Deals: AirPods Pro 3, M5 iPad Pro, M4 Pro Mac mini, and more

The latest 9to5Toys Lunch Break brings a familiar mix of seasonal pricing on flagship Apple audio and deep discounts on recent M-series hardware. For developers and power users, these deals present opportunities to acquire or upgrade tools for iOS and Android development, especially for those maintaining apps across the Apple ecosystem. The most notable offers center on the AirPods Pro 3, M5 iPad Pro, and M4 Pro Mac mini, with additional savings on official Apple Watch bands and a wide array of third-party accessories.

AirPods Pro 3: Holiday Pricing Returns

Apple's latest flagship earbuds are back down to $199.99 at both Best Buy and Amazon for today only. This matches the lowest price we've seen since launch, falling within a dollar of the Black Friday and holiday 2025 all-time lows. Regularly $249, this represents a $50 discount.

For developers, the AirPods Pro 3 offer more than just premium audio. The H2 chip enables advanced features like personalized spatial audio, which is crucial for testing immersive app experiences. The improved Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes are also valuable for developers working in varied environments, allowing for focused coding sessions in noisy spaces or maintaining situational awareness during commutes. The seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, including automatic switching between iPhone, iPad, and Mac, streamlines workflow for developers who frequently switch devices during testing.

The deal is currently active on Best Buy and Amazon, with Amazon expected to price match at any moment. While open-box options have appeared for slightly less, the peace of mind of a new, warranty-backed unit makes this the most reliable offer.

M4 Pro Mac mini: Compact Desktop Power

For developers seeking a capable desktop machine without the Mac Studio price tag, B&H is offering the M4 Pro Mac mini with 24GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for $1,249 shipped (an additional $20 discount applies at checkout). This is a $150 reduction from the $1,399 list price and currently beats Amazon's price by about $20.

The M4 Pro chip is a significant step up from the base M4, offering more CPU and GPU cores. For Android developers, this translates to faster Gradle builds and smoother Android Studio performance, especially when running emulators. For iOS developers, it accelerates compilation times for large Xcode projects and provides ample headroom for running multiple simulators simultaneously. The 24GB of unified memory is particularly valuable, as it allows for more virtual machines or containers to run concurrently, which is essential for cross-platform development workflows.

While deeper discounts were sporadically available during the 2025 holiday season, this B&H offer is one of the most consistent and accessible deals for the M4 Pro configuration. The base M4 Mac mini models are also seeing discounts, with the 16GB/256GB configuration available for $499 (a $100 saving) via Amazon.

M5 iPad Pro: Portable Development Station

Amazon has dropped the price of the most affordable 13-inch M5 iPad Pro configurations by nearly $150, hitting all-time lows. The 256GB model in Space Black is now $1,149.99 (regularly $1,299), and the 512GB model in Silver or Space Black is $1,349.99 (regularly $1,499).

The M5 iPad Pro is a formidable tool for mobile developers. With Stage Manager and external display support, it can function as a primary development machine for many tasks. The M5 chip provides ample power for running development environments like VS Code or Swift Playgrounds, and the Liquid Retina XDR display is ideal for UI/UX design work and testing app visuals. For developers who need to test on a physical iOS device, the iPad Pro can serve as a companion device, especially when paired with a keyboard and trackpad.

These discounts make the entry-level models more accessible for developers who want a portable, high-performance tablet that can handle demanding development tasks. The 11-inch models are also discounted, with the 256GB version available for $899 (regularly $999).

Official Apple Watch Bands and Accessories

Beyond the headline hardware, Amazon is offering significant discounts on official Apple Watch bands. The 2025 Pride Edition Sport Band (46mm) has hit an all-time low of $15.50 (68% off), and the new green Trail Loop with black finish is down 20% to an all-time low. Various other bands, including Alpine, Ocean, and Sport styles, are up to 30% off, starting from $31.

For developers, these bands are more than fashion accessories. The Trail Loop, for instance, is designed for comfort during extended wear, which is useful for developers who use an Apple Watch for health monitoring or quick notifications while coding. The Pride Edition band, while a seasonal item, highlights Apple's commitment to inclusivity, a value that resonates in the tech community.

Third-Party Accessory Deals

The roundup includes a variety of third-party accessories that can enhance a developer's setup:

• Anker 5-Port Travel Adapter: Down to $20, essential for developers who travel for conferences or remote work.
• Anker 14-Port Prime Docking Station: $100 off, ideal for creating a single-cable workstation with multiple monitors and peripherals.
• Anker 100W 3-Port GaN Prime Charger: $45, a compact and powerful charger for laptops and mobile devices.
• DJI Osmo Mobile 8 Gimbal: First deal at $126, useful for developers creating app demos or marketing content.
• Baseus USB-C Cable with LED Display: $9, allows real-time monitoring of power output, helpful for debugging charging issues.

iPhone Air MagSafe Battery

Apple's official MagSafe Battery for the iPhone Air has dropped to $79 (20% off) on Amazon, an all-time low. While third-party alternatives like Anker's Nano Power Bank offer more compact and affordable options, Apple's battery is designed for seamless integration with the iPhone Air, providing up to 65% additional charge and 12W fast wireless charging. For developers who rely on their iPhone for testing and communication, this can be a valuable accessory to keep devices powered during long development sessions.

Developer Considerations

When evaluating these deals, developers should consider their specific workflow needs. The M4 Pro Mac mini is an excellent choice for those who need a stationary, powerful desktop for heavy compilation and virtualization tasks. The M5 iPad Pro offers a portable solution that can handle many development tasks on the go, especially with the added benefit of a touch interface for UI design. The AirPods Pro 3, while primarily a consumer product, can enhance focus and productivity through its noise cancellation and spatial audio features.

For cross-platform developers, these Apple devices can serve as primary or secondary machines for iOS development, while Android development can be handled on the same hardware through virtualization or dual-boot setups. The discounts make it more feasible to build a multi-device setup that covers both platforms.

Conclusion

This round of deals provides tangible opportunities for developers to acquire or upgrade their tools at reduced prices. The AirPods Pro 3 at $199.99 is a standout for its audio quality and ecosystem integration. The M4 Pro Mac mini at $1,249 offers desktop-class performance in a compact form factor, ideal for developers who need power without the bulk. The M5 iPad Pro discounts make Apple's flagship tablet more accessible as a versatile development and design tool. Combined with savings on official bands and third-party accessories, these deals can help developers optimize their setup for better productivity and comfort.

For the latest updates on these deals and more, check the 9to5Toys Lunch Break regularly, and visit 9to5Mac for in-depth reviews and analysis of Apple hardware relevant to development workflows.