With the unofficial end of summer comes some truly stellar Labor Day sales on everything from mattress upgrades to shiny new Apple gadgets. That's right—while Apple won't be offering their own Labor Day sale, sites like Amazon and Walmart have discounted some of Apple's latest tech, from AirPods to MacBooks, at prices you don't want to miss.
In fact, ahead of Labor Day, we've already found some deals worth shopping early.
Jump to:
- AirPods Deals
- Apple Watch Deals
- iPad Deals
- MacBook Deals
- When is Labor Day 2024?
- Does Apple have a Labor Day sale?
Perhaps the most exciting early Labor Day Apple deal is on the 2024 MacBook Air, which has been sitting at its lowest price ever, $850, for about a week. Notably, MacBooks tend to run upward of $1,000.
We also found Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) for just $80, making the headphones Apple's most affordable pair. Other great savings include the Good Housekeeping Institute's top-tested iPad picks from our best tablets guide and beyond.
It's worth cashing in on the discounts now since many Apple devices sold out during Memorial Day and Prime Day sales. Whether you upgrade to a pair of AirPods Max or opt for an iPad that's great for travel, read on for the best Apple sales ahead of Labor Day 2024.
AirPods Deals
Apple’s first over-ear headphones model has been a top performer in our Lab, where testers lauded their superior sound quality and noise cancellation capabilities. These also get major points for their intuitive and easy-to-use design, featuring just two controls—a volume dial and a button that allows users to swap between noise cancellation and transparency modes. Although some testers noted that these feel heavier than other over-ear models, the plush ear pads and breathable mesh band are designed to feel comfortable for hours of wear. When these headphones dip below $500, it's a deal worth snagging!
Shop our best overall AirPods pick while they're on sale. When paired with the wireless charing case, the AirPods Pro boast up to 30 hours of battery life and offer a customizable fit thanks to the included rubber tips. Best of all, their noise-cancelling technology is top-notch. "When testing the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation, our experts were impressed by how effectively busy New York City street sounds were blocked out on public transportation and how easy it was to switch to transparency mode when needed," says Olivia Lipski, a media and tech reviews analyst at the GH Institute.
Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)
Now 38% Off
While these aren’t the latest AirPods model, at under $80, they’re a fantastic value. Although they don’t have the improved audio quality of the 3rd generation earbuds, they’re made with the same H1 chip, so the performance between the two models is relatively similar. Some testers noted that these AirPods are ideal for smaller ears due to the longer stems and smaller, silicone-free earbuds. They’re also built to last: “I have had the same pair for multiple years and they have stayed in great condition,” says Emma Seymour, senior product analyst.
These third generation AirPods boast improved audio quality over the previous iteration and are sweat- and water-resistant, making them a great choice for the gym. Our pros said that the sound quality is crisp and clear. “The sound quality of Apple's earbuds is unmatched to me,” says Nik Greenwald, lab assistant at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “They're one of the most popular earbuds and for good reason. They have a really smooth frequency response that just sounds good.” This model also includes new features from spatial audio to increased battery life (up from 5 hours to 6 hours of listening time) and the option for wireless charging.
Apple Watch Deals
If you want Apple’s most innovative watch yet, grabbing the Series 9 while it’s on sale is your best bet. This watch’s “Double Tap” technology allows you to gesture to control the watch without touching the screen. You can answer calls, turn off alarms, or check notifications by simply tapping your pointer finger and thumb together. With a crack-resistant crystal screen and an up to 18-hour battery life, the Series 9 is also one of Apple’s most durable watches.
Although this is Apple’s entry level watch, its features make it comparable to other top models on the market. In fact, our testers named this no-frills wearable the best smartwatch for iPhone users. This second generation Apple Watch SE is faster than its predecessor and includes signature features like fitness tracking, fall-and-crash detection, water resistance up to 50 meters, and a heart sensor. This is also a great buy for anyone who might benefit from a watch but doesn’t have an iPhone: with Family Setup, you can pair a watch for a younger kid or older family member to your own phone so they can reap the benefits.
iPad Deals
Score the fifth generation iPad Air, named the best tablet for travel by the GH Institute, while it’s $200 off. Weighing in at just one pound and clocking in at only a quarter of an inch thick, this tablet delivers a smooth and speedy user experience in a compact package. Complete with Apple’s M1 chip, this iPad Air can pair with your cell phone plan, allowing you to stream movies, chat with loved ones, or power through work on the go. If you’re in the market for a full iPad set-up, this model is also compatible with the 2nd Generation Apple Pencil and Apple’s Magic Keyboard model.
Don’t let this iPad’s small footprint fool you: this mini model is surprisingly powerful, and it’s worth snagging at a discount this steep! With 10 hours of battery life, this tablet, weighing in at just 0.65 pounds, is ideal for traveling or long commutes. Stream TV shows on the go, take notes, edit photos, or browse the web on this device, equipped with Apple’s A15 chip and a Liquid Retina display. At 24% off, this is a great buy for back to school season.
MacBook Deals
At $850, there is no better time to snag Apple’s latest MacBook Air model. Our Lab pros named the MacBook Air the best overall laptop, citing its powerful processor and thin design. With a recent upgrade to Apple’s M3 chip and vibrant Liquid Retina display, this ultra portable model seamlessly runs both Apple’s iWork productivity suite and creative apps, making this the perfect computer for those who love to combine work and play. An impressive 18-hour battery life and GH Institute-approved keyboard rounds out this standout MacBook.
Dubbed the best MacBook for professionals by our Lab testers, the MacBook Pro takes the beloved features from Apple’s MacBook Air model and ups the ante. This model is ideal for professionals who need a computer that’s packed with power. Its M3 chip and 22-hour battery life make it a superb option for multitasking or running hefty programs. Plus, the three USB-C thunderbolt ports, a Magsafe charger, headphone jack, SD card slot and HDMI port make it easy to attach any externals you might need while kitting out a top-tier workspace on the go.
When is Labor Day 2024?
Labor Day lands on Monday, September 2, 2024. It falls on the first Monday of September every year.
Does Apple have a Labor Day sale?
Apple rarely — if ever — holds any sort of sale. A great time to shop for Apple gadgets at a reduced price is during the Amazon Labor Day sale and the Walmart Labor Day sale. Each retailer tends to keep a high stock of devices and marks them down during holiday weekends like Labor Day and Memorial Day. Despite the large stock, we've noticed that the best deals still tend to sell out quickly since any sort of Apple discount is coveted.
Heath Owens
Senior Commerce Editor
Heath Owens is a Senior Commerce Editor at Hearst Magazines, where he covers home, fashion, tech and gifts for Good Housekeeping, House Beautiful, Esquire, Delish, Men’s Health, and more.
Madison McGee
Lifestyle Editor
Madison McGee is a lifestyle editor for Hearst Magazines. She can usually be found reading, exploring New York’s many indie bookstores, cheering on the Baltimore Ravens and the Ole Miss Rebels, or wishing she was lying on the beach.