Deals: Mac mini, black Milanese Loop, Home Key lock, more 9to5Mac

The latest wave of deals from 9to5Toys brings some of the most notable price drops we've seen in early 2026, focusing on Apple's current-generation hardware and a selection of high-quality accessories. For developers and users alike, these discounts present timely opportunities to upgrade key components of their Apple ecosystem.

M4 Mac mini: A Developer's Workhorse at a Discount

Apple's M4 Mac mini continues to be a compelling option for developers seeking a compact, powerful machine. The 16GB RAM/512GB SSD configuration is now available for $689, a $110 discount from its $799 list price. This specific model represents a sweet spot for development work, offering enough memory for running multiple simulators, IDEs, and virtual machines without the constant memory pressure that plagues the base 8GB model.

For mobile developers, the Mac mini's M4 chip provides ample power for iOS app compilation and Android builds via Android Studio. The 512GB SSD is particularly important, as Xcode projects and Android SDKs can quickly consume storage. While the base $499 model is tempting, the $689 deal for the upgraded configuration is a more practical investment for serious development work. The M4's efficiency also means it runs cool and quiet, making it suitable for a home office or development environment where noise and heat are concerns.

Apple Watch Bands: Milanese Loop and Ultra Trail Loop Deals

The official Apple Milanese Loop in black has dropped to $146.78, a 26% discount from its $199 list price. This represents the lowest price Amazon has offered for this specific color and size option. The latest Milanese Loop features a more robust, slightly thicker metal weave compared to the classic version, making it more durable for daily wear.

For developers who wear Apple Watch throughout the day, the Milanese Loop offers a professional appearance that transitions well from development sessions to client meetings. The magnetic closure provides quick adjustability, which is useful when switching between desk work and physical activity.

The green Ultra Trail Loop is also nearly at its best price, though specific discount details weren't provided in the source material. These bands are particularly relevant for developers who need a secure, comfortable band for active lifestyles while maintaining Apple's ecosystem integration.

Smart Home Integration: ULTRALOQ Bolt NFC with Home Key

The ULTRALOQ Bolt NFC smart lock with Apple Home Key support is down to $132, a 34% discount. This lock represents a growing category of smart home devices that integrate directly with Apple's ecosystem, allowing developers to build apps that interact with physical security systems.

For iOS developers, Home Key support means the lock can be controlled through the Home app and potentially through custom shortcuts or automation apps. The NFC functionality also opens possibilities for proximity-based unlocking, which could be integrated into broader smart home workflows. This is particularly relevant for developers working on home automation apps or IoT projects that need to interface with physical security hardware.

iPad Pro M5: The Latest Development Platform

The 13-inch M5 iPad Pro with 256GB of storage has dropped to $1,149, a $150 discount from its $1,299 list price. This is the first time we've seen a full $150 discount on this specific configuration since its release in mid-October 2025.

For mobile developers, the M5 iPad Pro represents Apple's most powerful tablet, capable of running development tools like Swift Playgrounds, Python environments, and even lightweight IDEs. The larger 13-inch display provides more screen real estate for code review and debugging, while the M5 chip handles demanding tasks like running iOS simulators or compiling smaller projects.

The 256GB configuration strikes a balance between storage capacity and price, offering enough space for development tools, project files, and reference materials. While 128GB might be sufficient for basic development, 256GB provides more breathing room for larger projects and multiple Xcode versions.

Charging Solutions: Anker's Display-Equipped MagSafe Stand

Anker's Prime MagSafe charging station with a color display is now $160.99, a 30% discount from its $230 list price. This 3-in-1 Qi2 25W MagSafe charger includes a 1.65-inch HD display that shows real-time charging status, temperature, and power output.

For developers who rely on multiple Apple devices, this charger offers a centralized charging solution for iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. The 25W MagSafe charging is particularly useful for developers who need to quickly top up their iPhone during testing sessions or while running device builds.

The display provides useful information at a glance, and the Anker app integration allows for customization of charging modes, schedules, and screen savers. The three charging modes—Boost, Ice, and Sleep—are designed to optimize charging based on usage patterns, which is valuable for developers who need their devices ready for testing at specific times.

Additional Notable Deals

Several other deals are worth mentioning for developers building out their workspace:

• Apple AirTag 4-pack: $64.98 ($16.25 per tag) - Useful for tracking development equipment, travel bags, or even prototyping hardware components.
• Official Apple 6-foot 240W USB-C Woven Charge Cable: $18 - A durable cable for connecting high-power devices and external displays.
• Apple USB-C AirPods Max: Nearly $100 off - For developers who need high-quality audio for calls, music, or audio testing during development.

Developer Considerations

When evaluating these deals, consider your specific development needs:

1. Storage Requirements: Xcode projects, Android SDKs, and virtual machines can consume significant storage. The 512GB Mac mini and 256GB iPad Pro configurations offer better long-term value than base models.

2. Memory for Multitasking: The 16GB Mac mini is essential for developers running multiple applications simultaneously, including IDEs, simulators, and design tools.

3. Ecosystem Integration: Devices like the Home Key lock and MagSafe charging station demonstrate how Apple's ecosystem extends beyond traditional computing into smart home and power management.

4. Portability vs. Power: The iPad Pro M5 offers a mobile development platform, while the Mac mini provides desktop-class performance. The choice depends on whether you need to develop on the go or from a fixed workspace.

These deals are available through Amazon and other retailers, but availability and pricing can change quickly. For developers looking to upgrade their hardware in early 2026, these discounts provide meaningful savings on Apple's current-generation products and compatible accessories.

For more information on these products and their specifications, visit Apple's official product pages or check the 9to5Toys deals coverage for the latest updates.