Apple has launched a holiday gift guide microsite today, featuring Apple products and accessories targeted at a wide variety of audiences. The list is separated into six main sections: Gaming, Photography, Music, Fitness, Learning and Travel. Naturally, Apple prominently features its own devices in the recommendations (iPhones, iPads, Apple TV, Beats headphones) alongside third-party accessories and suggested apps.
One of the things Apple’s retail head Angela Ahrendts said in her interview with Fast Company‘s Rick Tetzei is that Apple had made the decision to back away from Black Friday sales because “being good to your employees will always be good for business.”
Rather than extending store hours for Black Friday events, or just turning the stores into even more crowded places during what has increasingly turned into Black November rather than just Black Friday, Ahrendts decided to give staff a break. That’s great and should be applauded but why not just do an online sale? Do the computers need the time off too?
Believe it or not, we’re only a little over two weeks away from Black Friday. Over at 9to5Toys we’ve been tracking a steady stream of Black Friday ad leaks, reveals, and news since last month. While we haven’t seen every retailers’ deals yet, we have seen enough to get a good idea of what types of discounts top Apple products will be getting this holiday season: Expand Expanding Close
PSA: Apple Watch is now live at Target. REDcard holders can save 5% on all configurations. That’s not a huge discount, but it’s the best current deal you’ll find. Another option is to go through B&H to take advantage of potential tax benefits. The lowest historical prices we’ve seen so far on Apple Watch came two weeks ago when the 38mm was $480 and the 42mm was $520. However you can find low prices for 3rd party replacement bands right now on Amazon.