As Black Friday approaches on November 29, 2024, Apple has unveiled its promotional plans, which will focus on offering bundled Apple Gift Cards instead of direct price discounts. The gift card values will range from $25 to $200, depending on the product, and can be used for future Apple purchases. This approach allows customers to make use of the cards when buying additional items, although critics argue that it falls short of the substantial price cuts offered by other retailers.
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Here are the key details of Apple’s 2024 Black Friday gift card promotions:
- iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone SE: Up to $75 gift card
- M3 and M2 MacBook Air (13-inch and 15-inch): Up to $200 gift card
- iPad, iPad Air, iPad Pro: Up to $100 gift card
- Apple Watch SE: $50 gift card
- AirPods Max, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4: Up to $75 gift card
- Apple TV 4K, HomePod: $50 gift card
- Beats products: Up to $50 gift card
- Accessories (Magic Keyboard, Apple Pencil, Smart Folios, etc.): $25 gift card
Notably, several popular Apple products are missing from the promotion, with no gift cards offered for:
- MacBook Pro
- Mac mini
- iMac
- iPad mini
- Apple Watch Series 10, Ultra 2, Nike, or Hermès editions
- iPhone 16 models
This has created an opportunity for resellers, including Amazon, which is offering discounts like up to $100 off the M4 Mac mini, as well as other significant deals on Apple products.
While Apple’s strategy may appeal to its loyal customer base, critics contend that it doesn’t match the immediate value offered by resellers’ direct discounts, which often sell out quickly. Apple may still add more products to its gift card promotion list, but for now, those seeking direct price reductions may find better deals through third-party sellers.
Shoppers are advised to monitor real-time updates as Black Friday approaches to secure the best deals on Apple products.
