Amazon's Early Prime Day Pushes AirPods Pro 3 to Record Low of $179

Key points

• AirPods Pro 3 are priced at $179, a $70 discount from the $249 retail price, marking the lowest price since June.
• The first-generation AirPods Pro are available for $89.99, representing a $160 reduction from their original price.
• M5 MacBook Air models (13-inch and 15-inch) are discounted by $200, with prices starting at $1,099 for the 13-inch 16GB/512GB model.
• Apple Watch SE 3 models are down $50, with the 40mm GPS version available for $199.
• The official Prime Big Deal Days event runs from October 6 to 7, but these early offers are already live.

Background

Apple products have seen significant discounts during recent sales events, including Labor Day 2026, where the AirPods Pro 3 dropped to $199. The current October sale is part of Amazon's second annual Prime Big Deal Days, which typically features deep cuts on tech, TVs, and beauty products. Previous coverage noted that Apple resellers often compete for business during these major holiday shopping opportunities.

How outlets are covering it

AppleInsider highlights the $89.99 price for the first-generation AirPods Pro as a closeout deal, while The Verge emphasizes the value of the AirPods Pro 3 at $179 compared to the newer AirPods 5. MacRumors and 9to5Mac provide broader context, noting that these Apple deals are part of a wider early Prime Day event that includes discounts on iPads, MacBooks, and Apple Watches. All sources agree that the AirPods Pro 3 price is a record low, but they differ in their emphasis on specific product categories and the urgency of the time-sensitive offers.

Why it matters

The significant price drop on the AirPods Pro 3 and other Apple products indicates a competitive strategy by Amazon to drive early sales ahead of the official Prime Big Deal Days. This move may influence consumer purchasing decisions and set the stage for further discounts during the main event. The availability of these deals requires an Amazon Prime membership, which could impact subscription rates and customer engagement.

What to watch

Consumers should monitor prices closely as the official Prime Big Deal Days event begins on October 6, as deals may change or disappear. Other retailers may match these prices in the coming days, potentially leading to further price reductions. Apple resellers are expected to compete for business, which could result in additional discounts on Apple products.