Presidents' Day 2026: Top Apple Deals on AirPods, MacBooks, and Apple Watch

Presidents' Day 2026: Top Apple Deals on AirPods, MacBooks, and Apple Watch

As the first major retail event of 2026, Presidents' Day is shaping up to be one of the most lucrative shopping windows for Apple enthusiasts. According to CNN Underscored, a curated list of 29 exclusive deals is now live across major U.S. retailers, offering substantial discounts on popular Apple products including AirPods Pro, MacBook Air, and even the newly released Apple Watch Series 11. The most notable offer includes a $100 reduction on the Apple Watch Series 11 — a model that launched just months ago with premium health-tracking features and an upgraded battery life.

Apple’s annual Presidents’ Day sales have become a highly anticipated tradition among tech consumers, often rivaling Black Friday and Cyber Monday in terms of volume and value. This year, retailers such as Best Buy, Amazon, and Apple’s own online store are participating with staggered launch times to manage demand. The MacBook Air with M3 chip is being offered at $999, down from its regular price of $1,199, while AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are seeing a $50 discount, bringing the price to $199 — a level not seen since last year’s holiday season.

Industry analysts note that Apple’s decision to participate aggressively in Presidents’ Day sales reflects a broader strategy to clear inventory ahead of its anticipated spring product announcements, including potential updates to the iPad and iPhone SE. "Retailers are leveraging holiday momentum to drive early-year sales," said tech market analyst Elena Rodriguez of Gartner. "Apple, while traditionally conservative with discounts, is adapting to competitive pressures from Android OEMs and the growing popularity of refurbished markets."

Consumers should be cautious of third-party sellers offering deals that seem too good to be true. CNN Underscored recommends purchasing directly from authorized Apple retailers or verified third-party vendors to ensure warranty validity and authenticity. Counterfeit accessories and refurbished units misrepresented as new have surged in recent years, particularly around holiday sales events.

For those considering the Apple Watch Series 11, the $100 discount makes it one of the most compelling value propositions in wearable tech. The model introduces new ECG and blood oxygen monitoring features, along with a redesigned band mechanism for improved comfort. Meanwhile, the MacBook Air discount is particularly attractive for students and remote workers, offering a lightweight, high-performance machine at a price point that competes with Chromebooks and Windows ultrabooks.

While Apple does not traditionally run its own promotional sales, it allows authorized resellers to offer discounts during key shopping periods. This year, Apple’s official website features a dedicated Presidents’ Day hub with links to verified deals, ensuring consumers are directed to legitimate offers. The company has also extended its trade-in program, offering up to $500 additional credit when trading in older devices alongside new purchases.

Experts advise shoppers to set price alerts on platforms like Honey and CamelCamelCamel to track real-time fluctuations. Given the popularity of these deals, stock is expected to deplete rapidly — especially for the most popular configurations. Early birds who shop on Friday evening or Saturday morning are likely to secure the best selection.

As the tech landscape evolves, Presidents’ Day has firmly established itself as a critical sales milestone — not just for Apple, but for the broader consumer electronics industry. With inflation concerns still lingering for many households, these discounts offer a rare opportunity to upgrade essential devices without breaking the bank.