If you’re looking to upgrade your tech before the end of summer or simply want a new pair of earbuds, over-ear headphones or a smartwatch ahead of back-to-school season, you’re in luck. Apple is currently discounting multiple generations of the Apple AirPods, including the AirPods Pro and Max, as well as smartwatches like the Apple Watch Series 9 on Amazon. You can get these items and more for over 20% off if you act now.
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AirPods Pro 2nd Generation Wireless Earbuds
The Airpods Pro have active noise canceling, transparency mode as well as adaptive and spatial audio, which provides a surround sound-like quality to music. They’re ideal for walking, running, commuting and taking calls, and have up to six hours of listening time, according to Apple. NBC Select production coordinator Kelsey Fredricks uses them and says they help her stay focused when commuting or working out. “I get distracted easily and these help me get in the flow when reading and writing, and I also wear them at the gym nearly every day,” she says. “I like how you can easily alternate between the multiple noise control features.”
AirPods 3rd Generation Wireless Earbuds
Like the Pro models listed above, these AirPods also have personalized spatial audio and up to six hours of listening time on a single charge, according to Apple. While they don’t have active noise cancellation, transparency mode, touch control or conversation awareness like the model above, the sound is quite powerful in my experience. The earbuds and the lightning charging case are sweat resistant, so they’re perfect for runs or trips to the beach. I’ve had these buds for over three years — the sound quality is still strong and they maintain a charge well, so I don’t have to worry about taking a power adapter with me whenever I leave home. You can also use them to give Siri tasks like controlling music or making a phone call.
AirPods Max Over-Ear Headphones
Apple’s first over-ear bluetooth headphones, the AirPods Max have powerful audio quality, active noise cancelation, transparency mode and spatial audio. They have cushions made from memory foam covered with mesh for a comfortable and uninterrupted listening experience, according to Apple. NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez loves using them to focus at work and when flying. “My favorite thing about these headphones is how much noise they block out,” she says. “I’ve tried other headphones that claim to block out so much outside disturbance, but these are the only ones in my experience that actually do that.”
Apple Watch Series 9
The Apple Watch Series 9 is an NBC Select staff favorite and the best smartwatch for iPhone users, according to NBC Select staff tech reporter Harry Rabinowitz. While it’s a watch at its foundation, its capabilities span well beyond just telling the time. You can use the Apple Watch to send texts, make and receive calls, listen to music and use Siri. It also has several fitness and health tracking features such as the The Workout App, fall and crash detection for emergencies, REM sleep monitoring, and three months of Apple Fitness+ for free included. Plus, the watch is dust and water resistant up to 50 meters, according to Apple.
Apple AirTag
An Apple AirTag is one of the best ways to keep track of important items like suitcases, wallets and keys. Pairing one with your phone is simple and fast — hold it near your phone, click connect, name the device and then connect it to your Apple ID so you can use the Find My app to see its location. I keep an AirTag in a holder in my wallet, which works great since it’s thin and around the size of an enamel pin.
Apple 35W USB-C Power Adapter
This dual power adapter lets you charge two devices at once. It’s compatible with iPhone 8 Plus devices and up and it has folding prongs to make it easier to store. Aside from a phone, you can use it to charge a MacBook Air, Apple Watch and multiple iPad models, according to Apple.
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For more information about tech deals on tablets, smartwatches and more, check out our coverage of giftable tech and sale events such as Amazon Prime Day.
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I am a commerce editor at NBC Select, where I write about deals and sales events throughout the year, including major holidays like the 4th of July and Amazon Prime Day. I also write roundups on cooking, cleaning, wellness, outdoors and more.
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