With the unofficial end of summer comes some truly stellar Labor Day sales on everything from mattress upgrades to shiny new Apple gadgets. That's right — while Apple won't be offering its own Labor Day sale, sites like Amazon and Walmart have discounted some of Apple's latest tech, from AirPods to MacBooks, at prices you don't want to miss.
Perhaps the most exciting early Labor Day Apple deal is on the 9th Generation iPad. At $199, this iPad is currently the lowest price it's ever been.
We're also seeing savings on the 2024 MacBook Air, which is just under $900. Notably, MacBooks tend to run upward of $1,000. Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) are just $80, making the headphones Apple's most affordable pair. Other great discounts include 24% off the Apple Watch SE, which was the Good Housekeeping Institute's pick for best smartwatch for iPhone users.
Does Apple have a Labor Day sale?
Not exactly. Apple is currently running a back to school offer that's worth taking advantage of if you have family members headed back to college. It's similar to Apple's annual Black Friday promo: Through September 30, college students, parents and educators can receive an Apple gift card up to $150 with the purchase of an iPad or MacBook purchased through Apple, as well as 20% off AppleCare. Select products, including Apple Pencils and Magic Keyboards, are also eligible for education discounts.
That said, it's worth cashing in on the discounts at Amazon, Walmart and other retailers since these deals are well below full price. Many Apple devices sold out during Memorial Day and Prime Day, so whether you upgrade to a pair of AirPods Max or opt for an iPad that's great for travel, read on for the best Apple sales for Labor Day 2024 and shop with haste.
AirPods Deals
Apple's first over-ear headphones model has been a top performer in our Lab, where testers lauded their superior sound quality and noise cancellation capabilities. These also get major points for their intuitive and easy-to-use design, featuring just two controls — a volume dial and a button that allows users to swap between noise cancellation and transparency modes. Although some testers noted that these feel heavier than other over-ear models, the plush ear pads and breathable mesh band are designed to feel comfortable for hours of wear. When these headphones dip below $500, it's a deal worth snagging!
Shop our best overall AirPods pick while they're on sale. Paired with its wireless charging case, the AirPods Pro boasts up to 30 hours of battery life and offers a customizable fit thanks to the included rubber tips. Best of all, their noise-canceling technology is top notch. "When testing the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation, our experts were impressed by how effectively busy New York City street sounds were blocked out on public transportation and how easy it was to switch to transparency mode when needed," says Olivia Lipski, a media and tech reviews analyst at the GH Institute.
While these aren't the latest AirPods model, at under $90, they're a fantastic value. Although they don't have the improved audio quality of the third-generation earbuds, they're made with the same H1 chip, so the performance between the two models is relatively similar. Some testers noted that these AirPods are ideal for smaller ears due to the longer stems and smaller, silicone-free earbuds. They're also built to last: “I have had the same pair for multiple years and they have stayed in great condition,” says Emma Seymour, an associate director within the GH Institute.
Apple Watch Deals
![Watch Series 9 [GPS 41mm]](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1724951361-71zz6A0ErnL.jpg?crop=1xw:1.00xh;center,top&resize=980:* "Watch Series 9 [GPS 41mm]")
If you want Apple's most innovative watch yet, grabbing the Series 9 while it’s on sale is your best bet. This watch's “Double Tap” technology allows you to gesture to control the watch without touching the screen. You can answer calls, turn off alarms or check notifications by simply tapping your pointer finger and thumb together. With a crack-resistant crystal screen and an up to 18-hour battery life, the Series 9 is also one of Apple’s most durable watches.
Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation, GPS 40mm)
Although this is Apple's entry-level watch, its features make it comparable to other top models on the market. In fact, we named this no-frills wearable the best smartwatch for iPhone users. This second-generation Apple Watch SE is faster than its predecessor and includes signature features like fitness tracking, fall-and-crash detection, water resistance up to 50 meters and a heart sensor. This is also a great buy for anyone who might benefit from a watch but doesn’t have an iPhone. With Family Setup, you can pair a watch for a younger kid or older family member to your own phone so they can reap the benefits.
iPad Deals
This classic iPad model is under $200 on Amazon during Labor Day weekend sales, which is the lowest price this model has ever been. Although this isn't the latest iPad, it's still a solid option and we recommend it for anyone looking for an affordable entry tablet backed by Apple's powerful operating system. If you’re in the market for a full iPad setup, this model is also compatible with the first generation Apple Pencil and Apple’s Smart Keyboard folio.
Don't let this iPad's small footprint fool you: This mini model is surprisingly powerful, and it's worth snagging at a discount this steep! With 10 hours of battery life, this 0.65-pound tablet is ideal for traveling or long commutes. Stream TV shows on the go, take notes, edit photos or browse the web on this device, equipped with Apple's A15 chip and a Liquid Retina display. At 24% off, this is a great buy for back-to-school season.
MacBook Deals
At $200 off, there is no better time to snag Apple's latest MacBook Air model. Our Lab pros named the MacBook Air the best overall laptop, citing its powerful processor and thin design. With a recent upgrade to Apple's M3 chip and vibrant Liquid Retina display, this ultra-portable model seamlessly runs both Apple's iWork productivity suite and creative apps, making this the perfect computer for those who love to combine work and play. An impressive 18-hour battery life and GH Institute-approved keyboard round out this standout MacBook.
Dubbed the best MacBook for professionals by our Lab testers, the MacBook Pro takes the beloved features from Apple's MacBook Air model and ups the ante. This model is ideal for professionals who need a computer that's packed with power. Its M3 chip and 22-hour battery life make it a superb option for multitasking or running hefty programs. Plus, the three USB-C thunderbolt ports, a Magsafe charger, headphone jack, SD card slot and HDMI port make it easy to attach any externals you might need while kitting out a top-tier workspace on the go.
Heath Owens (he/they) is the Deputy Editor for Hearst Magazines' central commerce editorial team, where he leads content strategy and production. He specializes in product testing and sales and deals coverage, with the ultimate goal of helping readers shop smarter. When he’s not at his desk or running around New York City to preview the latest product launches, he’s probably catching up on the Real Housewives of Everywhere™ and tending to his plant children, or, as of late, training for a marathon.
Madison McGee is a commerce editor at Hearst Magazines. For the past year, she has contributed shopping content, gift guides, product testing, and deals coverage across Hearst’s portfolio, which includes Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Men's Health, House Beautiful, Elle, Town and Country, Esquire, Country Living, Oprah Daily, and more. Prior to joining Hearst, she was a staff writer at BuzzFeed and worked in book publishing. Madison is a graduate of the University of Mississippi’s journalism program, and holds a Masters in Publishing from New York University. When she’s not scouting out the best deals, she can be found reading, cheering on the Baltimore Ravens, or exploring New York City’s indie bookstores.
