If you’ve been holding out for a last-minute holiday gadget score, this week’s sales are a tidy reminder that last year’s “flagship” can still feel like a steal. Retailers are clearing inventory ahead of the new year, and that means some surprisingly deep markdowns across Apple’s wearables, earbuds and a handful of phones and Macs.
What’s on sale right now
- Apple Watch Ultra 2: Best Buy and Amazon have multiple Ultra 2 titanium models down about $250 from launch — bringing many configurations to roughly $549–$550 (previously $799). Some premium bundles with Milanese loops show up around $649 (was $899).
- Apple Watch Series 11: The newest Series 11 is at a record low in several places — $299 for the 42mm (a $100 drop). Best Buy, Amazon and Target all surfaced variations of that price during the holiday stretch.
- AirPods and EarPods: If wired earbuds are your thing, Apple’s EarPods (USB‑C, Lightning or 3.5mm) have been listed near $10. Wireless deals include AirPods Pro 3 around $209–$210 and AirPods 4/with ANC at deeply reduced prices in some retailers.
- M4 Mac mini: Amazon and other outlets are holding the M4 Mac mini at Black Friday-like pricing, with base models around $479.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max (renewed): Amazon Renewed Premium has slashed prices on top-capacity iPhone 16 Pro Max 1TB units — listings have appeared in the high‑$900s (roughly $987–$998), which is up to about $600 off the original list price. These units are sold and fulfilled by Amazon under their Renewed Premium umbrella, which includes a 1‑year warranty on qualifying listings.
- Apple Trail Loop band (2025 black): The newer Trail Loop with dual black/charcoal weave dropped to an Amazon all‑time low of about $84.65 (regularly $99), if you’re hunting for a fresh strap without paying full price.
- Confirm ship dates if you need Christmas delivery; many retailers label eligible units with “Get it by Christmas” but inventory moves fast.
- For Renewed purchases, buy direct from Amazon (or the Renewed seller with Amazon fulfillment) to secure the stated warranty.
- Match SKU and band/case color carefully — some deeply discounted Ultra 2 SKUs are specific to black or natural titanium finishes.
- Keep devices up to date. Apple and Google patched targeted WebKit and ANGLE exploits this fall, so if you pick up a new device or watch, install the latest OS updates as soon as you set it up: see recent coverage of those security fixes for context here.
- Looking for an Apple Watch specifically? The current markdowns make the Ultra 2 and Series 11 worth comparing: Apple Watch.
- If a compact desktop is your holiday goal, the M4 Mac mini remains near Black Friday lows: M4 Mac mini.
- Want earbuds? Some of the best AirPods prices are live now: AirPods.
Why these discounts matter
Two things are at play: product cycles and holiday inventory moves. The Apple Watch Ultra 3’s arrival softened demand for the Ultra 2, but the Ultra 2 is still a rugged, fully capable sports watch — dual‑frequency GPS, long battery modes, sapphire and titanium durability — so the savings are meaningful for anyone who wants pro features without the newest model premium.
Similarly, the Series 11 deal makes Apple’s latest mainstream watch unusually affordable: it preserves many headline features (health sensors, improved battery life and new watchOS additions) while undercutting the usual entry price.
If you’re price-conscious but want a large iPhone, the Renewed Premium iPhone 16 Pro Max listings are worth a look. Amazon’s program targets “like‑new” condition devices with seller and fulfillment guarantees — still, double-check the seller, warranty terms and return window before you buy.
Quick buying checklist (so you don’t regret it later)
A word on value vs. repair costs
There’s always a tradeoff between score-hunting and long-term ownership costs. Buying a discounted previous-generation flagship can be smart, but if you prefer a phone or watch that’s easy and inexpensive to fix, factor repair and battery-replacement costs into the math. For context on how repair bills can quickly eclipse savings on unusual hardware, consider the way some foldables’ repair costs outstrip discounts; it’s an argument for balancing up-front savings against expected lifetime maintenance here.
Where to click
If you’re leaning toward a watch or earbuds today, check the Apple Watch options and the AirPods pricing while stock lasts: the discounts are live at major retailers and Amazon. The Ultra 2 and Series 11 deals are especially time‑sensitive, and bundle/configuration pricing varies by seller — so if you see the model and band you want, don’t assume it will sit there tomorrow.
Deals move and inventories shift fast this time of year — sometimes gently, sometimes in a single price change. Scan seller details, confirm returns and warranty coverage, then decide: upgrade now, or wait for the next round of markdowns?