Amazon, Walmart Cut Apple Device Prices 10%-20% for July 4 Sales

Q: Is Apple's rare sale a true bargain or a strategy to clear stock before new models and major price hikes arrive?

It is both a real bargain and a stock-clearing move, depending on the product. For MacBooks and iPads, the discounts look unusually strong because they come just after Apple raised prices on much of that lineup, citing higher component costs tied to the memory and storage market. Retailers such as Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy are still selling some models at prices well below Apple’s newer, higher list prices. That makes these deals materially better than they appear on paper, especially for shoppers who were already planning to buy. For the Apple Watch Series 11 and some audio products, the timing points more clearly to inventory management. New Apple Watch models are widely expected in September, and there are also persistent expectations of another AirPods Pro refresh. In that context, markdowns on the Series 11 and AirPods Pro 3 are consistent with retailers trying to move current stock before the next cycle arrives. The value also depends on how new your current device is. The Series 11 is well reviewed for battery life and health features, but reporting indicates it is only a modest step up from the Series 10. That makes it a better buy for owners of older watches than for recent upgraders. For consumers, the practical takeaway is simple: if you need a MacBook or iPad soon, these are genuine savings ahead of broader price pressure. If you are shopping for a watch or premium earbuds and can wait, a newer model may be close.

3 articles · Updated · Good Housekeeping · Jul 1

Amazon and Walmart rolled out 10% to 20% discounts on Apple gear for July 4, covering AirPods, MacBooks, iPads, AirTags and accessories.
The markdowns stand out because Apple rarely discounts its own products directly, typically limiting promotions to back-to-school offers or Black Friday gift cards.
Newer devices are included, with highlighted deals on the Apple Watch Series 11 and AirPods Pro 3, alongside AirPods 4, EarPods, the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Folio.
The sale gives shoppers a rare holiday window to buy even recent Apple models at lower prices, though the discounts are expected to be short-lived.