Apple handing out gift cards for Black Friday shopping event in US

As expected, Apple's annual Black Friday shopping event went live in the US early Friday, offering holiday gift buyers gift cards worth up to $150 with the purchase of a new Mac, iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.

Announced via email and advertised prominently on Apple's website, the one-day shopping deal is applicable only to qualifying device purchases, stipulations that mirrors last year's offer.

The tech giant rolled out its holiday shopping deal on Thursday in Australia and New Zealand, offering customers gift cards worth up to A$210. Similar deals are being offered in across Europe and Canada.

As with past Apple promotions, gift card denominations are dependent on purchase price. For example, expensive products like MacBooks rate a $150 card, while shoppers who by an Apple Watch Series 1 get a $25 card.

Starting with Mac, customers who buy an iMac, Mac Pro, MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, including CTO versions, will receive a $150 gift card with their purchase. Buyers in the market for a 12.9- or 10.5-inch iPad Pro get a $100 card, while the 9.7-inch iPad and 7.9-inch iPad mini 4 rate a $50 card.

Apple is also giving away $50 cards for iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, and $25 for iPhone SE. Finally, Apple is handing out a $25 gift cards with all Apple Watch Series 1 models.

As expected, the hot-selling iPhone X and iPhone 8, as well as Apple Watch Series 3, are not included in this year's Black Friday incentive offer.

Customers are limited to two Apple Store Gift Cards per category. Refurbished products, iPhones purchased via financing or installment plans and educational purchases are not eligible for the offer. Customers who buy eligible Mac, iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch models can redeem their Apple Store Gift Card online at Apple.com or at brick-and-mortar Apple Store locations.

Apple's conservative gift card offer is easily bested by the various discounts and bonuses authorized third-party resellers are offering for many of the same products. Those in the market for new Apple gear would be well served to shop around for better Black Friday savings, which range from exclusive coupon offers, aggressive discounts, free shipping, and no tax in some states.

AppleInsider has assembled some of the best deals in our yearly Black Friday sale roundup, while our Price Guides are updated daily with the lowest prices on Apple products.