Deals: M4 iPad Pro $699 off, Mac mini $499, Apple Studio Display, AirPods Max $99 off, more

Amazon has kicked off the new year with aggressive pricing across Apple's current hardware lineup, offering substantial savings on both entry-level and pro-tier devices. The standout deal is a $699 discount on a high-end M4 iPad Pro configuration, bringing a premium 11-inch model with 2TB storage, cellular connectivity, and nano-texture glass down to $1,599.99. That's a significant drop from its original $2,299 price point.

M4 iPad Pro: Nearly $700 in savings

The 11-inch M4 iPad Pro with 2TB storage, Wi-Fi + Cellular, and nano-texture glass is currently available for $1,599.99 at Amazon. This represents a $699 discount from the original list price. The nano-texture glass upgrade alone adds $200 to the standard price, making this deal particularly notable.

To put this in perspective, Best Buy is currently charging $1,980 for the same 11-inch 2TB cellular model without the nano-texture glass. Adding that upgrade would bring their price to $2,199. Amazon's deal includes the premium glass finish for significantly less.

While Apple has moved on to the M5 generation in some product lines, finding M4 iPad Pro models at this discount level is uncommon. The M4 chip remains exceptionally capable for professional workflows, creative work, and demanding applications. For users who need maximum storage and the anti-reflective nano-texture display, this deal brings a $2,299 configuration into more accessible territory.

M4 Mac mini: The best value in Apple's lineup

Apple's most affordable current-generation Mac is back on sale. The base M4 Mac mini is available for $499 at Amazon, a $100 discount from its regular $599 price. For users seeking a capable desktop workstation without the premium price tag, this remains the entry point to Apple's latest silicon.

The M4 Mac mini runs the same operating system as the more expensive MacBook Air and Pro models. It includes the M4 chip with 10-core CPU and GPU, 16GB of unified memory, and a 256GB SSD. The compact design makes it suitable for various setups, from traditional desktop configurations to home media servers.

For users considering portability, the M4 MacBook Air is also discounted to $799 (down from $999+). While the Air offers the flexibility of a laptop, the Mac mini provides the same performance tier at a $300 lower price point. The choice depends on whether mobility is a requirement.

Apple Studio Display: Up to $237 off

Select Apple Studio Displays are seeing discounts up to $237. The Studio Display remains Apple's premium 27-inch 5K monitor, featuring a 5120x2880 resolution, P3 wide color gamut, and built-in A13 chip for features like Center Stage and "Hey Siri" support.

The display includes a built-in three-microphone array and high-fidelity six-speaker system with Spatial Audio. It connects via Thunderbolt 3 and provides 96W of charging power for connected MacBooks. The nano-texture glass option, which reduces glare, is also available on discounted models.

For Mac mini users specifically, pairing this display creates a powerful desktop setup. The Studio Display's built-in webcam and speakers eliminate the need for separate peripherals, while the 5K resolution provides sharp text and detailed imagery that matches Apple's Retina displays.

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Premium band included

The black Apple Watch Ultra 2 with Black Titanium Milanese Loop is available at Best Buy for $699, a $200 discount from the original $899 price. This bundle includes what many consider Apple's most premium watch band, which typically sells for $199 separately.

For additional savings, Best Buy's "excellent condition" open-box units of this configuration are priced at $624.99. These open-box items include the full one-year Apple warranty and represent nearly $275 in savings.

Third-party sellers on Amazon offer refurbished units for as low as $479.97, though these aren't fulfilled by Amazon and come with a 90-day refund guarantee rather than Apple's standard warranty. While the seller is reputable, the quality control on third-party refurbished units can vary.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 features a 49mm titanium case, sapphire crystal front, and the Action Button. It includes advanced health sensors, GPS, and water resistance rated for recreational diving. The Milanese Loop band is titanium-colored to match the case and uses a magnetic closure system.

AirPods Max: Nearly $100 off

Apple's USB-C AirPods Max are available for nearly $100 off this week across all color options. The updated AirPods Max feature USB-C charging instead of Lightning, allowing for universal cable compatibility. They maintain the same high-fidelity audio quality, active noise cancellation, and Transparency mode as the original Lightning model.

The over-ear headphones include a Digital Crown for volume and playback control, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, and up to 20 hours of battery life with ANC enabled. The USB-C update also enables lossless audio playback when wired, making them more versatile for audiophiles.

Additional deals and accessories

Charging and docks:

• Belkin 6-port 130W USB-C dock: $30 (originally $140) - All-time low
• Baseus 10-in-1 desktop charging station: Nearly 50% off with two free coiled USB-A to USB-C cables
• Thunderbolt 5 cables (3ft, 240W): Under $15.50
• K1 ULTRA 25W Qi2 MagSafe charging stand/wireless power bank: $70
• Anker 25W Qi2 MagSafe charging station with display: 30% off

Input devices:

• 8BitDo NES-themed wireless mouse: $20
• Logitech MX Keys S and MX Master 3S for Mac combo: $155 (save $85, regularly $240)

Storage and expansion:

• Samsung P9 Express microSD card for Switch 2: $35 (doubles storage)

Apple accessories:

• Official Apple iPhone Air Bumper: From $19.50 (up to 50% off)
• Apple AirTag 4-pack: $65 ($16 each)
• Twelve South USB-C PowerCord solution: $12 (70% off, all-time low)

Watch bands:

• Nomad leather Apple Watch bands: 20% off with free screen protector
• Spigen Trail Loop-style bands: $22 Prime shipped (new colors)
• Spigen Alpine Loop-style band: $20 Prime shipped (all-black)
• Black Milanese Loop-style band: $17 (82% less than official)
• Leather Apple Watch band: $47 (42% off)

Video and photography:

• DJI Osmo Mobile 7 gimbal: $59
• SANDMARC cold shoe-equipped magnetic Active clip mounts: Launch deal

Ecosystem considerations

These deals arrive as Apple transitions between product generations. The M5 iPad Pro has already launched, making M4 inventory subject to clearance pricing. For most users, the M4 chip provides more than enough performance for professional apps, creative workflows, and daily computing. The $699 savings on a top-tier M4 iPad Pro makes the premium configuration more accessible without sacrificing capability.

The Mac mini at $499 represents the lowest barrier to entry for Apple's current desktop ecosystem. It runs macOS Sequoia and supports all the latest Continuity features like iPhone Mirroring, Handoff, and Universal Clipboard. Users can pair it with any display, though the Studio Display discount creates an attractive premium package.

For Apple Watch buyers, the Ultra 2 with premium band bundle offers substantial value. The Milanese Loop band alone is a $199 accessory, and the Ultra 2 hardware remains Apple's most capable wearable. While the Ultra 3 exists, the Ultra 2 still includes advanced health sensors, GPS, and durability features that meet most users' needs.

The USB-C AirPods Max update primarily benefits users who want cable universalism. The audio quality, noise cancellation, and build remain identical to the Lightning version. For $100 off, these represent a strong value for over-ear headphone buyers in the Apple ecosystem.

Warranty and purchase considerations

Amazon purchases include standard Apple warranty coverage and return policies. Best Buy's open-box units carry the full one-year Apple warranty, making them nearly equivalent to new purchases at reduced prices. Third-party refurbished units offer deeper discounts but lack the same warranty protection, though reputable sellers typically provide 90-day guarantees.

For buyers considering the M4 Mac mini at $499, remember that storage and memory upgrades at purchase time cost significantly more than third-party solutions. The base 256GB SSD can be supplemented with external storage, while the 16GB unified memory is fixed at purchase.

The Studio Display's built-in A13 chip enables features that don't require a connected Mac to be running, such as Center Stage for video calls. This makes it more than just a monitor - it's a semi-autonomous device that enhances the overall Apple ecosystem experience.

These deals are subject to change and inventory fluctuations, particularly on discounted Apple products. The M4 iPad Pro deal at $699 off represents the most significant discount we've seen on current-generation Pro hardware, while the Mac mini at $499 returns to the best price point for Apple desktop newcomers.