5 Best Apple Products to Buy This Holiday Season (2026)
Nov 9, 2026 · AppleBitcoin
Last updated 9 November 2026. Prices are Apple US list prices unless stated.
Short answer: the five best Apple products to buy right now are the iPhone 18 Pro, the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M6, the new OLED iPad mini, the Apple Watch Series 12 and AirPods Pro 3. All five are either newly released or at a point in their cycle where you will not be caught out by a replacement in a few months. Black Friday is 27 November 2026 and Cyber Monday is 30 November.
We chose these using a simple rule that professional buyer's guides also use: buy products that are fresh in their cycle, or older ones only at a real discount. Apple itself rarely cuts prices — it tends to offer gift cards instead — so the savings come from retailers. Here is the list, then what to avoid.
| # | Product | Price from | Why now |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | iPhone 18 Pro | $1,199 | Launched September 2026 |
| 2 | MacBook Pro 14" M6 | $1,999 | Launched 6 November 2026 |
| 3 | iPad mini (A20 Pro, OLED) | $699 | Launched 6 November 2026 |
| 4 | Apple Watch Series 12 | $399 | Launched September 2026 |
| 5 | AirPods Pro 3 | $249 (often ~$199 on sale) | Best Black Friday discount |
1. iPhone 18 Pro — the best phone Apple sells
The iPhone 18 Pro ($1,199) and 18 Pro Max ($1,299) bring a variable-aperture 48MP main camera with manual controls, the 2nm A20 Pro chip, 4K/60 Cinematic video and a 50% charge in about 15 minutes. There is no standard iPhone 18 this year — it is expected in spring 2027 — so the Pro is the newest non-folding iPhone you can buy. Coming from an iPhone 17 Pro? Read whether to upgrade first.
2. MacBook Pro 14-inch with M6 — the laptop sweet spot
The M6 MacBook Pro started shipping on 6 November. Apple rates it at up to 24 hours of battery, its longest ever on a Mac, with a 12-core GPU up to 30% faster than M5, 16GB of memory standard and a 1,600-nit XDR display. It costs $700 more than a MacBook Air but you get a fan, more ports and two-display support. If your budget is lower, an M5 MacBook Air on a Black Friday discount is the alternative — our MacBook buying guide compares every model.
3. iPad mini (A20 Pro) — the most improved product of the year
The new iPad mini is a full redesign: a larger 8.5-inch OLED display, a thinner body, IP67 water and dust resistance and the same A20 Pro chip as the iPhone 18 Pro, from $699. It is the best small tablet for reading, travel, note-taking with Apple Pencil Pro, and as a gift for older children, and it will not be replaced for a long time.
4. Apple Watch Series 12 — the smartwatch to beat
The Series 12 starts at $399 (42mm GPS), $449 for 46mm, and $499 with cellular. Its new Health Sensing System adds all-day heart-rate and recovery tracking, and AppleInsider calls it the best non-Ultra Apple Watch yet. Reviews are not unanimous — Macworld found some readings inconsistent — but Wareable still rates it the best choice for most iPhone owners. Want the rugged option? The Ultra 4 has been discounted to around $700 at US retailers; see Ultra 4 vs Series 12.
5. AirPods Pro 3 — the easiest great gift
AirPods Pro 3 launched at $249 and are one of the most reliably discounted Apple products, with US retailers listing them around $199 this month. Active noise cancellation, heart-rate sensing and hearing health features make them the default pick for any iPhone owner. For over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max 2 have also been seen around $449.
Honourable mentions
- AirTag (2nd generation) — longer range and a louder speaker; the best stocking filler at around $23–$29.
- Mac mini M6 — from $899, the cheapest way into a current-generation Mac if you already own a screen.
- HomePod mini (2nd gen) — new S10 chip and Siri AI for $149.
Before you buy, check our list of 5 Apple products not to buy right now — several popular models are due for replacement within months.
Paying for it with crypto
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Sources
- MacRumors Buyer's Guide
- MacRumors — Best early Black Friday deals on Apple products
- Apple Scoop — Black Friday 2026 dates and Apple deals
- Apple Newsroom — 14-inch MacBook Pro with M6
- Wareable — Apple Watch Series 12 review
- Macworld — Apple Watch Series 12 review
- tech-ish — iPad mini moves to OLED and IP67
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Apple product to buy right now?
For most people the iPhone 18 Pro, launched in September 2026, is the best Apple product to buy now. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M6, the A20 Pro iPad mini, Apple Watch Series 12 and AirPods Pro 3 complete the top five because each is new or well discounted.
When is Black Friday 2026?
Black Friday is Friday 27 November 2026 and Cyber Monday is 30 November 2026. Many retailers started early Apple deals in the first week of November.
Does Apple discount products on Black Friday?
Rarely. Apple usually offers an Apple gift card with selected purchases instead of a price cut. Real discounts on Apple products come from retailers, mostly on models that have been on sale for six months or more.
What is the best Apple gift under $300?
AirPods Pro 3, which launched at $249 and are often discounted to around $199. An AirTag 2nd generation or a HomePod mini 2nd generation ($149) are good smaller gifts.
Is the new iPad mini worth it?
Yes. The 2026 iPad mini moves to an 8.5-inch OLED display, adds IP67 water resistance and uses the A20 Pro chip from the iPhone 18 Pro, from $699. It was released on 6 November 2026, so it is early in its product cycle.
Can I buy Apple gifts with crypto?
Yes. AppleBitcoin sells every product on this list for Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, Monero and 18 other coins, with duties included and worldwide delivery, so gifts can ship straight to the recipient.
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