Holiday Gift Guide
Welcome to AppleInsider's Holiday 2021 Apple Gift Guide. Below you'll find a collection of our favorite and most promising products of the year, along with quick links to in-depth reviews and comprehensive guides. Find gift ideas for Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, and Mac fans -- with top picks for nearly every budget.
● Compare Apple prices
● Track the best AirPods deals,
● Top MacBook Pro deals,
● Black Friday discounts & more
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Apple boasts its ability to sell product lines that are robust, yet small enough that they can fit every product for sale on a small table. Buying a device can be complicated, then choosing a great accessory for that device adds even more complexity. This Apple gift guide aims to help you find the perfect device and accessory for you or your loved ones during the holiday season.
Updated Nov. 8:
Mac
The Mac is the backbone of Apple and its biggest lineup of devices. You can find all-in-ones, large desktops, and thin laptops with custom Apple Silicon processors. They utilize Thunderbolt technology to enable the fastest memory and external peripherals possible, and our Apple gifts listed reflect that.
M1 iMac 24-inch
The 24-inch iMac is Apple's example of what happens when you introduce efficient Apple Silicon to an aging desktop. Every aspect was redesigned to be thinner, lighter, and more modern. There are seven dual-tone colors to choose from: silver, blue, pink, green, purple, yellow, and orange.
24-inch iMac accessories
M1 MacBook Air
The M1 MacBook Air is a fanless laptop running the M1 processor. It has two Thunderbolt ports, a 13-inch display, and the previous model's design. It is the most popular MacBook thanks to its lower entry price.
M1 MacBook Pro 13-inch
The 13-inch MacBook Pro is Apple's higher-end version of a consumer-grade laptop and still features the Touch Bar. While pro in name, it uses the same M1 processor as the MacBook Air but with active cooling. This model replaced the previous low-end MacBook Pro and acts as a middle ground between the entry MacBook and high-end Pros.
2021 MacBook Pro
The 14-inch MacBook Pro is a new form factor in Apple's modern laptop lineup. It has a ProMotion mini-LED backlit display, a full-sized row of function keys, and a variety of ports. It replaces the previous higher-end 13-inch MacBook Pro and uses Apple's M1 Pro and M1 Max processors.
MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021)
The 16-inch MacBook Pro has been redesigned and has identical features to the 14-inch model. The larger case means fewer thermal limitations during intensive tasks, which Apple will take advantage of via a user-facing "High-Power Mode." This is the most popular MacBook chosen by developers.
MacBook accessories
M1 Mac mini Deals
The Mac mini with an M1 processor is the cheapest way to get Apple's powerful custom silicon in a Mac. Bring your own display, mouse, and keyboard to this tiny desktop perfect for day-to-day work or running a server from your closet.
Mac mini accessories
The 27-inch iMac is one of the two remaining Macs awaiting Apple's new custom processors. Customers interested in Intel-based machines can still buy the 27-inch iMac, which may be the perfect choice for those who need legacy software.
The Mac Pro is a desktop tower designed for the most elite professionals that need absolute control over every aspect of their computer. The modular nature of the Mac Pro enables users to add RAM, specialized cards, and storage as needed for operation. Pair with the Pro Display XDR for the ultimate Mac setup.
Mac Pro accessories
iPhone
The iPhone is Apple's primary business and the one with the most possibilities for accessories and add-ons. From protective cases to app-enabled toys and the latest MagSafe devices, we've got you covered.
iPhone Accessory Coupons
While coupons typically don't exist on the phones themselves, there are a number of promotional code discounts available on accessories. Below is a roundup of the best accessory deals on iPhone cases and chargers:
- Adorama: Save $10 on Apple's MagSafe Battery Pack with promo code APINSIDER
- mophie: 20% off one item sitewide with coupon code INSIDER20
- Zagg: 20% off one item sitewide with promo code INSIDER20
- Courant: 20% off with promo code APINSIDER20
- Grovemade: 10% off sitewide for new customers with coupon code AppleInsider
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
The iPhone 13 Pro Max is Apple's flagship iPhone featuring the largest display and longest battery life available in the lineup. Capture video in ProRes, macro photos, and get up to 1TB of storage in this massive smartphone.
iPhone 13 Pro Max accessories
Apple iPhone 13 Pro
The iPhone 13 Pro has all of the features of the larger iPhone 13 Pro Max packed into a model with a 6.1-inch display. This is for those who want the high-end camera and display without the unwieldy size and higher price.
iPhone 13 Pro accessories
Apple iPhone 13
The iPhone 13 is the model built to satisfy any smartphone user. The design, materials, display size, and features all round out into a device that fits right in the middle of the iPhone lineup.
iPhone 13 accessories
Apple iPhone 13 mini Offers
The iPhone 13 mini may be the last of its kind. The smaller version of the standard iPhone with all of the same features, but at the sacrifice of battery life and display size.
iPhone 13 mini accessories
The iPhone SE is Apple's entry model meant to entice even the most budget-conscious consumer. It has the design of the iPhone 8 but features the modern A13 processor to ensure fast software and a long life cycle of operating system updates.
iPhone SE accessories
iPad
The iPad is Apple's least expensive computing platform and also its vehicle for experimenting with new hardware. The iPad Pro is positioned as a potential MacBook replacement when paired with a Magic Keyboard. You'll find the best Apple gifts related to the iPad here.
iPad 9th Generation
The 10.2-inch iPad is Apple's most popular iPad thanks to its robust feature set and low entry price. It still has the older design, Touch ID Home Button, and middling display, but runs all of the powerful apps available for iPadOS.
10.2-inch iPad accessories
iPad Air 4
The iPad Air 4 got the pro-treatment with an edge-to-edge display, Touch ID in the power button, and Apple Pencil 2 support. Apple offered all-new colors in muted shades of silver, space gray, rose gold, sky blue, and green.
iPad Air accessories
iPad mini 6
The iPad mini 6 is an iPad Air in miniature but has a more powerful processor and Center Stage thanks to its later release. This is the ultimate combination of power and portability from Apple with Apple Pencil 2 support, iPadOS, and a display that can fit in your hand.
iPad mini accessories
The 11-inch iPad Pro has a 120Hz ProMotion display, can transform into a laptop with the Magic Keyboard, and connects to Thunderbolt accessories with its versatile port. This tablet uses Apple's custom M1 processor to enable workflows that compete with high-end laptops.
11-inch iPad Pro accessories
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is Apple's flagship tablet with all the same features as the 11-inch version with the addition of a mini-LED backlit display. Add in the Magic Keyboard, 2TB of internal storage, and 5G service for a powerful, portable computer.
12.9-inch iPad Pro accessories
Apple Watch
The Apple Watch is Apple's wearable device with interchangeable bands. After mixing and matching your favorite color, size, and a premium watch band, you have a swath of third-party options to further accessories your Apple Watch.
Apple Watch Series 7
The Apple Watch Series 7 wasn't a feature-rich update but brought about design changes that make it a worthwhile purchase for fans and new users alike. It has a bigger edge-to-edge display, tougher glass, and faster charging than the previous model.
The Apple Watch SE is a budget-minded device that offers modern features, performance, and design. It isn't the cheapest model available, but it has access to features like Family Setup, which lets family members without iPhones use a cellular Apple Watch.
The Apple Watch Series 3 has stuck around for years after its release as the cheapest way to get into Apple's wearable ecosystem. The dated hardware and processor are just above the bar for what is required to get through the day.
Apple Watch accessories
Audio
Apple has several audio-focused offerings from in-ear AirPods to the HomePod mini smart speaker. Use Siri to control your music, or even your home, thanks to the intelligence baked into these products.
AirPods (3rd Generation)
The AirPods (third-generation) take on design aspects of the AirPods Pro while maintaining a price point similar to the original AirPods. It introduces Adaptive EQ and Dolby Atmos with dynamic head tracking to this cheaper model. The six-hour battery life is enough to get through any listening session with the charging case providing four additional charges.
AirPods (third-generation) accessories
The AirPods (second-generation) has moved to a lower price point, but are the same magical earbuds that revolutionized the truly wireless era. Despite the low price, you'll get the universal fit, Hey Siri controls, auto-device switching, and five-hour battery life.
AirPods (second-generations) accessories
AirPods Pro with MagSafe
The AirPods Pro differentiate themselves with changeable ear tips, Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency Mode, and improved sound quality. Apple added magnets to the charging case with new purchases, so now users can magnetically attach the case to MagSafe chargers. These are for people who want control over the fit and sound of their earbuds.
AirPods Pro accessories
AirPods Max
The AirPods Max are Apple's high-end over-the-ear headphones made with premium materials and custom Apple audio processing. Often described as the HomePod for your head, these headphones analyze the audio coming in to adapt it for the optimal listening experience. Despite the high price, these do not support Apple Music with Hi-Res Lossless tracks.
AirPods Max accessories
HomePod mini
The HomePod mini is a tiny smart speaker where Apple Music, HomeKit control, and Siri live. Anyone with a smart home running HomeKit devices will want a HomePod mini to act as the brains thanks to Thread integration. Customers can buy any of five colors: blue, orange, yellow, white, and space gray.
