Apple has finally pulled the curtain on its Black Friday 2025 deals, and if you were hoping for something wild this year, well… it’s the same gift card promo we’ve been getting for a while.
But honestly, with Apple, getting anything that resembles a discount still feels like a small win. The event runs from November 28 to Cyber Monday, so this is the one stretch of the year where shopping directly from Apple doesn’t feel completely pointless.
Still, let’s break down what’s actually worth paying attention to.
The Gift Card Situation (A.K.A. Apple’s Annual Tradition)
Apple is giving out gift cards ranging from $25 to $250 based on the product you buy. Nothing shocking here, but at least the amounts are decent this time around.
Here’s the rundown:
$25 Gift Card
- Magic Keyboard for iPad Air
- Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad (A16)
- Apple Pencil
$50 Gift Card (Beats + Home)
- Beats Studio Pro
- Powerbeats Pro 2
- Beats Solo 4
- Beats Studio Buds+
- Beats Pill
- HomePod
- Apple TV 4K
$50 Gift Card for Apple Watch
- Apple Watch Series 11
- Apple Watch SE 3
$75 Gift Card (iPhone + AirPods)
- iPhone 16 or iPhone 16e
- AirPods Max
- AirPods Pro 3
- AirPods 4
$100 Gift Card
- iPad Air
- iPad (A16)
- iPad mini
$250 Gift Card
- MacBook Pro with M4 Pro or M4 Max
- MacBook Air
- iMac
- Mac mini
If you’re eyeing a Mac, that $250 gift card is the best deal Apple offers all year. Just remember to actually use the card afterward, which half of us forget until Apple sends the “Hey, do you still want this?” email.
The Not-So-Fun Part: What’s Missing
Here’s the part that might annoy some people. Apple is only offering gift cards on the iPhone 16 and 16e.
So if you wanted:
- iPhone 17
- iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 17 Pro Max
- iPhone Air
You’re out of luck. Apple doesn’t discount the newest iPhones directly, and it’s sticking to that pattern. So your best chance for deals on the 17 series is going to be Amazon, carriers, or retailers… basically anywhere except the Apple Store.
A Small Bonus: Apple TV+ Deal
Apple also announced a streaming deal: six months of Apple TV+ for $5.99 per month. That’s not a crazy steal, but if you’ve been meaning to check out the new shows without paying full price, this is a decent window to jump in.
Related: AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 With ANC Hit Their Lowest Prices for Black Friday Week
So, Is Apple’s Black Friday Sale Worth It?
If you’re planning to buy a Mac, an iPad, or any of the older iPhones, absolutely. The gift card amounts can actually make a difference once you use them toward accessories or services.
But if your goal is to score a discount on the newest iPhones or iPads, Apple’s store is not where the magic happens. Retailers will almost always beat them in real dollar savings.
Still, a free $250 gift card for a Mac? Not bad for a company that rarely plays the discount game.
