Tech / Technology

35+ Early Black Friday Apple deals: iPads, iPhones, more

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Score early Black Friday deals on the AirPods Pro at their record-low price for an iPad mini or Air for $100 off.
person using apple pencil on ipad mini

Black Friday sales have already begun, bringing with them a bunch of Apple discounts. Here are our favorites as of Nov. 2:

Best early Black Friday Apple deals:
Best Mac deal

2022 MacBook Air (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD)

$899 at B&H
(Save $200)

2022 macbook air in midnight

Best iPad deal

2021 iPad (WiFi, 64GB)

$249 at Amazon and Walmart
(Save $80)

silver 2021 ipad

Best iPhone deal

iPhone 14 Plus at Verizon

$0 when you open a new line on select unlimited plans
(Save $799)

midnight iphone 14 plus

Best Apple Watch deal

Apple Watch SE (44mm, GPS)

$234.89 at Amazon
(Save $44.11)

midnight apple watch SE



Best AirPods deal

AirPods Pro (2nd gen)

$189 at Walmart
(Save $60)

airpods pro with case

Deals on Apple products actually aren’t too hard to find — if you know where and when to look. While you don’t have to wait for a shopping holiday to get savings on iPads, MacBooks, and more, Black Friday Apple deals tend to be some of the best of the year.

This year, Black Friday savings are in line with years past and starting nice and early, with Best Buy, Walmart, and more all running sales throughout the month before we officially hit Black Friday on Nov. 24.

SEE ALSO:

Black Friday sales are already live. Here are the best early deals we’ve found so far.

If you’re looking to save big on some new Apple gear this holiday season, you can start shopping now. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best Black Friday Apple deals that are already live.

Mac and MacBook deals


2022 macbook air in midnight

Credit: Apple


Our pick: 2022 MacBook Air (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD)

$899 at B&H (save $200)

Why we like it

Check out our full review of the M2 MacBook Air.

If you’re looking for a zippy work-from-home machine or the perfect school companion, look no further. Though Apple did just release the new M3 chip to its iMac and MacBook lineup, the M2 is still plenty powerful. You’ll also get 13.6 inches of display (as opposed to the 13.3 inches of the previous gen Air), a near-perfect keyboard, and best of all, this laptop at its lowest price ever.

More Mac and MacBook deals

MacBook Air

MacBook Pro

Mac

iPad deals


silver 2021 ipad

Credit: Apple


Our pick: 2021 iPad (WiFi, 64GB)

$249 at Amazon and Walmart

Why we like it

We’re not going to lie, this $249 price tag is far from a Black Friday exclusive. This tablet has hit this all-time low price a few times this year, including during last month’s Prime Day sale, but it’s also sat at higher price points of $279 and up. We wouldn’t recommend this tablet if you need anything more heavy-duty, but for a basic tablet that gets the job done, you’ll be saving at least $150 more than if you went for any other iPad. Grab it on sale at Amazon and Walmart.

More iPad deals

iPad (10th gen)

iPad (9th gen)

iPad Air

iPad mini

iPad Pro

SEE ALSO:

M3 iMac vs. M1 iMac: What are the differences?

iPhone deals


midnight iphone 14 plus

Credit: Apple


Our pick: iPhone 14 Plus at Verizon

$0 when you open a new line on select unlimited plans (save $799)

Why we like it

The iPhone 15 may be the shiniest new Apple toy, and while the deals on the phone certainly aren’t bad, they are contingent upon you having a decent trade-in. If you feel any doubt in your trade-in power, going for this Verizon deal on the 14 Plus requires none — only that you open a new line on select unlimited plans. Still some hoops, but far fewer to get an $800 phone basically for free.

More iPhone deals

Apple Watch deals


midnight apple watch SE

Credit: Apple


Our pick: Apple Watch SE (44mm, GPS)

$234.89 at Amazon (save $44.11)

Why we like it

The Apple Watch SE is an affordable option if you’re in the market for a smartwatch, but don’t need many fitness features. Usually, its price will dip down by $30 every now and then, which makes for a pretty decent deal, but Black Friday season has brought us something even better, with this 44mm SE that’s down almost $45. That’s roughly $5 away from its lowest price ever (that we’ve only seen it hit once). If you want to avoid the Black Friday madness and don’t mind opting for the midnight colorway, this is a solid deal to jump on ahead of the official holiday.

More Apple Watch deals

Series 9

Series 8

SE

Ultra

More Apple Watch deals

AirPods deals


airpods pro with case

Credit: Apple


Our pick: AirPods Pro (2nd gen)

$189 at Walmart (save $60)

Why we like it

Read our full review of the second-generation AirPods Pro.

If you’re looking for a quality pair of noise-canceling earbuds, look no further than the AirPods Pro. They’re our favorite buds for traveling, with Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder deeming them, “the first pair of earbuds I’d actually consider taking on an airplane (instead of my much larger and clunkier over-ear headphones).” They also come with 30 total hours of battery life with the charging case (six hours per charge), great sound quality, and easy pairing to all of your Apple devices. Plus, their $189 price tag puts them back down to their lowest price ever (alongside the USB-C AirPods Pro).

More deals on AirPods

Even more Apple deals

Tech / Technology

13 amazing holiday gifts for the person who already has it all

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Here are 13 perfect holiday gifts for that special someone who seems to already have everything. From smart tech gadgets to self-care products.
An illustration of wrapped presents.

This holiday season, don’t be daunted by the challenge of shopping for that friend or family member who appears to have everything. We’ve put together a list of thoughtful gifts that promise to delight even the most seasoned of shoppers. 

From a temperature-controlled mug to the latest portable Sonos speaker, our guide blends the elegance of modern technology with the charm of timeless self-care treasures, like face masks.

So if you’re having trouble picking a gift for someone, but want to take full advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, take a look through our product recommendations below.

ASUS ROG Ally 7″ Gaming Handheld Console

The ASUS ROG Ally 7" gaming console held in a person's hands.

The ASUS ROG Ally handheld gaming console comes with a 7″ LED screen.
Credit: ASUS

For PC gaming enthusiasts, the ASUS ROG Ally is the handheld console to have. With its 512GB SSD and microSD slot, they’ll be able to take all of their favorite games on the go. And thanks to its 7-inch LED touchscreen, AMD Radeon graphics card, and AMD Ryzen CPU, gameplay will be smooth with stunning graphics.


The ASUS ROG Ally 7" gaming console with the game selection menu open.

Credit: ASUS


ASUS ROG Ally 7″ Gaming Handheld Console

Get It Here

Glade PlugIns Plus Air Freshener

The Glade PlugIns Plus air freshener warmer plugged into a white outlet.

The Glade PlugIns Plus air fresener warmer has a refill indicator light that lets you know when it needs a refill.
Credit: Glade

A delightful stocking stuffer, this refillable plug-in air freshener will ensure their space always smells welcoming. It has adjustable fragrance settings — like auto rest mode for overnight — so they can conserve energy and their chosen scent. It will automatically shut off when it runs out of fragrance, and a refill indicator light will turn on. Consider pairing it with the warm notes of Glade’s Vanilla Caramel Twist, available at an additional $5.92 for a two-pack.


The Glade PlugIns Plus air freshener warmer plugged into a white outlet.

Credit: Glade


Glade PlugIns Plus Air Freshener

Get It Here

Sponsored | Microsoft Xbox Series X

Microsoft Xbox Series X


Credit: Microsoft

Meet the apex of gaming power — this console is renowned for being the fastest, most powerful Xbox ever. Dive into native 4K gaming at up to a blazing 120 frames per second, delivering sharper characters, vibrant realms, and an unmatched level of detail.


Microsoft Xbox Series X

Credit: Microsoft


Xbox Series X

$499.99 at Xbox.com

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug

The Ember Mug 2 in white on a kitchen counter.

The Ember Mug 2 has a light on the base that shows you when it’s charged or needs charging.
Credit: Ember

Elevate their beverage experience with this smart mug. Though not an essential, the Ember ensures every sip of their favorite beverage is at their ideal temperature — thanks to the mug’s built-in heating technology and app connectivity. It’s a seamless blend of form and function for those chilly winter mornings.


The Ember Mug 2 in black with the corresponding app open and displaying 135 degrees Fahrenheit.

Credit: Ember


Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug

Get It Here

Logitech MX Keys Mini Wireless Keyboard

The Logitech MX Keys Mini Wireless Keyboard in Graphite.


Credit: Logitech

This wireless keyboard, with its durable and compact design, is perfect for both work and play on the go. It can connect to up to three devices at once via Bluetooth, with the user able to switch between each device by pressing one of the keys. It also has an impressive battery life of up to 10 days on a full charge — or up to 5 months with the backlighting turned off.


The Logitech MX Keys Mini Wireless Keyboard in white on an office desk.

Credit: Logitech


Logitech MX Keys Mini Wireless Keyboard

Get It Here

Luminara Pillar Candles – Set of 3

The set of three Luminara Pillar Candles with the remote.

The Luminara Pillar Candles in this set come in three different sizes — 4.5″, 5.5″, and 6.5″.
Credit: Luminara

These flameless battery-operated candles are made with 100 percent pure paraffin wax and mimic a real flame’s flicker. Without the mess of a real flame and the soot that comes with it, they make the perfect gift for households with pets or small children — or to introduce an element of romantic allure for intimate evenings in or if the power goes out.


The Luminara candles in a brown basket in what seems like a bathroom.

Credit: Luminara


Luminara Pillar Candles – Set of 3

Get It Here

Sonos Move 2 Speaker

The Sonos Move 2 speaker in white on a table.

The Move 2 uses its microphones to analyze its surroundings to continually optimize the sound.
Credit: Sonos

Whether your loved one is hosting a holiday soirée or enjoying a quiet evening, this portable speaker will ensure they have the best audio quality — including crisp vocals, deep bass, and full instrumentals. It’s rated IP56, so it’s both water and dust-resistant and connects to their device via Bluetooth or WiFi. They’ll be able to enjoy up to 24 hours of non-stop listening on a single charge thanks to the speaker’s long battery life.


The Sonos Move 2 speaker in black being carried by someone outside.

Credit: Sonos


Sonos Move 2 Speaker

Get It Here

Anker 3-in-1 Charger Cube with MagSafe

The Anker 3-in-1 charger cube in black, on a white background.

The Anker 3-in-1 15W MagSafe Charger comes with a 30W charger and a USB-C to USB-C cable.
Credit: Anker

If your loved one is a fan of Apple devices, this 15W MagSafe charger ensures that their phone, watch, and earbuds are always charged up and ready to go. With its sleek design, it’s a stylish addition to any nightstand or desk. Or, thanks to its compact design, it’s a great addition for any upcoming travels they have planned. And as a bonus, they can use their phone in portrait or landscape mode while it charges.


The Anker 3-in-1 charger cube in black, with an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods charging on it.

Credit: Anker


Anker 3-in-1 Charger Cube with MagSafe

Get It Here

Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Face Mask & Facial Exfoliator

The Australian Pink Clay Deep Pore Cleanser and Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask on a pink background.

The Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Deep Pore Cleanser and Porefining Face Mask.
Credit: Sand & Sky

Indulge them in a spa-like experience with this face mask and exfoliator combo. Harnessing the purifying properties of Australian Pink Clay, this duo will have their skin feeling clean and soft in no time. Sand & Sky’s products are made with 100 percent natural ingredients and are cruelty-free, vegan, and paraben-free — so you can feel good about your gift.


The Australian Pink Clay Deep Pore Cleanser and Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask on a pink background.

Credit: Sand & Sky


Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Face Mask & Facial Exfoliator

Get It Here

Google Nest Learning Thermostat – 3rd Gen

A person's arm reaching out to a black Google Nest Learning Thermostat.

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat has a sleek and simple-to-use design.
Credit: Google

Combine aesthetics and efficiency with this smart thermostat. It not only adds a touch of modernity to any home but also learns their temperature preferences over time, ensuring optimal comfort while saving energy. The Google Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with 95 percent of heating and cooling systems, so chances are they’ll be covered.


The Google Nest Learning Thermostat with the temperature set to heat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Credit: Google


Google Nest Learning Thermostat – 3rd Gen

Get It Here

Philips Smart LED Light Bulb 2-Pack

The Philips WiZ LED Color Light Bulb 2-Pack with its packaging.

The Philips WiZ smart color light bulbs are dimmable, and offer millions of colors to choose from.
Credit: Philips

Light up their world with 16 million colors thanks to these smart LED bulbs — and also likely save them money on their energy bill. These bulbs connect to the Philips Hue app, so they can adjust the brightness and color, or turn the lights off no matter where they are. The bulbs are also compatible with Alexa and Google Home Assistant for the ultimate smart home setup.


Two of the Philips WiZ smart bulbs on a white background.

Credit: Philips


Philips Smart LED Light Bulb 2-Pack

Get It Here

Hatch Restore 2

The Hatch Restore 2 smart alarm clock in the putty color, on a white background.

The Hatch Restore 2 comes in three colors: putty (as shown), latte, and slate.
Credit: Hatch

Offering a unique blend of sleep and relaxation features, the Hatch Restore 2 is the perfect smart alarm clock for those who value their beauty sleep. Its range of soothing sounds and guided meditations will ensure they get a restful night’s sleep — and wake up slowly in the morning thanks to its sunrise light options.


The Hatch Restore 2 smart alarm clock on a bedside table, with a woman reaching to touch it.

Credit: Hatch


Hatch Restore 2

Get It Here

Conair 2-in-1 Handheld Steamer and Iron

The Conair ExtremeSteam 2-in-1 in blue, on a white background.

The Conair 2-in-1 handheld steamer and iron also comes with Turbo mode for quicker results.
Credit: Conair

If your family member or friend is always traveling, this 2-in-1 device is the perfect addition to their arsenal. The steamer heats up in 40 seconds and can provide continuous steam for up to 15 minutes — so they’ll never have to worry about wrinkles on that business trip or at that wedding. And if they need something more heavy-duty, they can use the ironing mode with its non-stick soleplate to ensure their clothes are pressed exactly the way they like them.


The Conair ExtremeSteam 2-in-1 in blue, on a white background.

Credit: Conair


Conair 2-in-1 Handheld Steamer and Iron

Get It Here

With these holiday gift options, you’re sure to find the perfect present for that special someone who has a taste for the consumer lifestyle.

Tech / Technology

Best Beats deals: Score savings of up to 43% off on headphones like the Studio Pros, Studio Buds +, and Fit Pros

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Beats headphones models like the Studio Pros, Studio Buds +, and Fit Pros are all on sale for up to 43% off at Amazon. Grab these deals while they’re still hot.
Woman looking directly into the camera while wearing a white-ish pair of Beats headphones

The holiday spirit is (dare we say) already in the air, and so are some sweet, sweet savings on Beats headphones at Amazon. If you’ve already started your holiday shopping and some people on your list are tech-lovers/audiophiles, they’re sure to appreciate a brand-new pair of Beats. Here are all the best Beats deals available right now.

Our top picks:
Best noise cancelling headphones deal

Beats Studio Pro

$199.95 at Amazon
(save $150.04)

The Beats Studio Pro headphones in a black color, over a white background

Best noise cancelling earbuds deal

Beats Studio Buds +

$129.95 at Amazon
(save $40)

The Beats Studio Buds + in a transparent color, next to their case

Best earbuds for sports deal

Beats Fit Pro

$159.95 at Amazon
(save $40)

The Beats Fit Pro in a coral color, laying in their case

Beats are kind of the kings of audio right now — everybody wants ’em, but, oftentimes, headphones from the brand are too expensive to justify actually investing in them. Fortunately, the start of a new month and the impending holiday season mean that tons of items are seeing huge, pre-Black Friday discounts. The Beats models below are certainly more affordable now than ever before.

Best noise-cancelling headphones deal


The Beats Studio Pro headphones in a black color, over a white background

Credit: Beats


Beats Studio Pro

$199.95 at Amazon (save $150.04)

Why we like it

The Beats Studio Pro headphones are proof that we’re living in the future — what with their Personalized Spatial Audio (powered by head tracking), active noise cancellation, impressive and distortion-free audio fidelity, and Transparency Mode should you need it. What’s even cooler is that if you choose to connect these babies to a device via USB-C, you can choose between the Beats Signature profile (for music), Entertainment profile (designed just for movies/gaming), or Conversation profile (which provides clarified dialogue during calls). The Studio Pro headphones have you in mind; both their 40-hour battery life and UltraPlush ear cushions are proof.

Best noise cancelling earbuds deal


The Beats Studio Buds + in a transparent color, next to their case

Credit: Beats


Beats Studio Buds +

$129.95 at Amazon (save $40)

Why we like it

Beats’ Studio Buds + essentially pack just as strong a punch as the aforementioned Studio Pros, but are way more low-profile and lightweight (they’re earbuds, after all!). You will surely be impressed with their venting system (for your all-day comfort), surround sound, and Fast Fuel capabilities (just five minutes of charging gives you one full hour of juice). Whether you’re an Apple or Android user, these buds will seamlessly fit into your “tech routine.” Apple users can even buy them with accompanying AppleCare+ protection.

Best earbuds for sports deal


The Beats Fit Pro in a coral color, laying in their case

Credit: Beats


Beats Fit Pro

$159.95 at Amazon (save $40)

Why we like it

The Beats Fit Pro are your solution to achieving powerful sound while on the go. These earbuds are made for the athletes among us: They’re sweat and water-resistant, have secure-fit wingtips that will prevent them from falling out on jogs, and have easy-to-navigate controls that will make stopping/starting music (as well as taking calls or activating the voice assistant) a breeze. If you’re an iOS user, you’ll love these Beats even more. After all, they’re equipped with an Apple H1 chip, which means you can automatically pair them with your Apple devices and even audio share. Great things do come in small (and bright!) packages.

Tech / Technology

M3 iMac vs. M1: What are the differences?

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M3 iMac vs. M1 iMac: What are the differences?
screenshot of the newly released Apple M3 iMac

This M3 iMac vs. the M1 iMac face-off is absolutely necessary because, let’s be honest, the differences between the two are sparse.

Apple finally upgraded its iMac for the first time since 2021, and no, it’s not the major update we were expecting, but we can’t ignore that it’s packed with a new powerful processor: the M3 chip.

SEE ALSO:

Apple ‘Scary Fast’ Mac event: The entire thing was filmed ‘on a tiny little iPhone’

Beyond the new chip, we’ll need a magnifying glass – or even a microscope – to determine the disparities between the two iMacs. Let’s dissect the two so you can make the best decision on which is best for you.

M3 iMac vs. M1 iMac: Price

Despite the rumblings of Apple looking to increase the price of its flagship iPhone in the future due to production costs, it seems that Apple is maintaining its pricing strategy for now. Just like the starting price of its 2021 counterpart, Apple announced that the new M3 iMac starts at $1,299.

This configuration comes with with an 8-core CPU, an 8-core GPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage.

However, 8GB of RAM is puny and not ideal if you need a lot of multitasking muscle. We recommend upgrading to 16GB of RAM, which will increase your total cost to $1,699.

A maxed-out M3 iMac, packed with 24GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage, is available for a whopping $2,699.

The new M3 iMac can be pre-ordered right now and will start shipping on November 7.


Silver 2021 iMac

Credit: Silver 2021 iMac


Apple 2021 iMac (24-inch, M1 chip)

$1,699

M3 iMac vs. M1 iMac: Design

Design-wise, much hasn’t changed between 2021 and now.

The M3 is still keeping its 24-inch display along with a 4.5K Retina screen, a 1080p webcam, and a six-speaker system. The entry-level M3 iMac comes with two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The higher-end variants add two USB 3 ports. In the box, you’ll get the Magic Mouse, a Magic Keyboard, a USB-C to Lightning Cable, and a power cord and power adapter.

Apple, for the past few events now, has increasingly emphasized its environmental efforts and is doing the same for the M3 iMac. The company noted that the desktop stand uses 100 percent recycled aluminum. Plus, the gold plating of multiple printed circuit boards is also 100 percent recycled.

screenshot of the different colors the iMac will release in, from L to R: Silver, Purple, Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red


Credit: Apple

Beyond that, the M3 iMac comes in the same colors as the M1 iMac.

  • M1 and M3 colorways: Blue, Green, Pink, Orange, Purple, Yellow, and Silver

M3 iMac vs. M1 iMac: Specs

Now the biggest change, and the whole point of this article, is the iMac’s upgrade to the M3 chip. (You can find the new chip inside the refreshed 14-inch MacBook Pro, too.)

The cheapest M3 iMac comes with an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU. Comparatively, the most affordable M1 iMac features an 8-core CPU and a 7-core GPU.

M1 iMac (entry-level): 8-core CPU, 7-core GPU, 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD

M3 iMac (entry-level): 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD

The upper-tier M3 iMacs, the variants with four ports, offer an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU. The pricier M1 iMacs, on the other hand, deliver an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU.

M3 iMac users should see an uptick in graphics performance –– and not just because of the extra GPU cores. Apple added a new “Dynamic Caching” process to the M3, which intelligently manages the GPU’s memory for gaming and more.

The M3’s GPU also features hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray-tracing perks, which means gaming should be a lot smoother and more visually impressive. Apple claims that frame rates will get a 50 percent boost, too.

The processor upgrade is definitely worth the hype as the M3 chip is faster and consumes less power. Take a look at the apps and programs that are reportedly speedier with the M3 iMac:

  • Excel: Up to 30 percent faster

  • Safari: Up to 30 percent faster

  • Video and photo editing apps (e.g., Photoshop): twice as fast

Overall, Apple claims that the M3 iMac is two times faster than the M1 iMac. The Cupertino-based tech giant also boasts that the neural engine inside the M3 Mac is 60 percent faster than its M1 counterpart.

The real upgrade here truly is the M3 processor, but for the same price as its predecessor, it may be worth it to upgrade for faster speeds and less power consumption.