Apple has announced the upcoming “Apple Store Shopping Event” as an alternative to the traditional Black Friday deals, offering gift cards instead of discounts. The event will take place from November 24 through November 27, coinciding with Black Friday and Cyber Monday. However, rather than a full list of offers, Apple has only released a preview of select products that will come with gift cards.

This news has led to speculation among consumers about whether the Apple Store Shopping Event can compete with other retailers’ Black Friday deals. Despite the potential savings, it’s important to note that the Apple gift cards are only advantageous if you plan to make additional purchases from the company in the near future.

There are also some notable omissions from the list of qualifying products for the Apple Store Shopping Event. For instance, the iPhone 15 series and the 9th-gen iPad are not included in the promotion, reducing the appeal of the event for potential customers. However, consumers can still find discounts on these latest models through other outlets.

As for the gift card offers, they vary depending on the product category. For example, the iPhone, Mac, iPad, and other Apple product lines come with different gift card amounts, making it crucial for consumers to consider their specific needs and purchase intentions. Still, it remains to be seen whether the Apple Store Shopping Event will truly rival the Black Friday deals offered by other retailors.

For those looking to maximize their savings, it may be worth considering the early Black Friday Apple deals that have already surfaced through various retailers. Coupled with these alternative deals, consumers have an array of options to take advantage of for their Apple purchases this holiday season.

Ultimately, the Apple Store Shopping Event offers an unconventional approach to Black Friday deals but leaves a few noteworthy products off the table. As the event approaches, consumers will need to carefully weigh their options and consider the potential savings from both Apple and other retailers.