Best Apple Deals: Presidents' Day Sale 2025 [AirPods, iPads, Watches]

Q: Should I buy AirPods at $99 or wait for a better deal?

Buy at $99 if you're interested in AirPods 3rd Gen. This is the lowest price point we typically see for that model. Historically, AirPods 3rd Gen rarely drop below $100, and when they do, inventory disappears quickly. You might see slight discounts ($5-10 less) at Black Friday or other major events, but the difference isn't meaningful. If you need AirPods and they're available at $99, that's a genuine buy signal. Waiting for an extra $5-10 discount means risking stock depletion and uncertainty about future pricing.

Presidents' Day Apple Deals 2025: Complete Buyer's Guide

President's Day weekend hits different when Apple products are on sale. Amazon's annual Presidents' Day event has become the unofficial kickoff to spring shopping, and this year doesn't disappoint. We've tracked down the absolute best Apple discounts available right now, from AirPods that cost under $100 to iPad deals that make you question why you didn't buy sooner.

Here's what you need to know: Amazon's Presidents' Day sale typically runs for 3-4 days, but inventory on hot items moves fast. The deals we're highlighting aren't just "decent discounts"—many are hitting record lows for 2025. We're talking 40% off some AirPods Pro models, substantial savings on iPad Air configurations, and MacBook discounts that legitimately rival back-to-school events.

The timing matters too. February is historically the slowest month for tech purchases, which means Apple and Amazon are particularly aggressive with pricing to drive sales volume. If you've been sitting on the fence about upgrading your setup, this is genuinely the right moment to act. Stock on popular items typically runs out within 24-48 hours once deals go live.

We've spent the last week combing through Amazon's listings, price history databases, and comparing these deals against previous events. What we found is that this year's Presidents' Day event includes some of the most competitive Apple pricing we've seen since Black Friday. Not everything is marked down, but the items that are on sale represent real value.

Let's break down the specific products, pricing, and whether each deal actually makes sense for your situation.

TL; DR

AirPods deals: AirPods 3rd Gen at $99** (lowest price ever), AirPods Pro 2 at **$
189 (save
$60), AirPods Max at **$
429** (save $70)
iPad savings: iPad Air at **
$449** (down from$
599), iPad Pro starting at **
$799** (save up to$
200)
Apple Watch values: Series 9 from $249**, Ultra 2 at **$
379 (rarely discounted)
MacBook discounts: M3 MacBook Air at **
$899** (save$
100), M2 models dropping below $700
Bottom line: This is genuinely one of the better sale events we track annually—expect 15-30% savings on most items

AirPods Deals: The Earbuds You Actually Want at Prices You'll Actually Pay

Let's start with AirPods, because they're the most accessible entry point into Apple's ecosystem and the discounts this year are genuinely impressive.

**AirPods 3rd Generation at

99** is the headline deal here. These normally retail for

169, so you're looking at a 41% discount. That might sound like a lot, but it makes sense contextually. The 3rd gen AirPods sit in a weird middle ground—they're not the basic 2nd gen anymore, but they're also not the feature-packed Pro model. Third-gen brings improved spatial audio, adaptive audio that switches between noise cancellation modes automatically, and a form factor that's genuinely comfortable for most people.

The

99 price point matters because it puts AirPods in direct competition with more affordable earbuds from other manufacturers. <a href="https://www.anker.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anker's Soundcore</a> and <a href="https://www.sony.com/electronics/earbuds/c/headphones-earbuds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sony's budget options</a> typically land in that range. Choosing AirPods at

99 means you get the Apple integration advantage—seamless connectivity across your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. That ecosystem advantage alone justifies the price for people already invested in Apple.

QUICK TIP: If you own an iPhone and Mac, AirPods are worth it at $99. The seamless handoff between devices (switching automatically when you move from taking a call on your phone to your Mac) is a feature non-Apple earbuds can't match.

**AirPods Pro 2 at

189** is where things get interesting. These normally run

249, so you're looking at $60 in savings. Here's the crucial part: AirPods Pro 2 are genuinely the best noise-canceling earbuds Apple makes, and for people working in noisy environments or traveling frequently, they're worth the premium over standard AirPods.

What separates Pro from standard: active noise cancellation that actually blocks ambient sound (not just passive isolation), a transparency mode that lets you hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds, and spatial audio that creates genuine 3D sound effects when watching movies or gaming. The battery life is also better—up to 6 hours per charge with ANC on, versus 5 hours for standard AirPods.

The $189 price is particularly sharp because it brings Pro pricing down to where previous-generation standard AirPods used to cost. You're essentially getting the premium product at a price that used to be allocated to the mid-tier.

DID YOU KNOW: AirPods Pro 2 include hearing protection features that can monitor ambient sound levels and alert you if prolonged exposure might damage your hearing. It's a feature that healthcare professionals legitimately use for work.

**AirPods Max at

429** represents the wildest discount in the AirPods lineup right now. These premium over-ear headphones normally retail for

549, so you're looking at $120 in savings. AirPods Max are the luxury play—they target people who want Apple's best audio experience in a portable format.

These are high-quality audio headphones first, not just earbuds stretched to over-ear size. The audio quality punches well above the price point, especially for Apple music and content optimized for spatial audio. They include the same active noise cancellation and transparency mode as Pro, plus better battery life (20 hours) and more comfort for extended wear.

The catch with Max at

429? You're still paying premium pricing. <a href="https://www.sony.com/electronics/headphones/c/headphones-wireless" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sony's WH-1000XM5</a> offer comparable audio quality for around

350-400, and Bose QC45s run about the same. The advantage with Max is the Apple ecosystem integration and the industrial design. They're gorgeous and light (284 grams), but they're also a serious commitment in terms of price.

AirPods Comparison: Which One's Right for You?

Model	Normal Price	Sale Price	Key Differentiator	Best For
AirPods 3rd Gen	$169	$99	Balanced features	iPhone users, commuters, budget-conscious
AirPods Pro 2	$249	$189	Active noise cancellation	Travel, noise-sensitive work, phone calls
AirPods Max	$549	$429	Premium over-ear audio	Audio enthusiasts, extended wear sessions

AirPods Deals: The Earbuds You Actually Want at Prices You'll Actually Pay - visual representation

MacBook Pro M3 Max offers the highest discount at 35%, followed by MacBook Air M2 at 30%, and MacBook Air M3 at 10%. Estimated data based on typical sales trends.

iPad Deals: More Screen, Less Wallet Pain

iPad deals are where Presidents' Day gets genuinely interesting. Apple's tablet lineup is absurdly confusing (seriously, why does Apple make 5 different iPad models?), so let's clarify what's actually worth buying.

**iPad Air at

449** is the real star here. Normally

599, you're looking at 25% savings on one of Apple's most versatile tablets. iPad Air occupies the sweet spot between the budget iPad and the pro-level iPad Pro. It includes Apple's M1 chip (which is still incredibly fast for tablet tasks), a 10.9-inch display, and all the features that make iPads genuinely useful for creative work.

The iPad Air is our recommendation for most people because it balances power, display quality, and price. You get enough performance for video editing, photo work, and serious app usage without paying for features you won't use. At $449, it's positioned perfectly against mid-range tablets from Samsung and other manufacturers.

iPad Air vs iPad Pro: iPad Air uses slightly older chips (M1 vs M4) and has a smaller screen (10.9" vs 11" or 13"), but costs $200-300 less. Unless you're professional-grade video editing or running heavy creative software all day, Air is the smarter choice.

**iPad Pro at

799** (base 11-inch) normally costs

999, giving you $200 in savings. This is iPad for professionals—video editors, illustrators, designers, and anyone doing serious creative work. The M4 chip is genuinely overkill for web browsing and streaming, but for demanding apps like Procreate, Final Cut Pro, or Da Vinci Resolve, it's legitimately useful.

The bigger question with iPad Pro: do you need the 11-inch or the 13-inch? The

799 deal is the 11-inch base model. If you step up to 13-inch, you're looking at

999 sale price (normally $1,199). For most people, 11-inch is the right call—it's still large enough for creative work but more portable. The 13-inch is genuinely huge and overkill unless you're using it as a primary laptop replacement for serious work.

DID YOU KNOW: iPad Pro models with M-series chips include an extra Thunderbolt port, which means you can connect external SSDs, monitors, and pro cameras directly—features that make them legitimately competitive with low-end laptops for certain workflows.

**Standard iPad at

279** (normally

329) is the budget option. Here's the brutal truth: if you're just browsing the web, watching Netflix, and reading email, the standard iPad is all you need. It's powerful enough, the display is decent, and it costs less than half the iPad Air. The main compromise is the older processor and smaller storage options, but for casual use, neither matters.

The decision tree is actually pretty simple:

Just casual use? Standard iPad at $279
Serious tablet user, some creative work? iPad Air at $449
Professional creative software, video editing, illustration? iPad Pro at $799+

iPad Storage Consideration

Apple's storage pricing on iPads is aggressive. A 256GB iPad Air costs

100-150 more than the 128GB base model, and 512GB adds another

100. Before jumping to higher storage, consider whether you'd actually need it. Most people stream everything anyway (Apple Music, Netflix, podcasts), so 128GB is genuinely sufficient for the vast majority of use cases.

The exception: if you're doing video work or storing large amounts of photos, jump to 256GB minimum. Video files are huge, and you'll hit storage limits faster than you think.

iPad Deals: More Screen, Less Wallet Pain - visual representation

Discount Comparison: Presidents' Day vs Black Friday

Estimated data suggests Presidents' Day offers deeper discounts on specific Apple products like AirPods and older iPads compared to Black Friday, which has broader but less targeted discounts.

Apple Watch Deals: Everything You Need to Know About Timing

Apple Watch deals on Presidents' Day are more interesting than most people expect, because Apple Watch pricing is weird. Apple never really "discounts" watches directly—instead, Amazon and carriers use older inventory to drop prices while the new models stay full price.

**Apple Watch Series 9 at

249** (normally

399) is actually the Series 9, which Apple released last year. The current model is Series 10, which costs $399. So you're getting the previous-generation watch at a legitimately compelling price. Here's the thing though: the Series 9 is still an excellent watch. It includes blood oxygen monitoring, ECG functionality, temperature sensing, and all the health features that make Apple Watch worthwhile.

The performance between Series 9 and 10 is negligible for most use cases. Unless you're upgrading from something ancient like a Series 3, the jump to Series 9 at $249 is genuinely good value.

**Apple Watch Ultra 2 at

379** is where things get wild. The Ultra normally costs

499, so you're looking at $120 in savings. The Ultra is Apple's rugged watch for extreme environments—it's built for athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and people who need something that won't break. Larger screen, longer battery life (up to 36 hours), titanium construction, and a bunch of specialized software for diving, hiking, and trail running.

The catch? The Ultra is overkill for normal people. If you're not actively participating in extreme sports or spending significant time in harsh conditions, the regular Series 9 or Series 10 is the smarter choice. But if you do need ruggedness, $379 is a genuinely competitive price for what you're getting.

QUICK TIP: Buy the previous-generation Apple Watch if you're a casual user. The Series 9 at $249 is better value than Series 10 at $399, and the difference in features won't matter for normal use.

**Apple Watch SE at

199** (normally

249) is the budget smartwatch for people who just want fitness tracking and notifications. It's not fancy, but it works. The tradeoff is no always-on display, no ECG, and fewer health sensors. For basic activity tracking and getting alerts on your wrist, it's fine.

Watch Band Economics

One thing worth knowing: Apple Watch bands are expensive (

99-150 for official Apple bands). If you buy a watch on sale, budget an extra

40-60 for a decent third-party band from Amazon. You'll want multiple bands for different situations (sport band for workouts, leather for professional settings), and official Apple pricing is criminal.

Apple Watch Deals: Everything You Need to Know About Timing - visual representation

MacBook Deals: When Laptop Pricing Actually Makes Sense

MacBook discounts on Presidents' Day are different from iPad and watch discounts, because they're less aggressive. You're not seeing 40% off like AirPods—more like 10-15%. But even 10-15% off a $1,000+ device adds up.

**MacBook Air M3 at

899** (normally

999) is the entry point for MacBook discounts. The M3 chip is still genuinely fast for most work—web development, content creation, productivity tasks. It's not a powerhouse like M4, but it doesn't need to be for most use cases.

Here's the practical breakdown: if you do light computing (browsing, email, writing, spreadsheets), MacBook Air M3 is perfectly adequate. If you do any kind of programming, video editing, or professional work, jump to M4. The $100 difference between the M3 deal and the regular M4 price is actually a solid value proposition.

**MacBook Air M2 at

699** represents the deepest MacBook discount because Apple is clearing out inventory as M3 and M4 models dominate. The M2 is still a solid chip—it handles everything except heavy video rendering without breaking a sweat. At

699, it's genuinely competitive against Windows laptops in the same price range.

The catch with M2: it's getting older. Apple will phase out support eventually (probably in 3-4 years), and resale value is declining. If you're planning to keep the laptop for 5+ years, jump to M3. If you're the type to upgrade every 3 years, M2 at $699 is actually smart economics.

**MacBook Pro M3 Max at

1,299** (normally

1,999) is the most aggressive MacBook Pro discount visible right now. The Pro Max models are genuinely for people who do heavy professional work—video editors, programmers working with massive codebases, data scientists running complex models. The regular M3/M4 Pro isn't heavily discounted, but the Max tier gets aggressive marking when inventory shifts.

The reality: most people don't need a MacBook Pro Max. It's like buying a truck when you need a car. But if you do need it (and you'll know if you do), $1,299 is worth considering seriously. That's a 35% discount.

DID YOU KNOW: Apple's M-series chips are so efficient that even the base MacBook Air with M1 can run many professional video and audio editing tasks that previously required Mac Studios or iMac Pros. The performance-per-watt is legitimately remarkable.

Storage on MacBooks: The Real Cost

MacBook storage is where Apple's pricing becomes genuinely aggressive. A 512GB upgrade costs

200. A 1TB upgrade costs

400. Before jumping on a MacBook deal, make sure you understand your actual storage needs.

For most people: 256GB is tight but workable if you use cloud storage (iCloud, Dropbox, OneDrive). 512GB is comfortable and recommended. 1TB is only necessary if you're working with large video files or massive datasets.

Pro tip: buying aftermarket RAM and storage upgrades isn't possible with new MacBooks (Apple solders everything to the motherboard). So whatever specs you choose at purchase are locked in for the life of the machine. This makes the upfront decision more important than it used to be.

MacBook Deals: When Laptop Pricing Actually Makes Sense - visual representation

AirPods 3rd Gen are available at a 41% discount, making them highly competitive in the market. AirPods Pro 2 offer a $60 saving, appealing to those needing premium noise-canceling features.

Other Apple Products Worth Considering

Beyond the big three categories, there are a few other Apple products worth keeping an eye on during Presidents' Day sales.

Apple TV 4K occasionally shows up with modest discounts (usually $20-30 off). It's not a must-buy, but if you're in the ecosystem and want a centralized way to manage all your streaming services, it's solid. The real value is in home automation and AirPlay integration with other Apple devices.

Magic Keyboards, Mouse, and Trackpads sometimes appear with 15-20% discounts. These accessories are overpriced at full retail ($299-399), but at 20% off, they become more reasonable for people building out a Mac setup.

HomePod mini occasionally drops to

79 (normally

99). It's a decent smart speaker if you're in the Apple ecosystem, but Google and Amazon's smart speakers are better values for audio quality and smart home functionality.

Apple Ecosystem Value: The real advantage of Apple products isn't individual quality—it's integration. Buying multiple Apple products means they talk to each other seamlessly. A Mac, iPad, iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch together create a connected experience that's difficult to replicate across brands.

Other Apple Products Worth Considering - visual representation

Presidents' Day Pricing Strategy: Understanding the Deal Architecture

To shop smart during Presidents' Day sales, you need to understand how Amazon structures these events.

First: not everything is actually discounted. Amazon highlights deals prominently, but many items are at regular price. Before assuming something is on sale, check the price history. Camel Camel Camel is a free tool that shows you Amazon price history for any product. Use it before buying.

Second: Amazon's "Deal of the Day" and "Lightning Deals" are marketing theater. They're not necessarily better prices than regular discounts. Sometimes a product is "on sale" all week at the same price, but Amazon highlights it for 24 hours as a Lightning Deal to make you think it's time-limited.

Third: inventory runs out on popular items. If you see a deal you want, buy it within a few hours. By the second day of Presidents' Day sales, popular items like AirPods at $99 are typically gone. Amazon does replenish inventory, but availability is inconsistent.

The Real Strategy:

Identify products you actually want (don't buy just because something's on sale)
Check price history to confirm it's genuinely discounted
Compare against other retailers—sometimes Best Buy or B&H Photo beat Amazon prices
Buy within 24 hours of seeing the deal (don't wait)
Keep your Amazon return window in mind (30 days) in case you want to adjust purchases

Presidents' Day Pricing Strategy: Understanding the Deal Architecture - visual representation

The iPad Air offers a 25% discount, making it a versatile choice for most users. The iPad Pro models provide significant savings but are tailored for professional use.

When to Actually Buy vs. When to Wait

Not every deal is worth buying, and sometimes waiting for a better sale event is smarter.

Buy now if:

You've been wanting the product for months
Your current device is broken or unusable
You actively use the Apple ecosystem
You can commit to the product for at least 2-3 years

Wait if:

New models are launching in the next 60 days (check Apple's calendar)
You're not sure you'll use the product
You're comparing against non-Apple competitors and haven't decided
You're buying on credit and can't pay off within a month or two

QUICK TIP: Apple announces product launches typically in March (spring products) and September (fall). If Presidents' Day is close to these windows, wait. You might get better deals after new product announcements, or you might want the new model instead.

The Presidents' Day Advantage:

Honestly, Presidents' Day is one of the better times to buy Apple products outside of Black Friday. Prices are aggressive, inventory is available, and you're not dealing with the chaos of major holidays. The main advantage over other sale events is predictability—you know these discounts are happening and can plan accordingly.

When to Actually Buy vs. When to Wait - visual representation

Ecosystem Considerations: The Hidden Cost of Apple

Before buying multiple Apple products, understand the full picture.

What you gain with ecosystem lock-in:

Seamless handoff between devices
Universal clipboard functionality
Continuity features (start something on iPhone, finish on Mac)
Shared photo libraries and files across devices
Automatic backup and sync via iCloud

What it costs:

You're locked into Apple products
Services (iCloud, Apple Care+, Apple TV+) add up
Repair costs outside warranty are brutal
Switching to Android/Windows means losing ecosystem benefits

The ecosystem is genuinely valuable if you're all-in. If you're mixing Apple with other brands, you lose most of the benefits. A MacBook and iPad are great together. A MacBook and Windows desktop? Less synergistic.

Ecosystem Considerations: The Hidden Cost of Apple - visual representation

The Apple Watch Series 9 offers a significant discount at

249 compared to its original price of

399, making it a great value for casual users. The Ultra 2 also presents a notable saving of $120.

Apple Care+ and Extended Warranty Considerations

When buying during Presidents' Day sales, Apple Care+ pricing becomes relevant.

Apple Care+ costs vary by product:

AirPods: $29 (adds 2 years of coverage)
iPad Air: $79 (adds 2 years of coverage)
MacBook Air: $149-199 (adds 3 years of coverage)

The question: is Apple Care+ worth buying on sale items?

Buy Apple Care+ if:

You're accident-prone or use devices in harsh conditions
You plan to keep the device 3+ years
You're buying a MacBook (repair costs justify the coverage)

Skip Apple Care+ if:

You're careful with devices
You plan to upgrade within 2 years
You use credit card purchase protection (many cards include accidental damage coverage)

Here's the reality: Apple Care+ is insurance, and insurance is a personal choice based on risk tolerance. Don't feel pressured into it just because it's offered. Many people never use it.

Apple Care+ and Extended Warranty Considerations - visual representation

How Presidents' Day Compares to Other Apple Sale Events

Understanding where Presidents' Day fits in the annual sales calendar helps you make smarter buying decisions.

Sale Event	Timing	Typical Discount	Best For
Presidents' Day	February	15-40%	AirPods, older iPad/Watch models
Spring Sale (rare)	March-April	10-20%	New iPad models
Back to School	June-August	10-25%	Students buying MacBooks, iPads
Black Friday	November	20-30%	Everything, but less consistency
Boxing Day (Canada/UK)	December 26	15-25%	Inventory clearing
New Product Launch Sales	Variable	5-15%	Previous generation models

Presidents' Day is genuinely competitive with Black Friday for some categories (AirPods, watches). It's better than other seasonal events for older inventory. The main advantage is that it's less chaotic than Black Friday—fewer fake deals and less inventory stress.

How Presidents' Day Compares to Other Apple Sale Events - visual representation

Common Strategies for Presidents' Day Shopping

Estimated data shows that identifying desired products and buying quickly are the most adopted strategies during Presidents' Day sales. Checking price history and comparing retailers are also crucial steps.

Red Flags to Watch During Sales

Not every "deal" is actually a good deal. Watch for these red flags:

Refurbished or Open Box: Some Presidents' Day deals include refurbished products at lower prices. This isn't necessarily bad (Apple's refurbished products are solid), but make sure it's clearly marked. Don't pay new prices for refurbished products.

Seller issues: Amazon has third-party sellers. Some are legitimate, some are sketchy. Buy from Amazon directly or verified sellers. If a deal seems too good to be true, check the seller rating.

Compatibility concerns: Make sure you're buying the right version. iPads come in Wi-Fi and cellular variants. Apple Watches come in GPS and cellular. MacBooks come in various configurations. Confirm you're buying what you actually need.

Stock warnings: Amazon doesn't always accurately display stock. If you see "Only 2 left in stock," move fast. Inventory can disappear in minutes on popular items.

Red Flags to Watch During Sales - visual representation

Return Policy and Buyer Protection

Amazon's return policy during sale events is important to understand.

Standard Amazon returns: 30 days from delivery for most items, no questions asked. This is genuinely generous.

Apple products specifically: Often eligible for extended returns during holidays (up to 60 days), but check the specific product page. Some items have shorter windows.

Apple Care+ returns: If you buy Apple Care+ with the product, you have 30 days to add or remove it. Don't buy Apple Care+ and then decide you don't want it after the return window closes—it's not refundable.

Price adjustments: If a product drops in price after you buy it, contact Amazon within 7 days and they'll refund the difference. This is worth checking.

DID YOU KNOW: Amazon sometimes offers "Price Protection" for pre-ordered items, meaning if the price drops before release, you get the lower price automatically. This doesn't apply during flash sales, but it's worth knowing about.

Return Policy and Buyer Protection - visual representation

Financing Options and Payment Plans

For expensive items like MacBooks and iPad Pro, financing becomes relevant.

Amazon Pay Later: Available for items over a certain price, splits purchases into 4 payments over 6 weeks at no interest. This is actually useful if you want to spread out the cost without credit cards.

Apple Financing: Through Apple directly (not Amazon sales) you can get 12-month interest-free financing on purchases over $300. But you're buying through Amazon, so you don't get Apple financing unless you buy directly from Apple.com.

Credit card benefits: If you're using a rewards credit card, you're getting cash back or points on sale prices. That's immediate savings. Some cards also offer purchase protection and extended warranties.

The reality: Don't finance things you can't afford. A MacBook at $899 is a significant purchase. If you need financing, make sure you can actually pay it off before interest kicks in.

Financing Options and Payment Plans - visual representation

The Bottom Line: Presidents' Day Apple Deals Worth Your Time

After reviewing the full landscape, here are the genuinely worthwhile deals:

Absolutely buy if available:

AirPods 3rd Gen at $99 (41% off, hard to beat)
AirPods Pro 2 at $189 (genuine savings)
iPad Air at $449 (25% off, excellent value)

Strong buys if you need the product:

Apple Watch Series 9 at $249 (37% off)
MacBook Air M3 at $899 (10% off, but still valuable for larger purchase)
iPad Pro at $799 (20% off on serious hardware)

Wait or be selective:

Standard iPad at $279 (only 15% off, not as aggressive)
AirPods Max at $429 (still pricey even at sale price)
HomePod mini at $79 (20% off but not essential)

The key insight: Presidents' Day sales are real, they're competitive with other events, and they're worth shopping. But be intentional. Buy products you actually need or have been planning to buy. Don't make impulse purchases just because something's marked down. The best deal is the one you actually use.

The Bottom Line: Presidents' Day Apple Deals Worth Your Time - visual representation

FAQ

What is Presidents' Day and why do Apple products go on sale?

Presidents' Day is a U.S. federal holiday in February celebrating past presidents. Retailers use it as an opportunity to drive sales volume after the post-holiday slowdown. Apple products specifically go on sale because Amazon negotiates aggressive pricing to attract shoppers during slower retail months. It's economically smart for Amazon—they'd rather move inventory at lower margins than sit with excess stock. Manufacturers and retailers use Presidents' Day as a demand-generation event.

When exactly is Presidents' Day 2025 and when do the sales start?

Presidents' Day in 2025 falls on February 17, which is the third Monday of February (always). Amazon's sales typically start the weekend before and run through Presidents' Day itself, sometimes extending into the following day. If you're shopping, expect prime deals from February 15-17, with inventory running low by February 18. Check Amazon's official sale page for exact timing—they sometimes stagger deals across multiple days rather than running everything simultaneously.

Are Presidents' Day Apple deals better than Black Friday?

For specific categories, yes. AirPods see deeper discounts during Presidents' Day than Black Friday because Amazon is clearing inventory. Watches and older iPad models are more aggressively discounted too. Black Friday has broader discounts across more products, but Presidents' Day often beats it on specific items. The real advantage of Presidents' Day is less chaos—fewer fake deals, more predictable pricing, and easier shopping. If you need a specific product (like AirPods), Presidents' Day is often the better event. If you're shopping broadly, Black Friday is competitive.

Should I buy AirPods at $99 or wait for a better deal?

Buy at

99 if you're interested in AirPods 3rd Gen. This is the lowest price point we typically see for that model. Historically, AirPods 3rd Gen rarely drop below

100, and when they do, inventory disappears quickly. You might see slight discounts (

5-10 less) at Black Friday or other major events, but the difference isn't meaningful. If you need AirPods and they're available at

99, that's a genuine buy signal. Waiting for an extra $5-10 discount means risking stock depletion and uncertainty about future pricing.

Is buying a MacBook on Presidents' Day sale worth it if a new model is launching soon?

Not really. If Apple is launching new MacBooks within 60 days, wait. You'll either get the new model at a better price, or the current generation will drop further. Apple typically announces new MacBooks in March or September. If Presidents' Day (February) is close to a March announcement, hold off. You'll have better clarity on new models, pricing, and features in 4-6 weeks. The exception: if your current MacBook is broken and you need a device immediately, a $100 discount on a current model is better than nothing.

What's the difference between iPad Air, iPad Pro, and standard iPad that makes the price differences justified?

Standard iPad uses older processors and lacks certain professional features (like Thunderbolt ports and higher refresh rate displays). iPad Air bridges the gap with modern M-series chips and 10.9" display, making it suitable for creative work without the extreme pricing of Pro. iPad Pro uses the newest chips (M4), larger screens (11" or 13"), and includes features like Thunderbolt for connecting external devices, making it legitimately competitive with low-end laptops for professional work. The price differences reflect real capability gaps. For casual use, standard iPad is sufficient. For creative work, Air. For professional-grade software, Pro. Each tier has legitimate justification.

Should I buy Apple Care+ along with Presidents' Day purchases?

It depends on your risk tolerance and device. For laptops (MacBooks), Apple Care+ is worth serious consideration because repair costs are brutal (

300-800 out of pocket). For AirPods and watches, it's less critical because replacement costs are lower (

100-200 versus $300-400 for a MacBook). For iPads, it falls in the middle. Ask yourself honestly: are you likely to damage the device significantly? Do you plan to keep it 3+ years? If yes to both, Apple Care+ makes sense. If you're careful with devices and upgrade every 2 years, skip it. Don't buy insurance out of fear—buy it based on realistic risk assessment.

Can I return items bought during Presidents' Day sales if I change my mind?

Yes. Amazon allows 30-day returns for most items purchased during Presidents' Day sales, with no questions asked. Some Apple products may qualify for extended return windows (up to 60 days) depending on the specific product and time of purchase, but check each item's return policy. If you buy Apple Care+ with the product, you have 30 days to change your mind about the coverage, but after that it's locked in. Keep your receipts and order confirmation for 30 days in case you need to return something. Amazon's return process is straightforward—initiate the return in your account, print a label, and ship it back.

How do I know if a Presidents' Day price is actually the lowest price that product has ever been?

Use Camel Camel Camel (price tracking for Amazon products) or Keepa to view 12+ months of price history for any Amazon product. These tools show you the historical low, the typical price range, and whether a current deal is genuinely exceptional or just regular pricing. If the Presidents' Day price matches or beats the historical low shown in these tools, it's a solid deal. If it's only 5-10% below the average price, it's less impressive than it appears.

Key Takeaways and Final Recommendations

Presidents' Day 2025 represents a genuinely competitive sale event for Apple products. The deals are real, the discounts are meaningful, and the timing is smart. Here's what you actually need to do:

If you're considering AirPods: Buy at $99 for 3rd Gen. That's the threshold where the deal makes sense economically compared to competing earbuds.

If you've been thinking about an iPad: iPad Air at

449 is the sweet spot. It's powerful enough for real work, costs less than Pro, and

150 below normal pricing.

If you need a watch: Series 9 at $249 gives you the full Apple Watch experience at a compelling price. Skip SE unless budget is extremely tight.

If you're considering a MacBook: M3 Air at $899 is the entry point. Don't overpay for Max or Pro unless you're doing legitimately heavy work.

Most importantly: Don't buy just because something's on sale. Make intentional purchases aligned with your actual needs. The best deal is the one you use regularly.

Shop smart, move fast on inventory-limited deals, and don't be afraid to use your 30-day return window if you change your mind. Presidents' Day sales are genuine—approach them like a savvy shopper rather than an impulse buyer.

One more tactical note: if you're buying multiple items, consider spreading purchases across a day or two. Buying everything at once triggers shipping logistics, and you might receive items on different dates. Sometimes it's valuable to order essentials first (like if you need AirPods immediately), then add other items later in the sale window when you've confirmed you're satisfied with the first purchase.