Apple doles out gift cards for Black Friday sales event [u]

Announced via email and through the company's regional website on Friday local Australia time, the gift card promotion is nearly identical to Apple's Black Friday special in 2013. While Apple could opt for product discounts instead of cards in the U.S. and Canada, as it has done in the past with European Black Friday sales, North American customers typically see similar deals to those offered Down Under.

In 2013, for example, the value of Apple Gift Cards passed out in Australia mirrored cards meted out in the U.S., even with a substantial exchange rate discrepancy. The Cupertino tech giant switched to direct — and conservative — product discounts in 2014, but skipped Black Friday altogether last year.

For 2016, Apple is offering up to A$200 gift cards on select Mac purchases, including Mac Pro, iMac, MacBook, non-2016 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. Customers in the market for portable equipment will receive an Apple Gift Card worth A$140 for iPad Pro, A$70 for iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4, iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, and A$35 for iPhone SE. Apple Watch Series 1 and Apple TV also come with an A$35 gift card.

Apple Gift Card Values should be similar in the U.S., though it is unclear what the company has in store for Europe. In America, Apple is advertising free two-day delivery of in-stock items ordered through its online store by 5:00 p.m.

To save even more, though, Apple authorized resellers are offering aggressive Black Friday instant discounts, exclusive coupon offers, free shipping and no tax in most states. These deals can be found in our comprehensive Black Friday deal roundup with highlights below. And, as always, please visit our Price Guides to find the lowest prices on Apple products (updated daily).

Update: Apple's one-day Black Friday event is now live worldwide, with the company offering gift cards on select purchases in the U.S., Canada and select markets in Europe. In the U.S., gift card values max out at $150 for certain Mac purchases, $100 for iPad Pro and $50 for iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 4. Customers buying an iPhone 6s or 6s Plus can nab a $50 card, while iPhone SE buyers get $25. Apple Watch Series 1 and Apple TV come with gift cards valued at $25.