ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.
When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.
ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.
The holiday shopping season isn't the only time you can save on tech: Presidents' Day is also a great time to shop, since it's the first big sale event post-holidays when retailers are trying to get rid of older winter inventory to make room for spring stock.
Although Presidents' Day is still a week away (on Monday, Feb. 16), we've already seen deals on Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. And, since Apple is one of the biggest tech brands, there are, of course, deals to be had on iPads, AirPods, Apple Watches, and more.
We've rounded up the best early Presidents' Day Apple deals we've seen so far.
The Apple AirTag is designed to work seamlessly with Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. If you open the Find My app on any Apple device and select the appropriate tag, the selected AirTag will beep, helping you to find a missing item if it's nearby.
Apple's M4 iMac looks as slick as ever with new colors, updated displays, and a host of helpful features. The new iMacs come with everything you need in the box: just plug in one cord and go.
If you are deeply committed to the Apple ecosystem and you want to keep it that way, you'll want the AirPods Max. The sound quality is great, and Apple's Transparency Mode is a standout feature. Plus, they come in all sorts of colors to fit your style.
Apple's M5 chip was released last fall, and it's by far the most powerful chip in an iPad, perfect for power users or professionals. Ahead of Presidents' Day, you can save $100 on an 11-inch iPad Pro equipped with an Ultra Retina XDR display and 256GB of storage.
Review: After using M5 iPad Pro, I'm seriously considering putting away my MacBook for it
Apple's latest Apple Watch, the Series 11, is packed with features like hypertension notifications, a Sleep Score, up to 24 hours of battery life, and an improves scratch-resistant display. This Walmart deal only applies to the Milanese Loop model watch models.
The Apple Pencil Pro incorporates advanced features like squeeze, barrel roll, and haptic feedback to make marking up, taking notes, and creating an artistic masterpiece more intuitive. It charges wirelessly and works with the newest iPad Pro and iPad Air models.
The versatility, lightweight form factor, and affordability make the MacBook Air M4 the best overall package for most users. Just the right size to be portable, but powerful enough to handle demanding workloads, creative tasks, and multitasking like a dream.
The Apple HomePod Mini is a small smart speaker within the Apple ecosystem. One of its best features is perhaps its full-bodied sound quality, so listening to music from your Apple Music playlists sounds crisp and loud in your home.
Also: Smart home starter pack: Top 5 devices you need
For those on the hunt for a thin and light iPad, consider the $40 discount available for an M3-powered Apple iPad Air. This tablet comes with an 11-inch Liquid Retina display and 128GB of storage.
Review: Can an iPad replace a MacBook? I tested the M3 Air for weeks, and here's my verdict
The earbuds' heart rate sensor and upgrades to the iOS Fitness app make the Pro 3 more than simply a vessel for canceling noise and playing music -- they're a true companion to your iPhone and can offer more value to your everyday needs.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 features a rugged design that's ideal for adventurists with premium features like GPS, advanced metrics, Offline Maps, and more. It has a gorgeous 49mm watch face that gets plenty bright for outdoor use.
Presidents' Day is celebrated on the third Monday of February to honor past U.S. presidents. This year, it falls on Monday, Feb. 16.
ZDNET only writes about deals that capture our own interest -- devices and products we want, need, or would recommend not only to our readers, but to friends and family. Our experts look for deals at least 20% off (or hardly ever on sale), using established price-comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is actually worth your time.
We also examine customer reviews and rely on our own hands-on experience with new tech to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products we're recommending. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice and to make you aware of price drops so you can shop smarter.