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The best Amazon Spring Sale Apple deals worth grabbing now: Apple Watches, MacBooks, and more
Amazon's Big Spring Sale is well underway. While the deals event primarily cuts prices on Amazon-owned brands, other retailers, like Apple, know shoppers will be actively shopping during the event, and so we can expect that Apple will cut prices on its own products throughout the deals event.
Also: Best Amazon Spring Sale deals under $25
It's been a busy product launch season for the tech giant, and it's unveiled new lineups of AirTags, MacBooks, iPads, Apple Watches, and AirPods. This is great for shoppers, as they can get last year's models at steeper discounts.
If you've been meaning to buy a new laptop, smartwatch, earbuds, or iPad, now might be a mighty fine time to pick one up. I've collected some of my favorite Apple deals you can buy during Amazon's deals event, which ends on March 31.
Best Amazon Spring Sale Apple deals overall
- Current price: $300 (25% off)
- Original price: $400
If you want all-day battery life, Apple's latest health features (including a Hypertension Detection feature), sleep tracking, workout monitoring, and phone-free communication, the Apple Watch Series 11 is my best recommendation. In the three-product watch lineup, the Series 11 is in between the affordable SE 3 and the Ultra 4 in both features and price. After trying all three smartwatches, I can confidently say this is the best Apple Watch for most people.
Read my review: Apple Watch Series 11
- Current price: $199 (20% off)
- Original price: $250
These are the best earbuds you can buy if you're an iPhone user, and they're 20% off right now. Apple perfects its noise cancellation, gestures, language translation, and overall sound quality in the AirPods Pro 3.
Also: Apple AirPods Pro 3 review: I didn't think earbuds could pull off immersive ANC like this
- Current price: $1,294 (7% off)
- Original price: $1,499
Improve your workflow with this top-performing all-in-one computer. Its M4 chipset boasts impressive numbers, making it perfect for heavy multitasking. Plus, the device comes with a stunning 24-inch, 4.5K Retina display.
Also: Amazon's Big Spring Sale starts March 25: Dates, details, and deals to know
- Current price: $219 (12% off)
- Original price: $250
Looking for an affordable Apple Watch for phone-free communication and workout tracking? The Apple Watch SE 3 is your best bet. While you won't get some of the more advanced features available on the Apple Watch Series 11 or Ultra 4, you're getting a capable, budget-friendly watch that will do most of what you need.
Also: I compared every Apple Watch - here's why I recommend this model the most
Best AirPods deals
- Current price: $449 (18% off)
- Original price: $549
Apple just unveiled its second-generation AirPods Max, so you know what that means. It's about to be a great time to get the first-generation over-ear headphones and a substantial discount. The price of these headphones just dropped even further, now that Apple will try to sell off its remaining first-gen inventory. At 18% off, it's a good deal if you snagged the headphones right now.
Also: Should you buy AirPods Max? A long-awaited upgrade will entice professionals
- Current price: $199 (20% off)
- Original price: $250
These are the best earbuds you can buy if you're an iPhone user, and they're 20% off right now. Apple perfects its noise cancellation, gestures, language translation, and overall sound quality in the AirPods Pro 3.
Also: Apple AirPods Pro 3 review: I didn't think earbuds could pull off immersive ANC like this
- AirPods 4 with ANC for $178 (save $30): Don't want to spend $200 on Apple earbuds? These don't offer as great of noise cancellation or a secure fit, but they integrate easily with your phone and include the same chip as Apple's higher-end earbuds.
- AirPods 4 for $115 (save $14): Don't want active noise cancellation at all? Get these instead.
- Apple EarPods for $16 (save $3): These might look just like some wired earbuds, but you'd be surprised to learn the Apple EarPods have one of the best microphones for recording videos. The Lightning cable version is $3 off.
Best iPad deals
- Current price: $1,099 (9% off)
- Original price: $1,199
This iPad is so powerful, it could very well replace your computer. It's got one of Apple's most powerful processors and would be great for power users. But hurry, Amazon doesn't have many of these iPads left in stock.
Also: I tested every iPad model that Apple currently sells - here's my advice for Pro users in 2026
- Current price: $619 (5% off)
- Original price: $649
Perhaps the smallest -- and cheapest -- iPad you can get right now is 20% off. This deal applies to the Space Gray and Purple color.
- Current price: $399
- Original price: $449
Consider the base-model iPad. It's got twice as much storage as the previous base model. It doesn't have Apple Intelligence or some of the more premium features, however.
Also: I've tested every iPad sold by Apple right now - here's the model I recommend most
- iPad Air 13-inch with M3 chip: $1,238 (save $160): This iPad has a few more Apple Intelligence-ready features and 1TB of storage.
- iPad Air 13-inch with M3 chip: $979 (save $120): This iPad has 512 GB of storage.
- iPad Air 11-inch with M3 chip: $836 (save $92): This deal applies to the iPad Air with 256GB of storage and Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity included.
- iPad 11-inch with A16 chip: $597 (save $52): This base model iPad has 512GB of storage.
- iPad Pencil: $99 (save $30): Draw, take notes, and more with the iPad Pencil.
- Logitech iPad Air Keyboard: $170 (save $30): Need a keyboard to turn your iPad Air into a portable laptop? This one is 15% off.
Best MacBook deals
- Current price: $1,000 (17% off)
- Original price: $1,199
As ZDNET's Kyle Kucharski puts it, this laptop is "The" productivity powerhouse for office workers.
Also: I'm a Windows user, but the MacBook Air M4 could be my new main driver at this price
- Current price: $1,550 (9% off)
- Original price: $1,699
The MacBook Pro M5 can handle a heavier workload with a longer battery life, compared to its MacBook siblings. It's got up to 24 hours of battery life and lots of storage to handle workday needs.
- Current price: $1,099 (21% off)
- Original price: $1,399
The 15-inch MacBook Air M4 with 16GB of storage is under $1,000. Both the 13-inch MacBook Air and 15-inch MacBook Air cost $949 on Amazon right now.
- Apple Magic Mouse: $64 (save $15): Need a new mouse? This one is slightly cheaper right now.
Best Apple Watch deals
- Current price: $499 (38% off)
- Original price: $799
The biggest upgrade that arrived through Apple's latest Ultra 3 is Possible Hypertension Detection and its new Emergency SOS via satellite. The former feature is available on the Ultra 2 as well, while the Emergency SOS -- used in emergency situations where cellular connectivity is limited -- is not. But if you aren't finding yourself off grid anytime soon, you probably won't use that feature. I'd recommend buying the Ultra 2 instead, which offers the same rugged build, days-long battery, and vivid screen.
This deal only applies to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the Rugged Titanium Case with Blue/Black Trail Loop.
- Current price: $319 (54% off)
- Original price: $700
This is an older Apple Watch for sure. But it still applies for lots of Apple's most recent software updates, including Sleep Scores, so you can wear the watch to bed and get daily insights into how well you slept. This watch comes with GPS and Cellular, so you can call, text, and scroll without needing your phone nearby. This way, you don't need to bring your phone and your watch on long runs or walks -- and lots of stuff you would use your phone for defaults to your wrist instead.
Also: I turned my Apple Watch into a dumbphone with this quick fix
- Current price: $300 (25% off)
- Original price: $400
If you want all-day battery life, Apple's latest health features (including a Hypertension Detection feature), sleep tracking, workout monitoring, and phone-free communication, the Apple Watch Series 11 is my best recommendation. In the three-product watch lineup, the Series 11 is in between the affordable SE 3 and the Ultra 4 in both features and price. After trying all three smartwatches, I can confidently say this is the best Apple Watch for most people.
Read my review: Apple Watch Series 11
- Current price: $219 (12% off)
- Original price: $250
Looking for an affordable Apple Watch for phone-free communication and workout tracking? The Apple Watch SE 3 is your best bet. While you won't get some of the more advanced features available on the Apple Watch Series 11 or Ultra 4, you're getting a capable, budget-friendly watch that will do most of what you need.
Also: I compared every Apple Watch - here's why I recommend this model the most
When is Amazon's Spring Sale?
Amazon's Big Spring Sale returns March 25-31, 2026.
How did we choose these Amazon Spring Sale deals?
I spend lots of time writing about technology -- and just as much time thinking about how much it costs and whether it's worth it to the average user. I also think most of these sales events are marginally helpful for shoppers. It is more an opportunity for big retailers to reignite interest in their own products (and sell inventory) than it is an opportunity for shoppers to get good deals. Still, good deals exist during these events, so I'll tell you about them when I see them. And if you just so happen to be in the market for one of these devices, I'll lead you in the right direction. I am not going to include a product I cannot vouch for, because I'm not interested in wasting your money.
I use established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is actually on sale and how frequently it drops. As someone with great familiarity with these products, I also remember the prices of these products and when they've gone historically lower or higher. This helps me determine if it's actually worth buying. If it's not, I'll tell you so.
Facts Only
ZDNET's recommendations are based on testing, research, and comparison shopping, using data from vendors, independent reviews, and customer feedback.
ZDNET may earn affiliate commissions from purchases made through their links, but editorial content is not influenced by advertisers.
Amazon's Big Spring Sale runs from March 25 to March 31, 2026.
The sale includes discounts on Apple products such as the Apple Watch Series 11, AirPods Pro 3, MacBook Air M4, and various iPad models.
The Apple Watch Series 11 is priced at $300, a 25% discount from its original $400 price.
AirPods Pro 3 are available for $199, a 20% discount from $250.
The MacBook Air M4 is priced at $1,000, a 17% discount from $1,199.
The iPad Pro with M4 chip is priced at $1,099, a 9% discount from $1,199.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is available for $499, a 38% discount from $799.
The author uses price comparison tools and historical data to assess deal quality.
The article includes personal reviews and comparisons of Apple products.
The author encourages readers to report inaccuracies in the content.
Executive Summary
ZDNET's recommendations are based on extensive testing, research, and comparison shopping, with data gathered from vendor listings, independent review sites, and customer feedback. The editorial team follows strict guidelines to ensure content is not influenced by advertisers, though affiliate commissions may be earned from purchases made through their links. The article highlights several Apple deals during Amazon's Big Spring Sale, which runs from March 25 to March 31, 2026. Notable discounts include the Apple Watch Series 11, AirPods Pro 3, MacBook Air M4, and various iPad models. The author emphasizes that while sales events often serve retailers' interests, genuine deals exist, and they only recommend products they can vouch for. Price comparisons and historical data are used to assess whether the discounts are worthwhile.
The deals span multiple Apple product lines, with discounts ranging from 7% to 54% off original prices. The article provides specific recommendations for different user needs, such as the Apple Watch SE 3 for budget-conscious buyers or the MacBook Pro M5 for heavy workloads. The author also notes that newer product releases often lead to steeper discounts on previous models. The analysis includes personal reviews and comparisons, such as the Apple Watch Series 11 being the best option for most users. The article concludes by encouraging readers to report any inaccuracies and to consider whether the deals align with their needs.
Full Take
The strongest version of this narrative is that ZDNET provides well-researched, independent recommendations to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions during sales events. The article acknowledges the potential conflict of interest from affiliate commissions but reassures readers that editorial integrity is maintained through strict guidelines. The focus on historical pricing and personal testing adds credibility, positioning ZDNET as a trustworthy source for tech deals.
However, the article's structure leans heavily on promotional language, which could subtly influence readers toward purchasing. The repeated emphasis on "best deals" and "must-have" products, while backed by testing, may still trigger emotional responses tied to scarcity or FOMO (fear of missing out). Additionally, the affiliate disclosure, while transparent, serves as a reminder that the platform benefits financially from reader purchases, which could unintentionally bias perceptions of objectivity.
The paradigm driving this narrative is consumer empowerment through information, but it also reflects the broader trend of media outlets monetizing content through affiliate marketing. The unstated assumption is that readers prioritize convenience and trust in curated recommendations over independent research. Historically, this echoes the rise of "deal journalism," where media outlets blend editorial content with commercial incentives, potentially blurring the line between advice and advertisement.
For human agency, the implications are mixed. On one hand, readers gain access to vetted deals, saving time and money. On the other, the reliance on such guides may reduce critical evaluation of whether a purchase is truly necessary. The second-order consequence is the normalization of affiliate-driven content, where trust in media is increasingly tied to financial relationships rather than pure editorial integrity.
Bridge questions: How might the presence of affiliate links subtly shape the selection or framing of recommended products? What alternative models for consumer advice could reduce conflicts of interest while maintaining financial sustainability? Would readers make different purchasing decisions if they conducted independent price research rather than relying on curated lists?
Counterstrike scan: If this were part of a coordinated influence campaign, the playbook would involve leveraging trust in a reputable tech publication to drive affiliate sales, using urgency (limited-time deals) and authority (expert reviews) to nudge purchases. The actual content does not fully match this pattern, as it includes transparency about affiliate relationships and emphasizes independent testing. However, the repetitive focus on "best deals" and the lack of critical discussion about whether these purchases are essential could align with a softer form of commercial influence.
Patterns detected: ARC-0024 Ambiguity (subtle emotional nudges toward purchasing), ARC-0043 Motte-and-Bailey (emphasizing independence while benefiting from affiliate sales).
Sentinel — Human
Sentinel analysis incomplete — partial response from fallback model.