Deals roundup: Who, what, when
This week (week of Oct. 26, 2025) The Verge’s deals column is flagging two headline categories: Apple’s AirTag accessories and value-focused gaming laptops. Online retailers including Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart are running promotions that make accessories and entry-level gaming rigs more compelling ahead of the holiday season. The Verge singled out these categories because they combine wide consumer appeal with accessible price cuts—ideal for gift shoppers and value-minded buyers.
Why AirTags are back in the spotlight
Apple introduced the AirTag on April 30, 2021, with a single-unit MSRP of $29 and a four-pack at $99. AirTags remain popular because they lean on Apple’s Find My network—hundreds of millions of Apple devices worldwide—for lost-item tracking, and sellers frequently discount bundles and third-party accessories. This week’s highlights include markdowns on AirTag four-packs and on leather and silicone holders from major accessory brands, making it cheaper to outfit keys, backpacks and luggage.
Context and implications
Accessory discounts are more than short-term bargains. They signal sustained consumer interest in companion devices, which can increase average revenue per user for smartphone ecosystems. For Apple, accessories like AirTags help reinforce the stickiness of iPhone ownership by tying everyday items to the iOS ecosystem. For retailers, cheaper accessories are low-friction items that drive traffic and cross-sell higher-margin products like headphones or tablets.
Cheap gaming laptops: where value meets performance
Alongside AirTags, The Verge’s picks emphasize budget gaming laptops that undercut typical mainstream models while offering discrete GPUs and decent displays. Many of the headline offers put machines in the familiar budget gaming band—roughly $600–$800—where buyers can expect an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 CPU paired with entry-level NVIDIA or AMD mobile GPUs suitable for 1080p gaming.
Market dynamics
Affordable gaming notebooks have been especially competitive as component costs normalize after the pandemic-era crunch. Retailers are leveraging these price points to clear inventory ahead of Black Friday: value-focused models act as loss leaders to attract gamers who may later upgrade to higher-end systems. For students and casual gamers, these deals deliver meaningful performance for mainstream titles without the premium of enthusiast hardware.
Where to buy and what to watch
Major sellers—Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart—are the primary channels for the advertised discounts. The Verge’s coverage suggests shoppers should compare prices across those retailers and check for bundled incentives like gift cards, extended warranties or trade-in credits. For AirTags, look for bundle savings or accessory deals that reduce the overall cost of attaching an AirTag to an item. For laptops, verify display specs, RAM and SSD capacity; those three factors often separate a useful gaming laptop from a frustrated buyer’s return.
Analysis: timing, privacy and long-term value
Timing matters: promotions in late October frequently preface larger November sales, and inventory rotations mean early buyers may get the best selection. On the privacy front, AirTags continue to face scrutiny over misuse potential, prompting software updates and safety features from Apple. Buyers should weigh convenience against that trade-off and follow Apple’s guidance on safety alerts and unwanted-tracking protections.
Expert insights and future outlook
Industry observers expect retailer discounts on accessories and budget gaming hardware to deepen into Black Friday and Cyber Week. While exact percentages vary by model and seller, the trend is clear: retailers are using popular, affordable tech—like AirTags and entry-level gaming laptops—to capture holiday spend. For consumers, that means now is a strong window to buy if you need these items; for manufacturers and retailers, the deals are a strategic push to expand ecosystem adoption and clear inventory ahead of year-end.
Long-term, look for continued competition in the sub-$800 laptop segment and periodic accessory bundles for tracker devices. Shoppers should monitor price-tracking tools and The Verge’s ongoing deals coverage to time purchases and maximize savings.
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