U.S. News takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.
Apple is known for the sleek style and design of its MacBook laptops, iPads, and iMacs. But that's often accompanied by a high price tag. The lowest starting price of any MacBook, after all, is $999. This reality sends many Apple shoppers on a quest for any decent discount they can find.
The best way to find the biggest discounts in December is to follow the sales at Apple-authorized retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart. Since Apple usually doesn't offer discounts at its own stores or on its website, except for students, shopping at Apple-authorized retailers during sales events is the best way to find a good deal on a new set of AirPods, an Apple Watch, or a MacBook Pro. All of these stores will be offering good discounts this month, looking to capture consumers on the hunt for dual during holiday sales. Also, look for clearance deals after the holidays are over.
Expect to see continuing discounts related to the older models of iPhones like the iPhone 14 now that Apple is shipping the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The company also released the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, which means lower prices for the Apple Watch 8 and first-generation Ultra at authorized retailers. Previous models of MacBook Pro laptops and iMac desktops, now that Apple has newer models based on the new M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips.
Before making an investment in an Apple product, do a bit of research. On an expensive item like a laptop, you want to make sure you're getting one that best fits your needs. If you're unsure, take a look at our advice on how to buy a laptop.
Today’s Best Apple Sales
- Apple Certified Refurbished: up to 15% off the original price
- Apple Education Store: up to 10% off or more for college students and teachers of all grades
- Apple Veterans and Military Purchase Program: 10% off for active military, veterans, National Guard members, and reservists, as well as their immediate family members
- Amazon: 10% to 20% off MacBooks
- Best Buy: MacBooks starting at $949
- Walmart: up to $60 off AirPods, up to $100 off or more on iPhones, $80 off a select iPad model, and more
- Adorama: up to $1,000 off MacBook Pro models
- B&H: discounts starting at $100 off MacBooks as well as student discounts through its EDU Advantage program
- Target: 5% off for Target RedCard holders
Best Apple Deals Going On Right Now
If you're looking for a good price on a new MacBook, iPad, or AirPods, these are some of the best places to score good deals:
The Apple Store traditionally doesn't run sales, nor does it give discounts on any of its new products, such as the 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M3 chip. It does, however, offer up to 15% off when you buy products in its Certified Refurbished store.
The products found here were returned to Apple, repaired (if necessary), retested, cleaned, and inspected. Additionally, iOS devices such as iPhones and iPads get new batteries and outer shells. These products carry a one-year warranty and 90 days of technical support, and they're eligible for the AppleCare+ extended warranty.
All year long college students and teachers of all grades get an average of 10% off and 20% off AppleCare+ for purchased devices when they verify their school affiliation. This offer is also available to teachers at any level.
Amazon often offers discounts on Apple products that match competitors' sale prices, and sometimes it offers the lowest price online. If the competition offers deep discounts on Apple MacBook Air models and Apple Watches, Amazon is likely to match them. Look for some of the best discounts all month long as holiday sales continue, especially on devices like Airpods, iPads, Apple Watch, and the Apple TV.
Best Buy frequently offers discounts on Apple products. Look for discounts that compete with or match prices on laptops and iPads. The holiday season is Best Buy's biggest sales period, but you may also find deals, afterward.
Walmart's best deals on Apple products like AirPods and Apple Watches tend to match the best prices at Best Buy and Amazon. If Best Buy offers a sale price on an Apple product, Walmart will likely match it and sometimes beat it. Walmart's Apple deals won't be as strong as its Black Friday and Cyber Monday prices, but this is still the best time of year to get deep discounts on electronics from this large retailer.
This Apple-authorized reseller has one store in New York City but ships products across the U.S., with most Apple products shipping for free. Adorama often offers instant rebates, such as $100 off a MacBook Air with the M2 processor. These offers sometimes include bundle deals, such as $20 off the additional purchase of Adobe Photoshop Elements 2023.
The retailer also offers a number of open-box deals, which are models that have been returned but are in working condition.
B&H
B&H is another single-store retailer with a national mail-order presence. It commonly offers discounts on Apple MacBooks, AirPods, iPads, and Beats headphones. During December, B&H will be promoting low prices and free expedited shipping. While B&H's prices are often matched by the larger retailers, it often shines by offering faster and more reliable shipping options.
Find Apple Coupons Online
If you're looking for coupon codes for the Apple Store, they don't exist. Apple-authorized retailers may have some, though, so check those websites to find out what extra discounts or promo codes they may be offering.
You can also check U.S. News Deals for the latest promotions on a variety of brands.
Apple Deals – Tips To Save
Here are some ways you can save when shopping for Apple products:
Trade in your old device
Apple offers trade-in value for older devices in the form of a credit toward a new purchase or an Apple gift card. Some retailers offer this as well. Best Buy, Adorama, and B&H all offer trade-in programs.
Shop refurbished products
A possible way to save money on buying something like a 16-inch Apple MacBook Pro or iPhone is to purchase from Apple's Certified Refurbished store. Here you can buy a MacBook, iPad, and other products for up to 15% off the list price.
Refurbished products come with a one-year warranty and are eligible for the AppleCare+ extended warranty.
Use a credit card with rewards
Paying with a credit card that offers cashback is a great way to get a retroactive discount. Also, Apple Card users get 3% cash back on purchases from the Apple Store.
Spend a little more to get the M1, M2, or M3 processor
In 2020, Apple began using its own brand of built-in processors for its MacBooks, iMacs, and iPads. This new line of M1, M2, and newly released M3 chips has been very well reviewed for performance.
Now that these chips have been on the market for more than two years, you may want to focus your deal search on models that feature them.
More Deals To Save
Learn More
Why You Can Trust Us
At U.S. News & World Report, we rank the Best Hospitals, Best Colleges, and Best Cars to guide readers through some of life’s most complicated decisions. Our 360 Reviews team draws on this same unbiased approach to rate tech products that you use every day. The team doesn't keep samples, gifts, or loans of products or services we review. In addition, we maintain a separate business team that has no influence over our methodology or recommendations.
