When Apple Inc. dropped its 2025 Black Friday Shopping Event details, tech shoppers didn’t just take notice—they started refreshing their browsers. The announcement, posted on apple.com/shop/gifts/shopping-event on October 15, 2025, revealed a holiday sale unlike any before: gift cards up to $250 for Mac buyers, deep discounts on AirPods and iPads, and retail deals so aggressive even Best Buy had to scramble to match them. The event runs from the 2025 Apple Black Friday Shopping EventCupertino, beginning at 12:00 a.m. PST on November 28 and ending Cyber Monday, December 1. This isn’t just a sale. It’s a statement.
What’s Actually on Sale—and How Much You’ll Save
Apple’s gift card structure is cleverly tiered. Buy a MacBook Pro with M4 Pro or M4 Max chips? You’re looking at a $250 gift card—enough to cover a new Magic Keyboard or two years of Apple TV+. For the MacBook Air, iMac, or Mac mini, the same $250 offer applies. It’s Apple’s way of nudging buyers toward its most profitable hardware, while still making the entry-level options feel irresistible.
iPhone buyers get $75 in credit. iPad Air, iPad (A16), and iPad mini shoppers can snag up to $100. Even the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch SE 3 come with $50. AirPods Max, Pro 3, and AirPods 4? $75. And here’s where it gets interesting: the YouTube tech reviewer with video ID gtqIjYBl4DM confirmed that AirPods 4 with ANC are dropping to $99—down from $179. That’s nearly half price. Meanwhile, the AirPods Pro 3 are already at $219 on Amazon, with rumors of deeper cuts coming.
Desktop and laptop deals are where the real savings live. According to the reviewer, the 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro with 24GB RAM and 1TB SSD is listed at $1,499—$300 off. The 16-inch M4 Pro model with 48GB RAM and 1TB SSD? $2,699, a $400 discount. Even the new 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro is falling to $1,399, just $200 off its launch price. And the MacBook Air 15-inch with 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD? $1,669. That’s $330 off. For context, that same machine retailed for $2,000 in June.
Best Buy’s Role and the 3,089-Product Avalanche
While Apple controls the gift card program, Best Buy is doing the heavy lifting on inventory. Their Black Friday Apple Deals page lists 3,089 Apple-related products, from iPhone 7 (yes, still available) to the latest AirPods Max (USB-C) bundles. They’re selling the 10.2-inch iPad 7th Gen for $199, the Beats Studio3 headphones for $199, and even the 140W USB-C Power Adapter for $59.99.
What’s surprising isn’t just the volume—it’s the mix. Apple doesn’t usually push older models this hard. But with the 2025 lineup already out, clearing out last year’s stock makes sense. The inclusion of the Smart Keyboard for iPad 10.5 inch and Apple Pencil Pro at $25 gift card value suggests Apple is bundling accessories to boost perceived value. And let’s not forget the Thunderbolt 4 and 5 docks from CalDigit, Anker, and OWC—discounts up to 50% that tech enthusiasts are already hoarding.
Trade-In, Streaming, and the Hidden Perks
Apple’s Apple Trade In program is being pushed harder than ever. You can trade in an old iPhone, iPad, or even a non-Apple laptop for credit that stacks with the gift card. One Reddit user reported trading a 2020 MacBook Air for $220—then added the $250 gift card to buy a new M4 Pro MacBook. Net cost? $1,229 for a machine that retails for $2,099.
And then there’s the streaming layer. The YouTube reviewer highlighted exclusive deals on HBO Max, Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, and Apple TV+ subscriptions—some bundled with device purchases. Even PlexPass is getting a 40% discount. It’s not just selling hardware anymore. Apple’s selling an ecosystem. And the price of entry has never been lower.
Why This Matters Beyond the Holiday Rush
This isn’t just Black Friday. It’s a signal. Apple’s margins on Macs and iPads have been under pressure as Windows and Android rivals offer similar specs at lower prices. By offering $250 gift cards instead of direct price cuts, Apple keeps its official pricing intact—protecting brand perception—while still delivering real savings. It’s a psychological win: you feel like you got a bonus, not a discount.
Also noteworthy: the timing. This event runs through Cyber Monday, not just Black Friday. That’s a shift from past years. Apple’s betting that shoppers will wait for the best online deals—and they’re giving them a reason to.
What’s Next? The Ripple Effects
Competitors won’t sit still. Samsung and Microsoft are already rumored to be preparing counter-deals for December 2. Retailers like Amazon and Walmart are expected to match Apple’s gift card structure—or better. But here’s the twist: Apple’s gift cards can’t be used for subscriptions or services. That means shoppers will likely spend the full $250 on accessories, AirPods, or another device. It’s a clever lock-in strategy.
And for consumers? This might be the best time in years to upgrade. Whether you’re holding onto an iPhone 12 or a 2021 MacBook Air, the value proposition is undeniable. The only question left: will you wait until Cyber Monday—or jump in at midnight on the 28th?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stack Apple’s gift card with Best Buy’s price cuts?
Yes—Apple’s gift card is separate from retailer discounts. If Best Buy drops the price of a MacBook Air to $1,599 and you get a $330 gift card from Apple, you effectively pay $1,269. You can also combine this with Apple Trade In for even deeper savings. Just buy the device from Best Buy, then register for the Apple gift card through apple.com.
Which Apple products offer the highest gift card value?
MacBook Pro (M4 Pro/Max), MacBook Air, iMac, and Mac mini all qualify for the maximum $250 Apple Gift Card. iPads get up to $100, iPhones $75, and AirPods Max/Pro 3 also get $75. The gift card value is tied to the product category, not the exact model—so even a base M4 MacBook Air gets the full $250 if purchased during the event window.
Are these deals available internationally?
No. The 2025 Black Friday Shopping Event and its gift card promotions are U.S.-only. Apple’s international stores may have separate holiday sales, but they won’t include the $250 gift cards or the same discount tiers. The YouTube reviewer’s pricing examples and Best Buy’s inventory are also U.S.-specific.
What if I miss the midnight launch on November 28?
You won’t miss out entirely. Apple’s gift cards are available through December 1, and Best Buy’s inventory is updated in real time. However, the most popular models—like the M4 MacBook Air with 32GB RAM and the AirPods Max—sell out within hours. If you wait until Sunday, you’ll likely be left with older configurations or color options.
Is the Apple TV+ discount worth it?
Yes—if you don’t already subscribe. Apple is bundling 3–6 months of Apple TV+ free with select purchases, and streaming services like Disney+ and Hulu are offering 50% off first-year subscriptions when bought with an Apple device. For families, that’s $100+ in annual savings. But note: these are time-limited offers, not permanent discounts.
Why is Apple offering gift cards instead of direct discounts?
It’s a branding play. Direct discounts can erode perceived value. Gift cards feel like a bonus, not a sale. They also encourage repeat purchases—$250 in Apple credit is likely to be spent on accessories, services, or another device. It keeps customers in the ecosystem longer and helps Apple track spending patterns without lowering its official price tags.
