Apple has officially dropped its annual Black Friday shopping event, but fans are divided over whether the deal is truly jaw-dropping.
Running from November 28 through December 1, the four-day promotion offers Apple Gift Cards with eligible purchases — yet shoppers say better offers are popping up elsewhere.
Customers shopping at Apple Stores, Apple.com, or via the Apple Store app can score gift cards ranging from $25 to $250.
But here’s the catch: the gift card is for future purchases, meaning no immediate discount at checkout.
What’s Included — And What’s Not
Not every product qualifies.
The iPhone 17 series, the latest MacBook Pro with M5 chip, the iPad Pro M5, and the Vision Pro are excluded. Refurbished items and educational pricing also don’t count.
That leaves shoppers weighing whether the promotion is worth it compared to other retailers.
Shoppers React to the Viral Offer
Fans online were quick to call out the deal.
One shopper wrote: “Apple leaves me speechless — this feels bigger than a Kardashian family headline, but Amazon’s discounts are better.” Another added: “This is the Jeff Bezos mansion of promotions — lavish, but not practical.”
Comparing Apple vs. Other Retailers
While Apple rarely offers discounts, Amazon and other resellers often provide instant savings on the same products.
That makes price comparison essential. For many, the allure of an Apple Gift Card doesn’t outweigh the immediate cash savings available elsewhere.
Why It Hits Harder
Apple’s Black Friday event is still a cultural moment.
For loyal customers, the gift card can be used toward Apple Music, iCloud+ storage, or App Store purchases. But for bargain hunters, the real jaw-dropping deals may be found outside Apple’s ecosystem.
With its gift card promotion, Apple’s Black Friday event leaves fans speechless — proving that sometimes the biggest headlines aren’t always the best deals.
