Pro model.
Rank #2
- SUPERCHARGED BY M5 — The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 brings next-generation speed and powerful on-device AI to personal, professional, and creative tasks. Featuring all-day battery life and a breathtaking Liquid Retina XDR display with up to 1600 nits peak brightness, it’s pro in every way.*
- HAPPILY EVER FASTER — Along with its faster CPU and unified memory, M5 features a more powerful GPU with a Neural Accelerator built into each core, delivering faster AI performance. So you can blaze through demanding workloads at mind-bending speeds.
- BUILT FOR APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple.*
- ALL-DAY BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Pro delivers the same exceptional performance whether it’s running on battery or plugged in.
- APPS FLY WITH APPLE SILICON — All your favorites, including Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud, run lightning fast in macOS.*
Do not combine the two prices when comparing listings. A seller offering an M4 MacBook Pro around the lower historical price may be selling the base M4, 16GB, or 512GB configuration—not the 24GB M4 Pro with 1TB storage. The linked offer is also expired.
AirPods Pro 2 at $169.99
The Amazon deal covered AirPods Pro 2 with a USB-C charging case and MagSafe charging capability. Its historical price was $169.99, versus a stated regular price of $249. That represented a $79 reduction, or approximately 32%.
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It was a strong price, but not the lowest recorded price in the deal coverage: the article noted that the model had reached $154 during Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2024. The linked offer is now expired.
When evaluating old AirPods Pro 2 inventory, confirm all of the following:
- The case uses USB-C, not the older Lightning connector.
- The listing is for new, sealed merchandise if that is what you expect.
- You know whether Amazon or a marketplace seller is fulfilling the order.
- The product is eligible for Apple warranty service and when the warranty begins.
- Returns are permitted under the seller’s current policy.
The original 2025 coverage discussed active noise cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, Hearing Test, Hearing Aid capability, Hearing Protection, and gesture controls. Feature availability can depend on firmware, operating-system version, region, and device compatibility. Before buying older stock, compare it with the current AirPods Pro lineup, which included AirPods Pro 3 in the August 2026 Apple Store snapshot.
Rank #3
- SUPERCHARGED BY M4 PRO OR M4 MAX — The 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro or M4 Max chip gives you outrageous performance in a powerhouse laptop built for Apple Intelligence.* With all-day battery life and a breathtaking Liquid Retina XDR display with up to 1600 nits peak brightness, it’s pro in every way.*
- CHAMPION CHIPS — The M4 Pro chip blazes through demanding tasks like compiling millions of lines of code. M4 Max can handle the most challenging workflows, like rendering intricate 3D content.
- BUILT FOR APPLE INTELLIGENCE—Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data—not even Apple.*
- ALL-DAY BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Pro delivers the same exceptional performance whether it’s running on battery or plugged in.
- APPS FLY WITH APPLE SILICON — All your favorites, including Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud, run lightning fast in macOS.*
Costco’s AirPods Pro 2 bundle
Costco offered AirPods Pro 2 for $179.99 to members, including two years of AppleCare+. That was approximately $10 more than the Amazon hardware-only price, but the additional coverage could make the bundle more valuable for someone who already had a Costco membership.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe comparison changes if you would buy a Costco membership solely for this offer. Include the membership cost, AppleCare+ deductibles, accidental-damage terms, coverage limits, and eligibility before calculating the effective price. Standard Apple warranty coverage, AppleCare+, a retailer warranty, and Amazon Renewed coverage are not interchangeable.
The Costco offer is expired, and its historical price should not be treated as a current member benefit. Check Costco’s current listings for any replacement promotion.
The $646.60 iPhone 15 offer was refurbished
The iPhone deal was for a black 512GB iPhone 15 in Amazon Renewed Premium condition at approximately $646.60. It was not new retail stock. The article compared the price with the then-current $999 iPhone 15 list price and a $1,099 512GB iPhone 16, producing the stated “$453 off” figure. That was a comparison against new-device pricing—not a straightforward discount on a new 512GB iPhone 15.
The Renewed Premium description cited in the original coverage included minimal or no visible cosmetic wear from a 12-inch viewing distance, a battery with at least 80% of its original capacity, possible generic packaging and accessories, no included headphones, and a one-year warranty. Those terms describe a refurbished marketplace product, not an Apple Certified Refurbished device.
Rank #4
- Key Features Apple M4 10-Core Chip 16GB Unified RAM | 512GB SSD
- 14" 3024 x 1964 Liquid Retina XDR Screen 10-Core GPU | 16-Core Neural Engine
- Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) | Bluetooth 5.3 Thunderbolt 4 | HDMI | MagSafe 3
- SDXC Slot | 12MP Center Stage Camera Backlit Magic Keyboard
- Force Touch Trackpad | Touch ID Sensor macOS with Apple Intelligence
Checks to make before buying any renewed iPhone
- Confirm the minimum battery-health guarantee and how battery problems are handled.
- Verify that the phone is unlocked and that the seller explains its IMEI and activation-lock policy.
- Read the cosmetic grade and identify whether replacement parts may be third-party.
- Confirm exactly which accessories are included.
- Identify the warranty administrator and the return period.
- Check current software support and feature compatibility.
The original article noted that the regular iPhone 15 did not support Apple Intelligence in the same way as newer supported models. Do not assume every iPhone 15 model has the same future feature support as newer Pro or current-generation iPhones; verify compatibility against Apple’s current documentation before purchase.
For a lower-risk refurbished purchase, compare the listing with Apple Certified Refurbished products, which Apple’s U.S. store states are backed by a one-year warranty. Current iPhone options can be reviewed through Apple’s iPhone buying page.
What “Find My” meant in the backpack deal
The “Find My” item was a Hyper Pro backpack, listed at $160, or 20% below its stated regular price. It was a third-party accessory with Apple Find My support and pass-through charging ports—not an Apple-made device and not a standalone Apple software promotion.
That distinction matters:
- A Find My-compatible backpack can include integrated tracking hardware that pairs with Apple’s Find My network.
- An AirTag is a separate, replaceable accessory that can be placed inside an ordinary bag and moved to another item.
- An ordinary backpack has no tracking capability unless you add a tracker.
Neither a Find My accessory nor an AirTag should be described as real-time GPS tracking without evidence. Before buying an older Find My-enabled bag, verify battery replacement, pairing, privacy behavior, Find My network compatibility, and continued manufacturer support. The Hyper offer is expired.
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These prices were also cited in the March 11, 2025 roundup and are not live offers:
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.
- Apple Watch Series 10, 42mm GPS: $299, versus a stated $399 regular price.
- Apple Watch Series 10, 46mm GPS: $329, versus a stated $429 regular price.
- Cellular, titanium, and larger Apple Watch configurations at higher prices.
- Samsung M8 monitor: $300 off.
- Level Lock+ with Home Key: $150, versus a stated $329 regular price.
- Spigen Apple Watch band: $20.
- Anker 65W USB-C charger: $20.
- 25,000mAh 100W USB-C power bank: $32.50.
- Lexar SL500 portable SSD: from $79.
- Precision screwdriver kit: $19.
- UGREEN USB-C cable: from $7.
- Qi2 charging station/lamp: $56.
- ESR MagSafe wallet: $6.50.
- OtterBox 3-in-1 MagSafe station: $30.
Retailer prices can vary by seller, color, storage, fulfillment method, membership status, and stock. Do not use these historical figures as price targets without checking a live product page.
What should you buy instead in 2026?
As of the August 18, 2026 verification snapshot, Apple’s U.S. store promoted M5 MacBook Pro models from $1,999, M5 MacBook Air models from $1,299, iPhone 17 Pro from $1,099, iPhone 17e from $599, iPhone 17 from $799, iPhone Air from $999, and AirPods Pro 3. It also listed education savings, gift-card promotions, trade-in options, and Certified Refurbished products.
Those figures establish the correct comparison set, but they do not establish the cheapest retailer price. Check live inventory and terms at Apple, Amazon, Best Buy’s Apple listings, and Costco before purchasing. Apple’s Education Store may also matter for eligible students, educators, and institutions.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match| Situation | Better approach |
|---|---|
| An M4 Pro MacBook is close in price to an M5 Pro equivalent | Prefer the current M5 model for support runway, current performance, and resale value. |
| An M4 Pro is meaningfully cheaper and has 24GB/1TB | Consider it if warranty, returns, and condition are clear. |
| AirPods Pro 2 are only slightly cheaper than current AirPods Pro | Compare features, warranty, and battery age before choosing the older model. |
| Costco’s bundle is $10 more than hardware-only AirPods | It may be worthwhile for an existing member if AppleCare+ is genuinely included and its terms fit your needs. |
| A refurbished iPhone has unclear battery, unlock, or return details | Pass, or choose Apple Certified Refurbished or a retailer with clearer protections. |
| A Find My backpack costs much more than a regular bag plus an AirTag | Compare integration and battery convenience against the easier-to-replace AirTag. |
Bottom line for shoppers
This was a worthwhile March 2025 deals roundup, not a current August or September 2026 sale page. Its strongest historical offers were the configured M4 Pro MacBook Pro and the AirPods Pro 2 discounts, while the iPhone 15 required more caution because it was Renewed Premium. The $453 iPhone comparison was not a new-device discount, the Costco price depended on membership and AppleCare+ terms, and “Find My” described a third-party backpack feature.
Use the listed prices as historical benchmarks only. Any current purchase should be based on a live listing that clearly identifies the exact configuration, condition, seller, warranty, return policy, and generation.
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.
