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Amazon is gearing up for its big fall Prime Day event — scheduled for October 8 through October 9 — and though those dates are just around the corner, there are some early deals worth shopping for right now, especially when they are discounts on brands like Apple, which aren’t always easy to come by. There are prices on the bestselling brands, starting at just $25 on some items, like the Apple AirTag. AirTags are also one of our top picks for tracking devices that are great to help you from losing your stuff.
If you’ve been thinking about a new tablet or updating a previous version, the 9th generation iPad is just $199 — the lowest it’s been, maybe ever. And even though it is technically an older model, it is still one of the best tablets, according to our in-house tech expert. AirPods are also fair game, with savings of up to $90 on the standard, Pro and Max models. One of Apple’s most affordable (and helpful) releases of all time is the AirTag. Right now, you can grab one for $25, down from $29, or a pack of four for $79, down from $99. (By the way, did you know that AirTags have batteries? When it’s time to replace them, grab this trusted 12-pack for just $6.)
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There will be no shortage of deals, but with these low prices, we can’t imagine seeing these particular products drop any lower during the Prime Day event.
The best Prime Day AirPods deals
You’d be hard-pressed to step outside and not find someone rocking these earbuds. They have so much going for them: they’re Apple’s most affordable AirPods and boast over 24 hours of battery life on a single charge. They’re not the newest ‘Pods on the block (they were released in 2019), but at this price, no big deal!
“Best wireless earbuds I’ve ever owned,” one five-star reviewer wrote. “The sound quality is outstanding. … Whether I’m listening to my favorite tunes, taking an important call, or catching up on the latest podcast, the sound is always top-notch.”
Over 10,000 Amazon shoppers bought these earbuds in the past month, so it may be an understatement to say they’re a customer favorite. Released just this year, they come with more features than you may expect given their tiny package: active-noise cancellation, transparency mode, USB-C charging and a comfy, snug fit. This is the most affordable they’ve been in weeks.
“The noise cancellation amazed me,” one shopper wrote. “I have a window A/C unit to cool my office and when I put these in, I thought it turned off. It took me two or three times of taking them in and out of my ear to realize the headphones were eliminating the sound.”
Named the best headphones for Apple die-hards by our senior tech writer, Rick Broida, these combine style and performance in a unique package (literally) — they come in a special carrying cover as opposed to a case.
“Best headphones ever,” wrote one impressed reviewer. “Recently had a root canal done, and didn’t hear a thing (my dentist said that was a first in his experience). They cancel the noise I don’t want to hear and provide superb sound for music I do want to hear.”
The best Prime Day iPad deals
Don’t let its release date fool you — though this iPad first burst onto the scene in 2021, it’s still one of the best tablets on the market, ideal for everything from working to playing. And, good news: it’s back to its all-time lowest price!
“The battery life is great for note-taking,” one reviewer wrote. “It’s super light to carry around and the space gray color I chose is so sleek and classy. It took me about five minutes to set it up.”
Save $130 Lowest price ever
Broida dubbed this iPad the best overall tablet of 2024, so if you’re looking for the cream of the crop, grab it now while it’s on sale. It comes with a one-year warranty, boasts up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge and has a 10.9-inch screen and 64GB storage. Just back in August, the price rose to $327, so now’s a good time to snag it before that happens again.
“[It] seamlessly pairs with the rest of my Apple devices,” one impressed shopper wrote. “Build quality is great as all Apple devices are. … Charges via USB-C and includes a nice braided charger. Screen is great, speakers are clear and battery is long-lasting.”
If traditional iPads are a bit too cumbersome for your daily routine, the smaller, more approachable Mini may be right up your alley. It’s only 8.3 inches wide and is small enough to hold with just one hand. It’s also just a few bucks above the lowest price it’s been all year.
“I never realized how much I needed an iPad until I got this. The Mini is so cute and it fits in my medium size purse. There’s nothing it can’t do that the newer or bigger ones can’t. Easy to travel with. Easy to use and high performance,” wrote one fan.
The best Prime Day MacBook deals
Though it was released a couple of years ago, this MacBook Air is just as lightweight as its newer cousins and doesn’t skimp on power thanks to its M2 chip. This is only $49 more than its all-time lowest price, so we recommend taking advantage of this deal while you still can.
“Eighteen hours of battery life is not just marketing. The speed of the M2 is snappy and can handle much more than I thought it would,” raved one shopper. “The new screen is gorgeous. Trackpad is the best on the market bar none.”
This model, powered by Apple’s ultra-fast M3 chip, was released this year, so we’re surprised to find it on sale — especially at a $170 discount. This isn’t its all-time lowest price, but it’s still pretty impressive. It’s also one of the thinnest and lightest laptops you’ll find, so can you really go wrong?
“I am in love with this laptop,” said one reviewer. “[It’s] a complete game changer. I am usually a PC guy but I ended up getting a Mac to change things up. … The M3 chip is also insanely fast and the extra RAM definitely helps me browse more things at once. … Would recommend completely!”
The best Prime Day AirTag deals
If you’re guilty of being a little (or very) forgetful, an AirTag may just be that piece of tech you didn’t know you needed. It doesn’t feel or look too “techy.” In fact, it’s completely uncomplicated. Just attach it to whatever you tend to misplace often or need to keep track of, like your wallet, keys or even your luggage. You’ll always know where it is using the “Find My” app in your phone. It’s also among our picks for the best Bluetooth trackers on the market.
“I use these for everything as a chronic misplacer,” one shopper admitted. “My most recent purchase was for my cat’s collar because she hides all over the house. It provides great peace of mind!”
Have more than a wallet, a pet or a piece of luggage to keep track of? This set of four gives you so much more bang for your buck.
“First, we bought one Apple AirTag for my husband’s wallet. Then we bought a second one for his car keys,” one reviewer wrote. “Now, we have a four-pack, which is cheaper, for our golf bags and checked roller bags.”
The best Prime Day Apple Watch deals
If you’ve been waiting for an Apple Watch to go on major sale, this deal may be the answer to your wishes. This 2023-released SE has everything you need, from trackers for your heart rate and steps to crash detection. This is only $20 above the lowest price we’ve ever seen.
“I’ve had this watch for a couple of months and cannot say enough good things!” said one five-star reviewer. “It makes it easy to track workouts and heart rate. Very easy to set up and use, not to mention the battery lasts me two days! Don’t know how I lived without it! Also great for easily seeing my notifications when I’m working from home! Love being able to see work things while moving around my house.”
If you have a little more to spend, thisi Apple Watch is worth the investment. Released this year, it boasts an always-on Retina display and comes with useful features like ECG apps, a fitness tracker and more. While this isn’t the lowest it’s been all year, its current sale price isn’t too shabby.
“I was like, ‘What’s the hubbub about these watches?’… until I got one,” this five-star reviewer said. “I am one that really needs in-your-face reminders and this thing reminds me by giving me a vibration so I never miss my reminders. I really like that.”
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication. If you’re looking for any shopping advice, drop us a line at shopping.editors@aol.com and our Shopping Editors will be in touch!