Category: SYW 101

Most people associate the Apple brand and its devices as being expensive, and they’re right to think that; Apple products aren’t among the cheapest in the market. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any Apple products that are generally affordable. 

In this guide, we’ll discuss top Apple products under $100, what gives them value, what they’re used for, and how you can buy products that are priced above $100 while paying less than $100 in cash. 

Why Apple Products Are Worth the $100

Apple is one of the most recognizable brands in tech due to its quality, minimalistic design, fantastic ecosystem, and vertical integration between hardware and software that provides a smooth and pleasant user experience. On top of everything, Apple’s control over hardware and software, particularly strict standards third-party developers have to adhere to, allows for a higher level of security and privacy often associated with Apple’s products.

Considering the quality and innovation associated with Apple as a brand, it’s safe to assume that even the lowest-priced products benefit from Apple’s design philosophy, which ensures that the customers are getting a reliable and well-designed product. This means that even the lowest-priced devices adhere to the same strict standards as their top models.

For example, inexpensive products such as Apple AirPods can easily connect with an Apple iPhone, iPad, Mac, or MacBook Pro in the same way that Apple AirPods Pro 2 do, retaining the same levels of reliability and connection quality. This greatly enhances the overall value of the lower-priced product. 

Apple doesn’t have product classes or product lines like other manufacturers like Samsung do. An iPhone is an iPhone, and each and every iPhone, whether it’s iPhone 8 or the latest Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max, is made with the same level of quality. While there are inherent differences in their respective hardware and inherent software limitations, you can rest assured that all hardware and software are of top quality. 

The same applies to aesthetic design. Even the lower-priced Apple products often feature the same attention to detail and premium build quality that provide a well-established and satisfying user experience. While higher-priced Apple products offer more in terms of advanced features and capabilities, the company’s lower-priced products still provide an exceptional combination of quality, reliability, and Apple ecosystem integration. 

However, this user experience and unparalleled privacy and data security often come at a premium price, and even Apple’s lower-priced products are known to sit at a less affordable end of the price scale. In the end, the manufacturing costs, the premium materials, and the premium product quality the company provides have to be justified. 

This means that, sadly, there aren’t that many Apple products that are priced under $100; the flagships are priced well above that price range, which leaves us with accessories. These are Apple products that complement not just Apple’s flagships, but also any product they’re compatible with. On top of that, they have received the same attention to detail as the flagship products have, allowing you to enjoy Apple quality at an affordable price range. 

Top Apple Products Under $100

Since there aren’t that many Apple products priced under $100, we’d like to discuss Apple Gift Cards before listing any products. Apple Gift Cards are a great way to secure a discount on your next Apple purchase, and you can actually use them as a payment method. 

For example, if you want to buy the third Generation AirPods with MagSafe charging, which are priced at $179, you can use a $100 Apple Gift Card and cover the difference with cash or credit card. It’s worth noting that Apple Gift Cards come loaded with different amounts of money, but for the purpose of this guide, we’ll assume that you were given a $100 Apple Gift Card or you got one through reward platforms, such as Shop Your Way. 

EarPods — $19

Apple EarPods are Apple’s wired earbuds, which offer exceptionally clear sound, with deeper, richer bass tones, for high-quality audio output. The design of the EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear, which makes them incredibly comfortable. 

They come in two varieties, either with Apple’s proprietary Lightning plug or a standard stereo 3.5mm plug, which makes it compatible with a wide range of Apple and non-Apple products, such as iPhone, iPad Pro, iPad Mini, iPad Air, Macbook Pro and MacBook Air, and any other consumer electronics that features an adequate audio port. 

Both models also have a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control music, and video playback, talk to Siri, and answer or end calls with on-cable controls that are at your fingertips. While they don’t offer the convenience and freedom of wireless options, EarPods remain a popular choice among users who don’t mind wires or have a device without Bluetooth connectivity. 

AirPods 2nd Generation— $129

AirPods are a more advanced, wireless version of EarPods. They come in their own Lightning Charging Case, and they’re ready to connect to your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or any product from the Apple Watch series. They’re really well designed with convenience in mind.

For example, they’re off while they’re in their case, which also has a battery pack of its own and charges the AirPods. Once you remove them from the case, the buds will automatically connect to your iOS device via Bluetooth, and built-in optical sensors and motion accelerometers detect whether they’re in your ears, which helps the Apple H1 headphone chip decide where to route the audio and engage the microphone. 

The battery life of the second generation AirPods offers up to five hours of listening time, while the Lighting Charging Case holds multiple charges for a total of 24 hours of listening time. If your wireless earbuds are empty, just pop them back into the case for 15 minutes, and they’ll recharge enough to provide additional three hours of listening time. 

The list of features associated with this particular device is pretty extensive, which is why they’re priced above $100. However, if you happen to have an Apple Gift Card, you can use it to bring the price to a sub-$100 price range. 

20W USB-C Power Adapter — $19

Source: Apple

Both your iPhone, iPad, and AirPods need to be charged from time to time, and a 20W USB-C Power Adapter can supply enough juice to charge your devices. The device offers fast and efficient charging wherever you are—all you need is access to a power outlet. 

Compatibility-wise, the adapter is compatible with Apple iPhone 8 or later models for fast charging and supplies 50% battery in approx. 35 minutes for that particular model. You can pair it with the iPad Pro and iPad Air for optimum charging. Note that both models use USB-C charging ports which can take up to 100 watts and 30 watts, respectively. 

The 20W USB-C Power Adapter is equipped with a USB-C port due to the port’s power delivery capabilities. However, to effectively charge your device, you’ll need a compatible cable. For example, iPhones and AirPods use Lightning, while iPads use USB-C ports. 

It’s also worth noting that Apple has stopped supplying power adapters with its products. This makes the 20W USB-C Power Adapter a good, inexpensive purchase for yourself or your loved ones. However, if you want to charge your iPad Pro or a 14 inch MacBook Pro more efficiently, you should consider an Apple 96W USB-C Power Adapter, which is priced at $79. 

Apple USB-C to Lightning Cable (1 m) — $19

Apple USB-C to Lightning Cable allows you to connect your iPhone, or any other device with a Lightning port, to your USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 device, such as a Mac or a Macbook, for syncing and charging. Furthermore, the cable is also compatible with a wide selection of Apple Power Adapters that range from 18 to 96 watts for fast charging. 

If a meter (or 3ft) long cable isn’t enough for you, we suggest buying a 2-meter-long version that’s priced at $29, and it’s much more efficient than wireless charging. 

MagSafe Charger — $39

Source: Apple

If you don’t want to deal with all the charging cables, just get yourself a MagSafe Charger—Apple’s wireless charger that simply snaps to the back of your iPhone. Unlike most wireless chargers, which are stationary and pretty limiting, MagSafe Charger uses perfectly aligned magnets to attach itself to your iPhone 12 and later models. Not only that, but it also provides faster wireless charging by delivering up to 15W of power.

With that said, the charger maintains compatibility with the Qi wireless charging standard, so it can be used to wirelessly charge older iPhone models, such as iPhone 8 or later, and AirPods models with a wireless charging case. However, the charger won’t stick to those particular models, as the magnetic alignment only works on iPhone 12 models and later. 

MagSafe Duo Charger — $129

Unfortunately, the MagSafe charger isn’t compatible with the Apple Watch series, so if you’re looking to charge your watch wirelessly, you should consider a MagSafe Duo Charger. Note that this is a stationary version of the charger, so it doesn’t actually offer magnetic alignment.

However, the charger does support Qi charging standard, which makes it quite convenient for charging compatible iPhones, Apple Watches (including the Apple Watch Ultra series) AirPods with a wireless charging case, and just about any other Qi-certified device, including premium-range Android phones.

Using this charger is as easy as placing your device on the charger. Once you’re done charging your devices, you can fold the charger neatly for storage or travel purposes. The product box contains the MagSafe Duo Charger and the aforementioned USB-C to Lightning Cable (1 m) but no power adapter. We recommend you pair it with the previously mentioned power adapter. 

Apple 85W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter (for MacBook Pro with Retina display) — $79

The MagSafe is much more than just a convenient magnetic charging connector; it’s also incredibly safe. The magnetic DC connector ensures that the power cable connects to the system easily and securely. However, let’s say that someone trips on your MagSafe Charging Cable. The magnetic connector would disconnect harmlessly without sending your MacBook Pro flying across the room. 

Even if you manage to grip the laptop and prevent it from falling, the potential damage to the charging port could cause a short, resulting in potentially irreparable damage. Apple 85W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter solves both potential problems while keeping your Macbook Pro with Retina display intact. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. 

When the connection is secure, the LED located on the charging connector itself will light up: an orange light means that your MacBook is charging, while the green light signals a full charge. It’s capable of supplying power to the system while the MacBook is off, on, or in sleep mode, and it can also power the system if you use it without a battery installed. 

Unfortunately, the Apple 85W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter is only compatible with a MacBook Pro with Retina display. If you have a 15- or 17-inch MacBook Pro, you’ll need to rely on Apple 85W MagSafe Power Adapter with the same price tag. 

Apple Pencil (1st generation) — $99

Unleash your creativity with an Apple Pencil, a product that expands the power of the iPad by opening new creative possibilities. It’s a stylus designed by Apple specifically for use on certain iPads, which allows users to interact with the device’s screen in a more precise and versatile manner, especially for drawing, sketching, or other kinds of creative work. 

The Pencil is sensitive to pressure and produces a wide range of art effects, just like the traditional pencil does, but with pixel-perfect precision. It seamlessly integrates with compatible iPad models, including iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Mini; it has built-in controls for additional functionality and palm rejection technology, which means that your hand or palm may easily rest on the iPad’s screen without interfering with the pencil’s input. 

The product’s box contains the Apple Pencil, Lightning adapter, an Extra tip, and a USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter, which is needed to pair and charge with 10th-gen iPad. The Pencil’s successor, the Apple Pencil (second generation), is a bit more expensive, priced at $129, but offers the convenience of wireless charging. 

Apple AirTags (4-pack) — $99

These small, coin-shaped devices are designed to help users keep track of their personal belongings or locate them in case they’re misplayed. They’re designed to work in conjunction with the Find My app on iOS devices and rely on Bluetooth technology to connect with nearby Apple devices to help you locate lost or missing items. They’re a perfect gift idea for anyone who constantly misplaced their keys. 

Apple Product Under $100 FAQs

While the list of Apple products priced under $100 still contains things like Apple Watch Bands, they’re too broad aesthetically to cover, so we’ll change our focus on the most frequently asked questions about Apple products. 

Keep Saving on Apple Products

This guide contains a handpicked selection of the most practical Apple products under $100 and products whose list price is higher than $100, but the use of Apple Gift Cards would bring the price down to a desirable range. Apple Gift Cards are a great way to ensure a discount for your purchase, and you can combine up to eight Apple Gift Cards in one purchase. 

Considering that some cards come pre-loaded with $200, you can actually combine them to a total of $1,600. If you want to learn more, here are another 20 Ways to Spend Your Apple Gift Card. However, if you haven’t received a gift card from someone, you’ll be left to give one to yourself, and those cost money. Fortunately, there’s another solution: Shop Your Way, a reward platform that allows you to earn on everyday purchases and redeem your points on thousands of brands you love. You can also load your Shop Your Way card into the Apple Wallet for easier use and exchange the points for Apple Gift Cards, which you can use during your next Apple purchase. If you want to learn more about how to save money on Apple products, visit Shop Your Way.

Finding Apple discounts are hard to come by. Apple makes some of the most coveted tech on the market that’s used by professionals, creatives, and those seeking entertainment. However, its products often come with a premium price, which places Apple products, such as the iPhone or a MacBook, at the top of the price tag range.

Apple products are some of the best and priciest in the consumer electronics market, so it’s quite reasonable that the only thing that can overshadow the joy of playing and enjoying your new Apple device is the hole it left in your budget. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to shave off at least a fraction of the price from your new Apple purchase or to at least have something extra thrown in for the retail price of your new device. 

The Irresistible Charm of Apple Products

Most people value Apple’s products for their design excellence and brand value. The brand is often associated with luxury, quality, and exclusivity, and the company’s logo on consumer electronics often conveys a certain prestige that adds to the allure of Apple products. Every iPhone is a smartphone at its core, but not every smartphone is an iPhone. In fact, there are just a few rare models that can compare to Apple’s flagship.

Each and every Apple product is renowned for its elegance, simplicity, and user-friendliness, emphasizing the recognizable minimalistic design aesthetics paired with high-quality, premium materials that make the brand recognizable. 

However, from a tech enthusiast’s perspective, Apple offers much more than just aesthetic design excellence and brand value. The company has been at the forefront of technological innovation from its inception; its products are designed to work seamlessly together (the famous Apple ecosystem), and Apple’s control over both hardware and software ensures quality and reliability. 

Hardware and software integration is a particularly important feature of Apple products since it allows better optimization for smoother performance and enables a high level of security and privacy that’s often associated with the brand and used as one of its main selling points. To top everything off, with an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, you get a line of products that’s accessible to a wider range of users. 

Taking all the glitz and glamor of Apple’s unique blend of design and technology into account, the fundamental question becomes, “How much is it going to cost me?”. Well, premium quality and innovation come at a price, which brings us to the distinctive pricing strategy Apple employs.

Dive into the World of Apple’s Pricing Strategy

Apple products are known for their premium pricing, but why is that? Exclusivity and quality are two key factors in their pricing strategy. By maintaining high prices, Apple creates a sense of luxury and desirability for its products. 

Apple’s pricing strategy revolves around price skimming, the behavioral psychology of its customers, and brand loyalty. 

Apple distinguishes itself from its competitors by using a price-skimming pricing strategy instead of basing the price on manufacturing costs and associated expenses. This means that the company prices its products higher on the price scale, justifying the high price with the innovation, features, benefits, and value its products provide. 

However, instead of reducing the price of its products over time, like with typical price-skimming strategies, Apple is quite successful at relying on the behavioral psychology of its customers to maintain the product price throughout nearly the entire lifecycle of the product, only reducing the price when the next-gen product releases. 

Here is how it works: the retail price of Apple 14 is $799, while Apple 14 Pro goes for $999. The priciest option is the Apple 14 Pro Max, which is priced at $1,099. Admittedly, while there are some notable differences between the phones, they’re basically run by pretty much the same hardware, with only a marginal difference in performance. 

So, the iPhone 14 Pro is a mere decoy for iPhone 14 Pro Max. The consumers are tricked into comparing the two iPhones and eventually buying the pricier option, believing they got more value for their money, but that isn’t necessarily true. This is particularly true in our example; apart from a bigger screen and slightly longer battery life, the two phones perform identically.

And lastly, there’s Apple’s walled garden—the company’s vertical integration of hardware, software, and services, which ensures that it always has a loyal base of consumers, increasing its brand loyalty and, with it, the number of consumers interested in buying the next Apple gadget that seamlessly integrates with the one they already have. This business model works and for a very good reason. 

The control over hardware and software, along with vertical integration and established, nearly guaranteed brand loyalty from millions of its customers, give the company complete control over pricing. Apple managed to create both a demand and a supply for its products, and it gets to dictate the price as a result. 

How to Save Money with Apple Discounts

Apple doesn’t actually offer annual sales or discounts such as Black Friday deals in its Apple stores, but it does make some kind of favorable offer on most big retail days during the year. In this section, we’ll discuss ways to save money on Apple products. Using your Apple Gift Card is applicable to almost all of them, so it pays to keep one on you if possible. 

1. Apple Product Release Cycles: Timing Is Everything

Knowing when and where to buy can save you quite a bit of money. Apple adheres to a product release schedule, which directly affects the prices of current and older generations of its products. Every time a new iPhone launches, the prices of the previous generations usually drop. In fact, many retailers will slash the prices of the previous generation of products to clear stores for new inventory. 

The prices of the former models may begin plummeting even months before the next generation is released, and you can save up to $200 on last year’s products. Check out MacRumors Buyer’s Guide; they’ll tell you when’s the right time to buy a new Apple product. 

Knowing where to shop is equally important. Apple charges a premium, and if you go to your local Apple Store or Apple’s online retail, you’re more than likely to pay a very high asking price for an iPhone or an Apple Watch. Fortunately, you’ll find Apple’s products on the shelves of almost all bigger retailers that sell consumer electronics.

Retailers such as Target, Walmart, or Best Buy will often offer their own deals on Apple products, especially around Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or some other retail holiday, which is a great opportunity to save up to a couple of hundred dollars. For example, Costco has exclusive sales deals for its members, which can help you save money on products such as iPads or AirPods. 

MacBook Pro deals are a bit harder to find, but Costco and Best Buy often offer student and educator discounts in August, around the start of a new school year, and you might end up getting a $200 discount on your new MacBook Pro. So, start tracking product releases and make sure to compare prices at different retailers to find the best deal. 

2. Haggle for Apple Discounts at an Apple Store

Apple’s pricing strategy implies that the company won’t price match with other retailers to keep you as a customer—they’re charging a premium, so they’re making money regardless of where you buy your device. However, while Apple doesn’t price match, they’re willing to haggle over the price a little. 

So, if you happen to find an Apple product at one of the aforementioned major retailers that are selling for cheaper than at the Apple Store, show the Apple associate the lower price tag. The associate will then offer 10% off their retail price in an attempt to match the competitor’s price, with the term “attempt” being key.

What really happens is that Apple associates will offer 10% off their own price list; they won’t match the competitor’s price and then slash it by an additional 10% like some other retailers. They’ll also rarely haggle with Costco or Amazon prices. 

While this isn’t the best discount option, it’s still great if you’re adamant about getting your Apple products from an official, brick-and-mortar Apple Store. So, don’t be afraid to haggle for a discount.

3. Shop for Apple Products on Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Apple doesn’t have Black Friday sales in a way other retailers do, but the company usually does offer some sale deals. Usually, Apple will give customers up to $200 in Apple Gift Cards with the purchase of certain highly-priced items, such as a Mac computer, MacBook Air, iPad Pro, or similar products. 

If you’re planning a large Apple purchase, consider waiting for retail holidays such as Black Friday. Some of Apple’s products, such as Beats headphones, may actually get a price discount during Black Friday or other retail dates. You can combine this with a Gift Card to slash the price further (if applicable).

4. Trade-In Your Old Apple Devices for Discounts

If you have a previous generation iPhone gathering dust or some other smartphone, you can use Apple’s trade-in program to get credits towards your new Apple purchase. If you turn your older device in, you can take the credit in the form of an Apple Gift Card.

This is also a great opportunity to help combat the growing e-waste, a growing type of waste in the modern world and a major concern due to its environmental impact and rapid growth of electronic consumption worldwide. Instead of tossing your old or broken device into a trash bin, where it would inevitably find its way to a landfill, you can give it to Apple and get a discount on your new Apple purchase. 

If the device you turned in is fully functional, with or without minor scuff marks, Apple will refurbish the device and offer it through its Certified Refurbished product line. This is a good way of giving new life to used electronics. 

As for the discount you get, it depends on the old device you trade-in. The iPhone 7 can get you up to a $40 discount, while iPhone 13 Pro Max may get you up to $650 off your new Apple purchase. What makes this deal even sweeter is the fact that you can turn in almost any ICT (Information and Communication Technology) device.

That means that the device you’re turning in doesn’t have to be an old iPhone or an Apple product; you can turn in any laptop, desktop, Apple Watch, or an older model iPad. The company will even give you a discount if you turn in an older Android smartphone. 

It might be worthwhile to get a few quotes from other retailers that feature a trade-in program before trading in at Apple. You may get a high value by trading in through your mobile carrier, GameStop, or Amazon, though the prices across these retailers will vary. 

Ultimately, you may end up getting the most value out of your old phone by selling it yourself. So, dig out your old devices and weigh your options. 

5. Explore the Refurbished Section on Apple’s Website

If you don’t need the latest Apple product from the desired product line, you can buy Apple’s Certified Refurbished product. This includes Macs, iPads, iPhones, Watches, HomePods, AppleTVs, etc. Please note that refurbished products aren’t available at Apple’s physical locations. Instead, they’re available exclusively through Apple’s Certified Refurbished online store. 

Refurbished devices are used by Apple devices, but don’t let that discourage you. Apple takes its product from its trade-in program, and the company’s team of expert techs inspects the devices, cleans them, and installs a new battery and a shell (housing). All of the replaced parts are genuine Apple parts and not some off-spec replacement parts made by third-party manufacturers. 

The devices are refurbished directly by Apple, and though they’re refurbished, they don’t actually perform, look, or feel like used devices. They ship for free and come in a brand-new box, accompanied by all the typical accessories you’d get if you were buying a brand-new Apple product. 

On top of that, you’ll get a one-year warranty and the option to buy AppleCare. We strongly suggest exploring the refurbished section of Apple’s website, it’s a great way to get a 15% off on your Apple product, and it’s the most appealing option if you’re a collector, as you may gain access to a specific Certified Refurbished model that Apple discontinued. 

6. Use Student Discounts and Apple Gift Cards

Apple offers a back-to-school promotion to college students each year, though the promotion details may change by year. In 2020, Apple’s Mac, MacBook, and iPad products got discounted by up to $300 and often came with a free set of AirPods that were otherwise priced at approximately $160 at the time. 

It’s worth noting that the discount isn’t percentage-based. Instead, it’s different for each Apple product. Apple’s Shop of College web portal discounts the items automatically, and it doesn’t actually showcase the item’s original price. However, you’ll need to provide a college ID or some other proof of attendance. 

It’s worth noting that Apple also offers different Back to School discounts each year, so last year’s items might not receive a price cut this year. You can check the pricing on Apple’s Shop for College web portal. 

7. Use Teacher Discounts or Apple’s Educational Pricing

Apple’s education discount isn’t limited to students only; the discount is available to faculty, staff members, and homeschool teachers of all grade levels. All are eligible for Macs, MacBooks, iPads, Apple Music service, and AppleCare+.

When it comes to discounts, the same rules that apply to students also apply to faculty members. However, to unlock the Education Store and education pricing, you’ll likely have to provide some proof of your educational affiliation. A teacher ID badge or a pay stub should suffice.  

8. Apply Your Tax Exemptions to Reduce Sales Tax

If you’re working for tax-exempt institutions, such as a school, a charity, or a place of worship, and you’re buying an Apple product for your workplace, you can apply for a tax exemption from sales tax. You’ll need to provide the necessary paperwork that proves your tax-exempt status; the good thing about this exemption is that it can be added to any other discount you receive. 

9. Military and Veterans Discounts

Apple offers exclusive discounts to military personnel and veterans, making it easier than ever to save on their top-notch products.

Military staff, including veterans, are eligible for a 10% military discount on certain Apple products and services—and the discount extends to family members residing in the same household. Those eligible can access the discount through Apple.com or in physical Apple locations, though you’ll have to verify your status. 

Verification for online purchases can be done through ID.me, while purchases in physical locations require that you bring your Military ID with you to access the discount. It’s also worth checking the online price of particular products before purchasing them at the physical locations because some users reported receiving only a 6% discount while buying at Apple Store.

10. Government Employee Discount

Just like the education discount for educators, you can buy discounted Apple products if you’re a government employee, though you’ll find different discounts if you’re buying products for personal use, as opposed to buying products for your government agency. 

Whatever the case may be, you’ll still have to provide your government ID to the Apple employer or through an online verification service to get the appropriate discount. As for what discount you can expect, things typically vary the same way student and educator discounts do. You also might be able to apply for an Apple Gift Card for a bigger discount. 

Source: Shop Your Way

Getting a discount and saving money on an Apple product purchase isn’t all that difficult if you know when and where to shop and what discounts to look for. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other retail holidays won’t get you discounts at Apple, but you’ll likely receive a gift card for every major purpose, so if you’re aiming for a Black Friday discount, check out at major retailers.

Buying last-gen or refurbished devices is a good way to not just save money but help save the planet as well. And lastly, you can see if you’re eligible for a discount under student, educator, military, or government discount options, to get your Apple device for less. Lastly, you can get Apple Gift Cards by using Shop Your Way. 

Shop Your Way is an all-in-one reward platform that allows you to earn points on everyday purchases. These points can be redeemed on thousands of brands you like and love, including Apple, allowing you to get a discount on your next Apple purchase.