Black Friday deals on Apple gear

November 19, 2022

We already know Apple's big plan for its Black Friday sale: gift cards.

But you can typically do better than that by avoiding Apple's retail outlets and searching out deals from other sellers. And, in fact, we're already awash in pre-Black Friday deals on Apple gear -- and some of them look pretty unbeatable.

We highlight a few of the best in the Black Friday special section below.

One warning, though: As always, these online deals can prove incredibly fleeting. Some fantastic pre-Black Friday prices on AirPods Pro and Apple's MagSafe Battery Pack, which we saw earlier this week, already evaporated.

So, if you see a deal you like, don't wait around. (After all, it's already too late to order iPhone 14 Pro in time for Christmas.)

Enjoy your weekend!

-- Lewis Wallace, managing editor

P.S. Spirited, the new Apple TV+ Christmas movie starring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds, sounds like a singing, dancing lump of auto-tuned coal. Don't miss our scathing review.

Black Friday special section

Apple will bundle gift cards of up to $250 with the purchase of certain products during its special shopping event for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The deals on eligible Macs, iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches and AirPods will stay live for four days, starting on November 25.

Plus, best pre-Black Friday deals on Apple gear so far:

News and opinion

The new service lets owners of the latest iOS handsets exchange texts with emergency services while outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

iOS 16.2 beta 3 provides toggles for disabling wallpaper and notifications in Always On Display mode, enabling a cleaner, customized look.

Instead of relying on expensive tests conducted in clinical settings, doctors may be able to turn to AI and Apple Watch electrocardiogram recordings to help determine which patients have undetected heart pump problems.

Some people simply can’t stop using (and reusing) weak passwords. Don't let this happen to you.

Apple job listings offer a peek into the development of the company’s long-rumored AR headset. And one posting in particular indicates Apple could be working on a metaverse competitor.

Apple TV+ and Major League Soccer team up to show all matches with no blackouts.

Plus, more on the Apple/football connection:

How much would you pay for a used pair of shoes? A few bucks, probably. What if they were owned by Steve Jobs? The amount you might be willing to put down surely goes up quite a bit.

Deals

You’ve got the Mac — now you just need the software to maximize your computing. The Premium Limited Edition Mac Bundle comes with a lifetime license to Microsoft Office, a top-notch virtual private network, a password manager and more. And the whole thing is on sale for the low price of just $59.99.

This two-pack of Ninja Dragon drones makes an excellent gift for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. The Alpha Z Pro and Flying Fox 4K camera drones are currently just $110.

Three lucky winners in this week’s giveaway will be able to cast aside the Siri Remote forever. We’re giving away three Function101 Button Remotes for Apple TV.

All those incomplete app downloads and files you never open aren’t doing your Mac’s local storage any favors. Declutter your digital space with CleanMyMac X, a Mac optimization tool that works like a digital detailing service.

The Smart Visual Ear Cleaner is part camera, part wax scoop tool, and it’s on sale for just $34.95 for a limited time.

Plus, more gadget deals:

Learning a new language can be tough. However, it’s easier when your lessons are catered to your skill level, learning style and schedule. That’s exactly what you get when you grab a lifetime subscription to the highly rated Babbel language app.

Reviews

This musical comedy remake of A Christmas Carol stars Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds, but it's depressingly literal, overly sarcastic and nightmarishly unfunny.

Plus, more Apple TV+ reviews and recaps:

I haven't used all of Apple's keyboards, but I've come close. Here's my review of every one of them -- ranked from worst to best.

iPad cases that act as stands to prop up the tablet’s screen are old news. But the Moft Snap Float Folio takes the concept to a new level ... literally.

If you’re into extreme activities, Apple Watch Ultra is the one-tough-hombre timepiece for you. But you can make it even more rugged -- and protect your investment in the pricey wearable -- with the new Elkson Quattro Max Bumper Case.

There’s something especially convenient about having a multi-device charging station like this by your side.

Setups

It’s funny when you see a student’s computer setup on social media with gear that looks like it costs a bazillion bucks. Like, what, did Elon Musk go back to college for some reason? Maybe to escape the $44 billion dumpster fire that is Twitter? Well, this clean and practical MacBook Pro setup is the real thing — a starving student’s workstation cobbled together on a budget.

A new external display for your computer setup is usually a joy to behold. It is, after all, what you look at most. But sometimes buyer’s remorse creeps in.

Powerful MacBook Pro — check. Extremely capable USB dock — check. Dazzling displays properly mounted in different orientations — check. Two of the best input devices you can buy — check. This setup seems to have it all without going overboard.