01. iPad deals
02. MacBook deals
03. iMac deals
04. Apple Pencil deals
05. Apple Watch deals
06. Airpods deals
07. iPhone deals
It's hard to resist the best Apple deals when they show themselves. Apple products are sought after because they're beautifully designed and do their job really well, which means you'll always have to pay a premium price for the premium piece of Apple kit. But there are still deals to be had!
We've gathered a list of our favourite Apple products to point you in the right direction for the best Apple deals right now on the internet. With our handy price comparison technology, all the deals listed below are the current best prices you'll find on the top Apple products. Keep reading to see what bargains await you – including early offers for Apple's brand-new iMac 24-inch M1.
Best Apple deals: iPads
The best Apple deals: iPad
Apple's philosophy when it comes to the original iPad is: if ain't broke, don't fix it – just add a few new features and keep the price point low. At first glance, the iPad (2020) looks exactly the same as last year's iteration. While that may be true on the surface level, it's under the hood where we find one key difference.
The 8th generation iPad (2020) features an Apple A12 Bionic CPU with Neural Engine, a definite upgrade over the iPad (2019) and its outdated A10 CPU. Along with great battery life, Apple Pencil support, and a crisp Retina display, the iPad (2020) is an excellent value buy for creatives. Just make sure to go for the 128GB model, as 32GB simply isn't enough storage in this day and age.
If you're after one of the best Apple deals on a tablet but your budget is limited, it's hard to go wrong with the entry-level iPad 10.2-inch. While it lacks in comparison to more upmarket models – it doesn't have the lightness of the Air or the sheer power and versatility of the Pro range – it's nevertheless a perfectly serviceable tablet that'll handle pretty much everything you throw at it.
It supports the first-gen Apple Pencil, making it an effective drawing and painting tool, although its now-ageing A10 processor means it might struggle with complex multi-layered images. And while the basic model looks like a bargain, you'll quickly burn through its 32GB of storage. Bite the bullet and go for the 128GB option. Oh, and don't forget to grab yourself a cheap Apple Pencil deal at the same time.
The best Apple deals: iPad Pro
Right at the other end of the iPad scale we have this, the mighty 12.9-inch iPad Pro that's pitched by Apple as being an actual alternative to a computer. And this time around we can almost believe the hype; pair it with Apple's Magic Keyboard and you have a proper multi-tasking productivity machine complete with a trackpad for a more laptop-like user experience.
With an A12Z Bionic CPU as well as an eight-core GPU, it's a powerful beast that's suitable for the likes of 4K video editing, 3D and AR, and its 12.9-inch display is gorgeously crisp and incredibly smooth, thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate. It even has a LiDAR scanner augmenting its dual cameras, making it a perfect AR platform.
It's not cheap. However, if you crave its power and aren't too fussed about the size, the 11-inch model does exactly the same in a smaller format and costs $200/£200 less. Whatever Apple says, we don't believe it quite matches the versatility of a full-fat computer; as a tablet, though, it's impossible to beat.
The best Apple deals: iPad Air
The iPad Air (2020) is the perfect compromise between the classic iPad and the Pro. Specs-wise, it's more impressive than the entry-level iPad, but cost-wise it won't set you back as much as the Pro – even with the price increase over the previous Air.
The 4th generation iPad Air features Apple's A14 Bionic chipset with Neural Engine, Liquid Retina display, and dual cameras (12MP rear, 7MP front). The iPad Air has many of the screen and CPU specs of the iPad Pro. However, the Air's smaller 10.2-inch screen size and lack of facial recognition are just a couple of areas that justify its lower price.
With the best Apple deals dipping to around the $540/£540 range not even nine months after its release, the iPad Air is really excellent value for money.
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Best Apple deals: MacBook
The best Apple deals: MacBook Air M1
For anyone who wants a powerful, affordable, and lightweight laptop for creative work, look no further than the MacBook Air (M1, 2020). Apple's latest MacBook Air combines a sleek and stylish design with plenty of power and performance to handle the most demanding of creative tasks.
What makes this MacBook Air stand out apart from its predecessors? For starters, there's Apple's M1 chip with an 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU. Together with the ultra-responsive macOS Big Sur, all-day battery life, and 13.3-inch Retina display with P3 wide colour gamut support, the MacBook Air is a powerhouse of a creative laptop in a lightweight package.
If the MacBook Pro is out of your price range, go with the new MacBook Air M1 instead. You won't be disappointed.
The best Apple deals: MacBook Pro M1
The MacBook Pro M1 is the first of Apple’s professional laptops to come with its new M1 chip, rather than Intel hardware. The result is a powerful machine that's capable of handling heavy design and video editing tasks with relative ease.
Design-wise, the MacBook Pro M1 doesn't deviate from its previous iteration – which isn't necessarily a bad thing but might be disappointing for anyone who expected a more obvious refresh. However, it's the performance of this MacBook Pro that's worth talking about here. It features Apple's 8-core M1 chip with integrated 8GB graphics, macOS Big Sur (which can also run iOS apps), and all-day battery life.
Perhaps the one glaring pain point is a lack of ports. The MacBook Pro M1 only has two Thunderbolt 3 ports plus an audio jack. As long as you don't mind springing for an adaptor to hook up your monitor or other hardware, the MacBook Pro M1 is well worth the investment for creative professionals.
The best Apple deals: 16-inch MacBook Pro
For anyone who prefers a laptop workflow but also demands maximum screen size, the 16-inch MacBook Pro, launched in 2019, is a solid option. Superseding the old 15-inch model (which you can still find for sale if you fancy a bargain and aren't worried about that extra inch), it's an all-around creative powerhouse that can cope with heavyweight tasks in its more high-end (and expensive) configurations.
Its 16-inch Retina display is to die for and the keyboard, with scissor switches instead of the unreliable butterfly switches in previous models, is a huge improvement. The only issue is the price; even if you find a discount, you're still going to end up paying a lot for this 16-incher, in which case you might prefer to settle for the much more reasonable 13-inch model.
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Best Apple deals: iMac
The best Apple deals: iMac M1
Apple's all-new, ultra-thin iMac M1 is now here in your choice of six colours. The aesthetics are certainly eye-catching, but how about the specs? Well, that depends.
If you need a new workstation for pro-level creative work, the iMac M1 might not be able to keep up with what you need. Sure, the 24-inch 4.5K display is gorgeous, and Apple's M1 chip has proven to be a more-than-capable CPU. However, the iMac M1 maxes out at 16GB RAM and only features integrated graphics – valid reasons for creative pros to give pause and consider Apple's beefier iMac Pro instead.
Still, for low-to-moderate design work and general computing, the iMac M1 is quite solid. It's set to release in the latter half of May, so keep your eye on any pre-order specials. You can also check out our Apple iMac M1 review.
The best Apple deals: iMac deals
If it's a desktop Mac that you require, Apple has an iMac to suit. The basic 21.5-inch iMac model is probably just a little too basic for most creatives, with its HD sRGB display, 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 CPU and Intel Iris Plus graphics; you'll want to spend extra for the 4K P3 display with a more powerful processor and Radeon Pro graphics.
For ultimate desktop swag, though, it's the 27-inch iMac model you should be looking at, with its gloriously sharp and bright 5K display. Again it comes in a variety of configurations, enabling you to pick the right amount of power for your line of work, and right now it's part of the very best Apple deals around.
The only real downside to the iMac is the mouse with its charging port on the underside, meaning you can't charge and use it at the same time; keep it topped up overnight. And whichever spec you choose, we'd recommend upgrading the amount of memory; every model comes with 8GB RAM, and for serious creative work then we'd advise increasing that to a more roomy 16GB.
The best Apple deals: iMac Pro
Let's be clear about this: you probably don't need an iMac Pro. For sure, it's an immensely desirable piece of Apple kit, with its 27-inch Retina 5K display and Space Grey styling that marks it apart from the rest of the iMac range, but its breathtaking specs – and the heart-stopping price tag that comes with them – are way above and beyond what most designers are ever likely to need.
If you're working regularly with full-frame photography, high-end video or rich 3D environments, there may be a case for choosing the iMac Pro; realistically you're unlikely to ever use a fraction of its workstation-level power. But as we said in our iMac Pro review, your decision to buy should be based on a simple calculation as to whether the iMac Pro will make you more money than it costs.
Best Apple deals: Apple Pencil
The original Apple Pencil was first released back in 2015, and its quality has seen it retain its value to this day. However, whether you can use this on your iPad depends on what model you have, which is where its performance becomes very limited. This first generation Apple Pencil is supported by the iPad 10.2-inch (2019), iPad mini (2019) and iPad Air (2019) from the current line-up. So, if your iPad is anything other than those three models, you're looking at getting the second, more expensive generation Apple Pencil.
This version has a glossy, plastic finish to it – a material that lends itself well to grease and fingerprints, which can affect the quality of the grip. Its totally circular design also means it's prone to rolling away.
If you have anything other than a standard iPad or older iPad Air, you'll need a second generation Apple Pencil. While it may cost a bit more than the original, it isn't a bad thing as the second version in this small product line-up includes a number of welcome features it's older sibling wasn't fortunate enough to have.
For example, the second gen Apple Pencil saw Apple ditch the totally circular design and instead opt for a flat edge, which not only meant it didn't roll, but it could be attached to an iPad itself via magnets for wireless charging (not to mention somewhere to keep it safe). The second gen Apple Pencil also saw the introduction of a new matte finish, giving it a much more authentic wooden pencil feel, and making it nicer to hold and easier to grip.
Best Apple deals: Apple Watch
Best Apple deals: Apple Watch Series 6
Much like the Apple Watch 5 before it, September 2020's launch of the Apple Watch Series 6 comes with an always-on screen, which is a really great feature, especially when we're talking about a display as detailed as this one! To preserve battery life, previous iterations of the Watch kept the display mostly off, requiring you to do the Apple hand-jive to see the time. No more! With the Watch 6, the big step forward is the Blood Oxygen monitoring – perfect if you want to keep on top of your fitness / wellbeing.
As well as the Series 6's always-on display, it also offers ceramic, stainless steel and ceramic cases on top of the existing aluminium option, and you also get fresh goodies such as an ECG app, international emergency calling, fall detection and even a compass. The battery life is a step up from the Watch 5, and with the S6 processor, everything just runs that bit quicker.
The price is still twice that of the still-great Watch 3, which happens to be receiving some hefty discounts at the moment, so we advise you look at both options (see below). And it was also released at the same time as the $100-less Apple Watch SE – also well worth a look. But rest assured, if you choose the Watch 6, you'll have a quality, cutting edge smartwatch on your wrist for many a year.
Best Apple deals: Apple Watch SE
If the Apple Watch Series 6 is too rich for your wallet but you want something more current than the Apple Watch Series 3, then the Apple Watch SE is for you. It's among Apple's most affordable watch offerings. While it may lack some more cutting-edge features – notably an always-on display – it does just enough for it to be a serviceable companion to your iPhone.
Like the Series 6, this mid-range Apple Watch includes 32GB of storage and runs watchOS 7. The SE has an S5 chipset, which is one notch down from the Series 6 and its S6 chipset. However, one area where the Apple Watch SE beats the Apple Watch Series 6 is battery life – a silver lining to that lack of always-on display.
If you don't need all the bells and whistles of the Series 6, go for the Apple Watch SE and save some cash on your brand-new smartwatch . You can put the extra money towards customising your new SE by picking up one of the best Apple Watch bands.
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Best Apple deals: Apple AirPods
Best Apple deals: AirPods
We've never been entirely convinced by Apple's AirPods. They look to us like they could fall out far too easily, and the lack of silicone ear tips makes us question just how good their audio quality actually is. You can't argue with popularity, though; since their launch they've become a much sought-after accessory and triggered a market for cheap fake AirPods that give you the look while not actually working.
Last year's update delivered improved audio quality, longer talk time, voice-activated Siri and an optional wireless charging case; if the latter's a clincher for you, we'd strongly advise paying a bit more for the far superior AirPods Pro.
Best Apple deals: AirPods Pro
It's lovely when an Apple product lives up to the hype. We initially laughed at the notion of AirPods Pro when they were launched last year, then we checked out the specs and features. It's those extra details such as the silicone ear tips, adaptive EQ, noise cancelling and transparency mode that made us realise that we definitely had to own a pair.
In classic Apple fashion, they just work. The noise-cancellation isn't perfect, but it's a lot better than you'd ever expect a pair of in-ears to be. Switching between that and transparency mode, which lets you hear everything that's going on around you, is as simple as squeezing one of the arms. And the fit is near perfect; it's easy to forget you're wearing them. We'd love a little more battery life, and changing the ear tips is a struggle until you learn the knack, but beyond that we can wholeheartedly recommend them, especially considering some of the price cuts available now.
Best Apple deals: AirPods Max
The Apple AirPods Max is a bit of a misnomer. Unlike the in-ear AirPods before them, the Max are over-ear headphones meant to rival the likes of higher-end models from Sony and Bose. Quite honestly, Apple has manufactured a strong contender.
The Apple AirPods Max are one of the best wireless noise-cancelling headphones you can buy...if you're already firmly planted in Apple's ecosystem. In addition to fantastically-balanced sound, the AirPods Max also include a variety of features exclusive to iOS such as always-on Siri, audio sharing across Apple devices, and Spatial Audio for an immersive experience whilst watching movies.
Could you use the Apple AirPods Max with, say, an Android phone? Sure, but you'll lose a range of features that'll make difficult to justify the Max's high price tag. If you want to level up your iPhone or iPad audio, however, it's hard to go wrong with the AirPods Max.
Best Apple deals: iPhone
The best Apple deals: iPhone 12
Apple is always happy to tempt us with bigger, more feature-packed models of the iPhone, but for our money the standard iPhone 12 is the best bet right now. It lacks the extra telephoto camera found on the Pro and Pro Max, it's only water resistant to two metres rather than four, and its display is Liquid Retina rather than the brighter, higher-res Super Retina XDR, but if you can live with that then its significantly lower price seals the deal.
The iPhone 12's wide and ultra-wide 12MP front cameras will suit most of your photographic needs, it'll shoot 4K video at 60fps, it has the same A14 Bionic chip as its more expensive siblings, and it comes in a range of much more alluring colours. If it's still a bit rich for your tastes, however, the new iPhone SE would be a fine budget alternative.
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