With Amazon Prime Day now a month in the rearview mirror, the flood of tech deals has noticeably slowed. But that doesn't mean you can't find worthy discounts on premium Apple hardware. In fact, this week offers some of the most aggressive price cuts we've seen outside of major shopping events. Whether you're a creative professional needing a powerhouse laptop, a student seeking a versatile tablet, or a fitness enthusiast eyeing a new smartwatch, there are compelling offers available at Amazon and Best Buy. The key is knowing which configurations provide the best value for your money.

Apple's annual price increases have made their products more expensive than ever. The latest MacBook Pro models, for instance, start at a higher base price than the previous generation, and iPad Air models now push past the $1,000 mark for higher storage tiers. Yet, these price hikes make discounts even more valuable. Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy often absorb some of the cost to attract shoppers, and this week they've slashed up to $500 off select MacBook Pro and iPad Air models. Below, we break down the best deals across every major Apple product category, offering detailed analysis to help you decide what to buy.

Best MacBook Deal

The MacBook Pro remains the gold standard for creative work. While the M5 chip is now available in the 14-inch model, the 16-inch version still offers the M4 Max chip in many configurations. This week, Best Buy is offering a substantial $400 discount on a 16-inch MacBook Pro equipped with an M4 Max chip, 36GB of unified memory, and a 1TB SSD. At $2,999 (down from $3,399), this machine provides desktop-class performance for video editing, 3D rendering, software development, and scientific computing. The M4 Max chip features a 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU, making it one of the most powerful laptop chips ever built. With 36GB of RAM, you can run multiple virtual machines, handle massive datasets, and work with 8K video effortlessly. The 1TB SSD offers ample storage for large project files.

For those who need portability without sacrificing too much performance, the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 chip is also on sale. A model with 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD is available for $1,849, saving $150. Stepping up to 24GB of RAM costs $2,049, again $150 off. If you need even more power, the M5 Pro chip in the 14-inch model with 24GB RAM and 1TB storage is discounted to $2,299, a $200 saving. On the 16-inch side, configurations with the M4 Pro chip offer up to $300 off; for example, the version with 48GB RAM and a 512GB SSD is priced at $2,599. The top-tier 16-inch model with an M5 Max chip, 48GB RAM, and a 2TB SSD sees the deepest discount of $500, bringing it down to $4,499. That's a significant saving on a machine that can handle the most demanding workflows.

More MacBook Deals

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 chip, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,849 (save $150)
• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 chip, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,049 (save $150)
• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M4 Pro chip, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $2,249 (save $250)
• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro chip, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,299 (save $200)
• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M4 Pro chip, 48GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $2,599 (save $300)
• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Max chip, 48GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $4,499 (save $500)

Best iPad Deal

The iPad lineup can be confusing, with multiple models overlapping in price and features. This week, the standout deal is on a previous-generation iPad Air with an M3 chip. Specifically, Best Buy has the 11-inch iPad Air with 1TB of storage and both Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity for $749, a massive $500 reduction from its original $1,249 price. The M3 chip remains highly capable for tasks like note-taking, drawing, light video editing, and gaming. The 1TB storage ensures you won't run out of space for apps, documents, and media. The cellular model works unlocked with any carrier, so you can use it on the go without needing a hotspot. While the current-generation M4 iPad Air offers slightly better performance and a new front camera, the M3 model is nearly identical in everyday use. Saving $500 makes this a no-brainer for budget-conscious buyers who want premium iPad features without the premium price.

If you prefer the latest M4 iPad Air, there is a modest $59 discount on the base 128GB Wi-Fi model, bringing it to $689.99. For those who need cellular, the M3 iPad Air 128GB with cellular is $699, saving $50 over its $749 price. The larger 13-inch iPad Air with M3 chip is also on sale: the 256GB Wi-Fi model is $849 ($50 off) and the 1TB cellular model is $949, a staggering $500 savings from $1,449. The iPad Pro 11-inch with M5 chip and 512GB storage is available for $1,299, a $100 discount. While the Pro offers the best display (with ProMotion and OLED technology) and the most powerful chip, it's also the most expensive. For most users, the iPad Air provides an excellent balance of performance and value, especially at these discounted prices.

More iPad Deals

• Apple iPad (A16 chip, 128GB, Wi-Fi) — $399 (save $50)
• Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4 chip, 128GB, Wi-Fi) — $689.99 (save $59.01)
• Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3 chip, 128GB, Wi-Fi+Cellular) — $699 (save $50)
• Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M3 chip, 256GB, Wi-Fi) — $849 (save $50)
• Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M3 chip, 1TB, Wi-Fi+Cellular) — $949 (save $500)
• Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5 chip, 512GB, Wi-Fi) — $1,299 (save $100)

Best AirPods Deal

Over-ear headphones from Apple have always carried a premium price, but the AirPods Max 2 are now seeing a solid $100 discount at Amazon. Priced at $449 instead of $549, these headphones aren't cheap even on sale, but they offer the best audio experience in Apple's ecosystem. The second-generation AirPods Max retain the iconic design of the original but come with internal upgrades. They now feature the same H3 chip found in the AirPods Pro 3, which enables enhanced active noise cancellation, adaptive audio, conversation awareness, voice isolation, personalized volume, and Siri interactions. The combination of premium materials, excellent sound quality, and deep integration with Apple devices makes them a compelling choice for audiophiles and frequent travelers. The $100 savings is the largest discount we've seen on this model since its launch.

For those who prefer in-ear options, the AirPods 4 without active noise cancellation are now $99, a $30 saving. The version with ANC is $144.99, saving $34. The AirPods Pro 3, which offer the best noise cancellation and a comfortable in-ear fit, are down to $199.99, a $49 discount. These deals make the entire AirPods lineup more accessible, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly pair or the ultimate ANC experience.

Best Apple Watch Deal

The Apple Watch Series 11 is the latest iteration of Apple's flagship smartwatch, and this week it's available for $299 at Amazon for the 42mm GPS model. That's $100 off the $399 list price. While this isn't the lowest price ever seen (the Prime Day price was $279), it's still an excellent deal for a model that was only released last year. The Series 11 improves significantly on battery life compared to the Series 10, making it a solid upgrade for those coming from older models. It also includes new health sensors, faster charging, and the familiar robust feature set including fitness tracking, sleep monitoring, fall detection, and cellular connectivity options. The 42mm size fits most wrists well, and the always-on Retina display is bright and responsive. For the best value, the 46mm GPS model is also on sale for $329, saving $100.

If you're looking for a more affordable entry point, the Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm GPS) is available for $219, saving $30. While it lacks some advanced features like the always-on display and blood oxygen sensor, it still provides core functionality like activity tracking, notifications, and crash detection. For most users, the SE offers a great introduction to the Apple Watch ecosystem at a budget-friendly price.

iPhone Deals

Unlocked iPhone deals are less common but still present this week. The iPhone 16e, which serves as Apple's budget-friendly model, is available for $499.99, saving $100 off its $599.99 price. It comes with 128GB of storage and is unlocked, meaning you can use it with any carrier. The iPhone Air, a slightly older model with a sleek design, is now $839.99 for the 256GB unlocked version, a $160 saving. Both represent good value for those who don't need the latest Pro features but still want a reliable iPhone experience with modern internals.

Apple Accessory Deals

Apple accessories often see smaller discounts, but they can add up if you're building a complete setup. The official MagSafe Charger is now $39.99, saving $9. The Apple Pencil USB-C is $69.98, a $9 saving, while the Apple Pencil Pro is $99, a $30 discount—the best deal among accessories. The Magic Mouse is $86, saving $13. AirTags, which help you track lost items, are available in a 4-pack for $89, saving $10 from the usual $99. These small savings can make a difference when you're equipping a Mac or iPad with essential peripherals.

All deals are subject to change quickly, so it's worth acting fast if you see a configuration that matches your needs. Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy often adjust prices daily, and stock can sell out without notice. This week's selection offers some of the best Apple discounts we've seen in July, with up to $500 off on high-end laptops and tablets. Whether you need a workhorse MacBook Pro for creative projects, an iPad Air for note-taking and entertainment, or a new Apple Watch for fitness tracking, there's a deal here that can save you serious money. Keep in mind that these prices reflect discounts on specific storage and memory configurations, so compare options carefully to find the best balance of performance and cost for your specific use case.

Source:Mashable News