Here’s Best Time to Buy an iPad and Other Apple Products
Updated: May 20, 2024
Looking for the best time to buy an iPad, iPhone, or other Apple product? Here's how (and when) to shop and save big.
When it comes to knowing the best time to buy an iPad, a MacBook or another Apple device, there are a few sure ways to save on these big-ticket electronics. It’s true that, unlike many other brands, Apple doesn’t always offer great discounts. But timing is everything, and there are a few opportunities each year that offer the best chance to save big on iPads, iPhones, MacBooks, and other Apple products.
However, it depends heavily on what you’re looking for. If you’re in the market for a new iPad (or other Apple device) and are wondering when’s the best time to shop, read on. We spoke with some tech and shopping excerpts to learn the best time to buy Apple products and some other tech tips you can use to find the best discounts. Whether you’re looking to buy an iPhone, Mac or even an Apple Watch, you’ll find the secrets to saving right here.
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About the experts
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When is the best time to buy an iPad?
Kristin McGrath, shopping expert with RetailMeNot, told us that the best time to buy an iPad is Amazon Prime Day (typically in July). “Shoppers who shop on Amazon Prime Day will typically find deeply discounted tablets at this time.” Another good time to buy an iPad is when a new model is announced. “Similar to iPhones, shoppers can find a discounted older iPad model once a new version is announced,” she says.
Looking to get a deal before the holidays? Try buying an iPad on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Nick Drewe, an e-commerce expert and founder of WeThrift, says, “Black Friday and Cyber Monday always see a dip in Apple product prices, iPads included.”
When is the best time to buy an iPhone?
According to experts, the best time to buy an iPhone is after a new model is announced. “One of the best times of year to buy an iPhone is September or October, when new models are typically announced and older iPhone generations tend to go on sale,” McGrath told us. She also suggests waiting for Black Friday—or Cyber Monday. “While iPhone Black Friday deals do vary from year to year, we typically see some form of savings on these iconic smartphones, often in the form of a gift card with purchase.”
Drewe adds, “Models that are due to get successors soon could also see considerable discounts. Keeping an eye on Apple’s launch events can give shoppers insights into when to purchase older-gen products.” Apple typically releases its new devices around spring and late summer or fall, so those are good times to look for markdowns on last-gen devices.
When is the best time to buy a MacBook or iMac?
The best time to buy laptops, including MacBooks, is with Apple’s back-to-school discounts. Though the discounts change every year, in previous years, students who qualified received 20% off an Apple Care plan and free Apple gift cards of up to $150. If you need a new computer and don’t qualify for a back-to-school discount, McGrath recommends shopping Labor Day sales. “Labor Day weekend intersects with some back-to-school electronics sales, so it’s a good time to shop for a laptop, tablet or desktop.”
Like buying a MacBook, the best time to buy an iMac is when Apple offers back-to-school discounts. However, waiting for a holiday is the best plan if you aren’t a student. You can always score a discount on Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday and between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
When is the best time to buy an Apple Watch?
Thankfully, Apple Watches get fairly frequent discounts throughout the year. As with iPhones, the best time to buy an Apple Watch is usually after a new model is released. Big seasonal sales like Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Amazon Prime Day are also smart times to shop for one of these popular wearables.
Deals are more common on flagship models like the Apple Watch Series 9 and its budget-friendly sibling, the Apple Watch SE. Discounts are less frequent (and often not as great) for the higher-end Apple Watch Ultra, but keep your eyes peeled when the huge annual sales roll around—you might get lucky.
When is the best time to buy AirPods and Apple TV?
The best times to buy AirPods are Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Amazon Prime Day. “This year, we saw a good amount of AirPod deals on Amazon—including 32% off Apple AirPods Pro Wireless Earbuds,” McGrath says. Once you buy a pair, it’s important to keep your AirPods clean.
The best time to buy Apple TV is Black Friday. “Apple typically holds a Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale, where you can find deals on all types of Apple products—including Apple TV,” McGrath says.
| Best time to buy an iPad | Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday |
| Best time to buy an iPhone | September, October, Black Friday and Cyber Monday |
| Best time to buy a MacBook | August and Labor Day |
| Best time to buy an iMac | Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday and between Christmas and New Year’s Day |
| Best time to buy AirPods | Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday |
| Best time to buy an Apple Watch | Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday |
| Best time to buy Apple TV | Black Friday and Cyber Monday |
When is the worst time to buy Apple products?
If temperatures are high, the cost will also likely be. “The summer months of July, August and early September are known to be the worse time to buy an iPhone. This is because Apple typically reveals new iPhone models in September. Once a new model launches, older models tend to go on sale,” explains McGrath. That goes for iPads and MacBooks as well.
Three ways to save when buying Apple products
Generally, the best time to buy Apple products is when they go on sale, but if there isn’t a sale, there are still ways to save money.
- Shop around. “You might be tempted to start at the Apple Store, but it rarely offers discounts on its products,” notes McGrath. Even at other stores, Black Friday deals often include an Apple gift card with your purchase. These are most frequently available at authorized retailers, including Best Buy, Costco, Target and Walmart.
- Look for certified refurbished products. Drewe reminds shoppers, “It’s worth noting that Apple has a certified refurbished section on their website where they sell ‘like-new’ iPads, iPhones, MacBooks and more at significantly reduced prices.”
- Check with your cellphone provider. Many offer deals on iPhones and iPads, especially when you trade in an older model.
Tips for buying refurbished Apple products
If there are no good iPad deals or sales going on, you can always save cash by purchasing a refurbished model. “Not only do these products typically work as well as a newer item, but shoppers can also save a good amount of money on their purchase by choosing a refurbished version over a new one,” explains McGrath. Apple, Amazon and Best Buy sell refurbished products. However, it’s important to check the warranty, tech support and other policies before you buy.
If you are tempted to buy a used Apple product from Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp, have a certified Apple Technician inspect it before you seal the deal. This is especially important for more expensive products like MacBooks and iPhones.
If you’re still unsure about buying a refurbished product, consider buying an “open box” item instead. These are usually returns from customers who likely changed their minds or simply purchased the wrong item. Retailers inspect these open-box products to make sure they are in working order, and they’re then offered at a discount.
While Apple products aren’t normally discounted, there are ways to get discounts if you know the best time to buy Apple products. However, if you need to buy a larger-ticket item immediately, like a new MacBook or iPhone, there are still ways to get discounts or find a model within your budget. Planning to do even more shopping? Keep reading to learn the best time to buy TVs, appliances, small appliances and just about everything else.
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Sources:
- Kristin McGrath, shopping expert and editor of The Real Deal by RetailMeNot
- Nick Drewe, shopping expert and founder of coupon site WeThrift
- Wirecutter, “When’s the Best Time to Buy Apple Gadgets?”
Originally Published: July 26, 2022
