Prime Day 2026: AirPods Pro 3 and Max 2 Hit Record Lows as Apple Discounts Broaden

Key points

• AirPods Pro 3 are available for $179, a $70 reduction from the $249 retail price, matching the all-time low tracked by MacRumors.
• AirPods Max 2 are discounted by $120 to $429 across all five color options, marking one of the lowest prices seen for the model.
• The M6 Mac mini with 512GB storage is priced at $949.99, a $150 discount, while the standard 256GB model drops to $779.
• Additional deals include the Apple Watch SE 3 at $199, the iPad mini at $499, and the MacBook Air M5 at $1,099.
• Amazon is offering these discounts during its two-day Prime Big Deal Days event, with new deals dropping at midnight, 8 a.m., and 1 p.m. PDT.

Background

Apple products have seen frequent discounts in 2026, including Labor Day sales in September where the AirPods Pro 3 dropped to $199. In early October, Amazon launched early Prime Day deals that briefly pushed the AirPods Pro 3 to $179 before the official event. The current sale extends these discounts across a wider range of Apple hardware, including Macs and iPads, following a period where Apple raised prices in June due to memory shortages.

How outlets are covering it

MacRumors emphasizes the historical significance of the AirPods Pro 3 and Max 2 discounts, noting they match or approach all-time lows. TODAY.com highlights the breadth of the sale, including accessories like the AirTag and Magic Keyboard, and frames the deals as ideal for holiday gifting. WIRED focuses on the MacBook Air M5 as the best laptop deal, noting the $200 discount reverses Apple’s June price hikes. AppleInsider specifically details the Mac mini discounts, highlighting the 512GB model’s $150 reduction. Commenters on MacRumors debate whether the AirPods Max 2 discount is significant, noting previous prices around $399, while others express concerns about Amazon fulfillment reliability.

Why it matters

These discounts provide consumers with the opportunity to purchase high-end Apple hardware at significantly reduced prices, particularly for those who delayed purchases due to Apple’s June price increases. The broad range of discounted products, from earbuds to Macs, makes this a key shopping event for Apple users looking to upgrade or gift technology before the holiday season.

What to watch

The Prime Big Deal Days event concludes on October 7, 2026. Apple is expected to announce new products, including the iPhone Duo and a Smart Home Hub, at an event on October 13, 2026. Consumers may see further discounts on older Apple models as new products launch.