M4 iPad Pro Drops $400, M4 Mac mini $150 Off, Plus AirTag and Powerbeats Fit Deals

Apple's transition from M4 to M5 silicon across its product line is creating some of the best opportunities we've seen to pick up high-end hardware at significant discounts. The deals landscape has shifted dramatically in the past week, with retailers clearing M4 inventory while the M5 supply remains relatively stable at retail.

M4 iPad Pro: Flagship Tablet at Clearance Pricing

The standout deal today is Amazon's $400 discount on the 13-inch M4 iPad Pro with 2TB storage, Wi-Fi + Cellular, and nano-texture glass. At $2,199, this brings Apple's most powerful tablet down to the same price as the base M5 model, but with double the storage and cellular connectivity.

The M4 iPad Pro remains an exceptional device even with the M5 now available. The M4 chip still delivers desktop-class performance with its 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU architecture. The nano-texture glass option, normally a $200 upgrade, reduces glare significantly for outdoor or bright-environment work. For creative professionals using apps like Procreate, Logic Pro for iPad, or Final Cut Pro, this configuration represents the pinnacle of tablet performance.

The 2TB storage capacity matters more than many realize. ProRes video recording at 4K60 can consume 6GB per minute. High-resolution photo work with RAW files, extensive app libraries, and offline media storage all benefit from this capacity. The cellular model adds GPS functionality and the ability to upload large files from anywhere without hunting for Wi-Fi.

M5 iPad Pro Pricing Context

If you're considering the newer M5 model, here's the current pricing across the lineup:

11-inch M5 iPad Pro:

• 256GB: $949 (Reg. $999)
• 512GB: $1,099 (Reg. $1,199)
• 1TB: $1,499 (Reg. $1,599)
• 2TB: $1,851 (Reg. $1,999)

13-inch M5 iPad Pro:

• 256GB: $1,149 (Reg. $1,299)
• 512GB: $1,399 (Reg. $1,499)
• 1TB: $1,799 (Reg. $1,899)
• 2TB: $2,099 (Reg. $2,299)

The M5 upgrades include a 12-core CPU (up from 10-core in M4), enhanced Neural Engine performance for AI tasks, and improved display brightness. However, the M4's display quality, ProMotion technology, and overall responsiveness remain virtually indistinguishable for most workflows.

M4 Pro Mac mini: 24GB RAM Configuration

B&H Photo has the M4 Pro Mac mini with 24GB unified memory and 512GB SSD at $1,249 after a $40 coupon automatically applies at checkout. This beats Amazon's current price of $1,269 and represents the best authorized dealer pricing we've tracked.

The M4 Pro chip in this configuration features a 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU, making it substantially more powerful than the base M4 Mac mini. The 24GB RAM upgrade is crucial for professional workflows. While the base 16GB handles general computing well, 24GB provides headroom for:

• Running multiple Docker containers for development
• Editing 4K video in Final Cut Pro with background rendering
• Using virtual machines or Windows via Parallels
• Large codebases in Xcode with simultaneous simulator instances
• Audio production with extensive plugin libraries in Logic Pro

The 512GB SSD is also worth the upgrade over 256GB for most users. macOS alone consumes 30-40GB, and with Xcode (130GB+), creative applications, and user data, 256GB fills quickly. The internal SSD on M4 Mac mini delivers 6-7GB/s read/write speeds, so external storage, while viable, won't match internal performance.

M4 Mac mini Entry Models

For those needing less power, the base M4 Mac mini models remain attractive:

• 16GB/256GB: $499 (Reg. $599)
• 16GB/512GB: $690 (Reg. $799)
• 24GB/512GB: $890 (Reg. $999)

These prices are particularly compelling for developers who need a dedicated build machine or users transitioning from Intel Macs. The M4's efficiency means it can run headless 24/7 without significant power draw or noise.

AirTag: Generation 2 Rumors Drive Gen 1 Discounts

Amazon's AirTag 4-pack at $64.98 ($16.25 per tracker) reflects the anticipation around AirTag 2, which rumors suggest will launch in 2026 with improved range, better anti-stalking features, and potentially a rechargeable design.

The current AirTag uses Apple's U1 Ultra Wideband chip for Precision Finding, delivering accuracy within centimeters when paired with iPhone 11 or later. The CR2032 battery lasts 12-18 months with typical use. For tracking luggage, bikes, camera gear, or pets (with appropriate holders), these remain highly effective.

The anti-stalking concerns that plagued early AirTag releases have been partially addressed through firmware updates that make unwanted tracking detection more aggressive on Android and iOS. AirTag 2 is expected to further improve this with louder speakers and more frequent randomization of Bluetooth identifiers.

At $16 each, buying a 4-pack makes sense for multiple use cases: one for your keys, one for your backpack, one for your car, and one for a family member's essential items. The Find My network's crowdsourced location tracking means even without cellular connectivity, lost items can be located globally.

Powerbeats Fit: Workout Earbuds with Secure Fit

The Spark Orange Powerbeats Fit ANC earbuds have dropped to $177, a new low for this colorway. These represent Beats' more affordable workout option compared to the Powerbeats Pro 2 with heart rate monitoring.

The key innovation in the Fit model is the flexible inner ear wingtip design. Unlike traditional ear hooks that can feel bulky, these use a pliable silicone wing that conforms to your ear shape. Four sizes are included, making it easier to achieve a secure seal that won't dislodge during high-impact activities.

Audio performance includes:

• Active Noise Cancellation that adapts to your environment
• Transparency mode for situational awareness
• Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking
• H1 chip for seamless iOS integration

Battery life is 6 hours with ANC enabled, extending to 30 hours with the charging case. Fast Fuel provides 1 hour of playback after 5 minutes of charging. The case is 17% smaller than previous Beats models, making it more pocketable.

For iPhone 17 Pro/Max users in Cosmic Orange, the Spark Orange earbuds create a coordinated aesthetic. More importantly, they deliver the reliable connection and quick pairing that comes with Apple's H1 chip integration.

Additional Notable Deals

Charging and Accessories:

• Apple's 240W USB-C Woven Charge Cable (6ft) back at $18 - This cable supports up to 240W for future high-wattage devices, though current MacBooks max out at 140W. The woven design resists tangling and fraying better than rubberized cables.
• Anker 13-in-1 Nano Docking Station: $110 (new low) - From CES 2026, includes removable hub module
• Razer 10-port Thunderbolt 5 RGB dock: $100 off - Includes NVMe SSD slot for high-speed storage expansion

Smart Home:

• Anker eufyCam S330 4-pack with HomeBase 3: $380 (Reg. $700) - Solar-charging cameras with 4K resolution and HomeKit Secure Video compatibility

Wearables:

• Apple Watch Ultra 2 (refurbished): $439 - Up to $360 off, excellent condition from Amazon Renewed
• Spigen Alpine Loop-style band: $20 - Premium alternative to Apple's $99 bands

Cross-Platform Monitor Deal:

• Samsung 4K 165Hz OLED Smart Monitor: $300 off - This 32-inch display works well with Mac mini, offering 120Hz over USB-C with power delivery and multiple USB-A ports for peripherals.

Timing and Strategy

These deals reflect the typical post-new-release discount cycle. M4 hardware will continue to see price reductions as retailers clear inventory, but stock on specific high-end configurations like the 2TB iPad Pro may not last. The M4 Pro Mac mini at $1,249 with 24GB RAM is particularly compelling because Apple rarely discounts its desktops directly, and authorized dealers like B&H maintain these prices longer than Amazon's lightning deals.

For developers considering hardware upgrades, the M4 Pro Mac mini provides a cost-effective way to get Apple Silicon performance without investing in the M5 premium. The 24GB RAM configuration specifically addresses the most common bottleneck in development workflows. Similarly, the M4 iPad Pro at $400 off delivers professional-grade tablet computing that won't feel outdated for years, especially given Apple's 5-7 year support cycle for iPadOS updates.

The AirTag pricing suggests inventory management ahead of the rumored second generation, but at $16 per tracker, the current generation remains an exceptional value for asset tracking. The Powerbeats Fit deal is notable simply because Beats products rarely see discounts this early in their lifecycle, making it a good entry point for premium workout audio without the Powerbeats Pro 2 price premium.