Black Friday roundup: who’s slashing AirPods prices and why it matters
On Black Friday (Nov. 28, 2025), major retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Costco and B&H Photo rolled out steep discounts on Apple AirPods models — with some promotions advertising savings of up to 47% on select SKUs. The sales cover several generations and variants, from the entry-level AirPods to the AirPods Pro lineup and occasional markdowns on the premium AirPods Max. Apple’s own online store rarely cuts new AirPods, but Apple’s Certified Refurbished and third-party sellers are also part of the bargain mix.
Details of the biggest deals
Retailers focused on driving holiday traffic with a mix of limited-time doorbusters and longer-running Black Friday week offers. Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart built the broadest assortment of discounts, typically featuring the AirPods (3rd generation), AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and older AirPods (2nd gen) at the deepest reductions. Best Buy’s holiday pages grouped AirPods deals alongside iPhone and Mac promotions, while Walmart and Target bundled headphones with gift-card incentives or accessory packs.
Which models saw the biggest cuts?
Older models and previous-generation AirPods Pro units took the largest percentage discounts, which is common as retailers clear inventory ahead of new product cycles. Mid-generation models such as the AirPods (3rd gen) and the AirPods Pro (2nd gen) also saw notable cuts to attract shoppers who want near-flagship performance without full MSRP. The AirPods Max typically received smaller but still meaningful discounts through big-box retailers and select electronics outlets.
Background: pricing strategy and market context
Apple maintains tightly controlled pricing for new hardware at its own channels, but third-party retailers frequently use accessory discounts as traffic drivers in competitive holiday windows. The headphone and true wireless market has matured — brands like Sony, Samsung (Galaxy Buds), Bose and Sennheiser all compete on features such as spatial audio, ANC (active noise cancellation), battery life and codec support. For Apple, AirPods are less about margins alone and more about ecosystem lock-in: AirPods pair seamlessly with iPhone, iPad and Mac, unlocking features like automatic device switching and Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking.
For retailers, AirPods are high-demand items that create conversion opportunities for higher-margin accessories and services. Deep discounts during Black Friday are a way to capture new customers and drive post-purchase engagement through warranty and accessory sales.
Analysis and implications
Discounts of this scale (advertised as up to 47% on select models) highlight several dynamics in the consumer-electronics sector. First, Apple’s accessories business is mature enough that retailers can leverage inventory management to encourage upgrades and new user adoption. Second, aggressive promotions increase competitive pressure on rivals, forcing them to match or differentiate on features rather than price. Third, for Apple the short-term impact on revenue per unit is balanced by longer-term retention: AirPods users disproportionately remain in Apple’s device ecosystem, which drives services revenue.
From a margin perspective, Apple has more flexibility than many hardware makers because AirPods also serve as a hardware gateway to services like Apple Music and the App Store. However, sustained deep discounts could pressure accessory margins for retailers and third-party brands. Industry analysts caution that while Black Friday promotions spike holiday sales, manufacturers must manage inventory and promotional cadence to avoid cannibalizing full-price demand in subsequent quarters.
Expert perspectives
Industry analysts point out that the timing of discounts often aligns with inventory cycles and new product rumors. Analysts who track the wearable and audio market say retailers use AirPods to anchor broader holiday deals, and that price elasticity for wireless earbuds is high: many consumers respond strongly to visible discounts on well-known brands. Market-watchers also note that Apple’s limited-price approach at its own stores keeps the perception of premium pricing intact while allowing partners to run tactical promotions.
How to shop these deals
Shoppers should compare model features (ANC, MagSafe charging, spatial audio support, battery life) and confirm seller reputation, warranty terms and return policies. Check Apple’s Certified Refurbished storefront for manufacturer-backed options, and look for retailer bundles that include cases or charging accessories. If near-real-time price tracking is needed, set alerts with price trackers and loyalty accounts to catch flash deals that may only last hours.
Conclusion: key takeaways and what to expect next
Black Friday 2025 delivered some of the most aggressive AirPods discounts in recent holiday seasons, with select models reaching advertised savings of up to 47%. For consumers, this is an attractive moment to buy into Apple’s audio ecosystem at lower cost. For Apple and its retail partners, the promotions drive traffic and ecosystem lock-in while testing inventory strategies ahead of 2026 product cycles. Expect more targeted promotions through Cyber Monday and December as retailers refine allocations and promotional intensity.
Related internal topics to explore: AirPods buying guide, best Black Friday tech deals 2025, Apple holiday hardware roundup, wireless earbuds comparison.
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