Apple’s latest gear is available for pre-order—and some early deals are already live. The AirPods 5, Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, plus Apple accessories and MacBook Air refurb units are seeing real discounts ahead of official launch. Here’s what to know so you can score the best value.
New AirPods 5: ANC at a lower price
The AirPods 5 have officially dropped, and pre-orders are now open. The base model starts at $129, while the version with a wireless charging case rings in at $149. These new SoundPods bring built-in active noise cancellation to the standard lineup—a first. Other upgrades include Adaptive EQ, enhanced Spatial Audio, and battery life pushing up to 20 hours with the case. The higher-tier pair also adds stem-mounted volume controls. But for only $50 more, buyers can go flagship with AirPods Pro 3—offering sealed tips, stronger noise cancellation, and additional features like heart rate sensing.
Watch Series 12 & Ultra 4: New sensors, colors, and perks
The Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 are now available for preorder, with delivery set to begin September 18. Models in the Series 12 line start from $399 and extend up to $949 depending on case material and connectivity. For instance, 42mm aluminum GPS begins at $399; titanium versions jump to $699; Ceramic tops out at $949. The Ultra 4 comes in both Black and Natural finishes beginning around $799. There are also fresh band styles—Ocean, Trail, Alpine Loops—in new color options like Translucent Ocean, Sand, Burgundy, and Dark Umber.
Both the Series 12 and Ultra 4 introduce a next-gen heart rate sensor that samples every five seconds, with HRV (heart rate variability) readings every five minutes. Apple claims this sensor is their most accurate yet in a wearable.
Other standout discounts
If you’re eyeing the MacBook Air, an Apple Certified Refurbished 13-inch M5 model with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage has dropped to $1,099—down from $1,299—across Midnight, Starlight, and Sky Blue finishes. Stocks are limited, and since these are Apple-refurb units, you still get the one-year warranty and return policies.
Accessories are also getting temporary flashes of savings: the MagSafe Battery Pack is at its lowest Amazon price yet ($59), a 25W Qi2.2 power bank is launching for $66, and there are multiple 3-in-1 charging setups and desk mats discounted. Even the AirPods Max 2 are back in stock in all colors at $449—$100 off.
Deals like these reflect a broader strategy: ahead of major product launches, retailers tend to open up early discounts and special pricing—especially on high-visibility items like Apple Watch, AirPods, and MacBooks. For shoppers, timing is everything—preorders let you reserve the newest gear and enjoy modest savings, while refurb sales and accessory deals often offer the biggest bang for your buck.
