Apple starts Black Friday $250 gift card event: All newest devices excluded

TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Nov 21, 2025, 00:20 IST
Apple Black Friday
( Image credit : IANS )

Apple has begun its 2025 Black Friday sale, offering gift cards worth $25 to $250 with select products, including MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPhones, iPads, and accessories. The newest devices like the iPhone 17 and M5 Macs are not included. Gift cards cannot reduce upfront prices, making third-party retailers more competitive for direct discounts.

Much awaited Apple Black Friday sale begins

Apple has confirmed its Black Friday shopping event for 2025, running from November 28 to December 1. Just like previous years, the company is offering Apple Gift Cards with a wide range of products. The offer covers Macs, iPads, iPhones, Apple Watches, and several accessories. While the promotion adds value for buyers already planning to shop at Apple, the savings are not as strong as the direct discounts seen at major retailers.

Highest value

The highest gift card value in this year’s event is $250. This applies only to the MacBook Pro models that feature the M4 Pro or M4 Max chips. These are among Apple’s most costly laptops, so the top reward is tied to premium spending. The MacBook Air also receives moderate benefits. The 15-inch version comes with a $200 gift card, while the 13-inch model includes a $175 card. Buyers of the M4 iMac can get a $150 card.

Gift card for mid-range category

Apple is offering a $100 gift card for the Mac mini and for the iPad Air, available in both the 11-inch and 13-inch sizes. These devices sit in the mid-range category, making the reward smaller but still useful for future Apple Store purchases.

Gift cards for iPhones, watches, and accessories

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus both qualify for a $75 gift card. The same value applies to the AirPods Max. A $50 card is available with the iPhone 16e, the A16 iPad, the iPad mini, Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3, AirPods Pro 3, HomePod, and select Beats products. Some accessories carry the lowest reward of $25. This includes AirPods 4, Apple TV 4K, the Beats Pill speaker, the iPad Magic Keyboard, and the Apple Pencil Pro.

Newest products not included

Apple is not offering gift cards with the latest iPhone 17 lineup or with the recently launched M5 MacBook Pro and M5 iPad Pro. This follows Apple’s usual practice of excluding its newest and most advanced devices from promotional programs during the holiday period.

Gift cards cannot lower checkout price

One key point for shoppers is that the Apple Gift Card cannot reduce the price during the initial purchase. It must be used for later spending on hardware, apps, or subscriptions. Many customers may find better upfront deals at third-party retailers, which often offer direct price cuts that exceed Apple’s gift card values. The promotion is available in the United States, with similar offers expected in other countries where Apple operates retail stores.
Tags:
  • Apple Black Friday
  • Gift card
  • MacBook Pro
  • iPhone 16
  • Holiday deals