Apple CEO Tim Cook's 14 million dollar pay in 2020 was relatively modest, compared to other S&P 500 CEOs, according to the Wall Street Journal.
In its annual ranking of CEO pay and compensation, the Wall Street Journal revealed that Tim Cook earned $14,769,259 last year, which is only slightly more than the median $13.4 million pay across the Standard and Poor's 500 (S&P 500) index. The Wall Street Journal also noted that Apple's median employee pay is $57,783.
Apple tops the entire S&P 500 with its value exceeding more than two trillion dollars, so it is surprising that Cook's pay is comparatively modest. Cook's pay rank is the 171st highest out of the S&P 500 CEOs, even though Apple makes up six percent of the entire index.
An increasing number of CEO compensation packages are tied to stocks as boards look to tie executive pay to the fortunes of company shareholders. Although Apple's one-year return for shareholders was 109 percent in 2020, Cook's pay only increased by 28 percent.
Over the course of 2020, Cook's net worth climbed to over one billion dollars, according to calculations from Bloomberg.
The highest-paid CEO was Paycom Software's Chad Richison, who earned more than $200 million. Seven CEOs were given compensation valued at more than $50 million last year, compared with just two in 2019 and three in 2018. Twenty-four S&P 500 CEOs made less than five million dollars last year, including Tesla's Elon Musk, who reported zero pay, and Twitter's Jack Dorsey, who earned just $1.40.
Apple today highlighted some winners of this year's Swift Student Challenge, which gives young developers a chance to win special attire and apparel for the annual developer conference. This year, more than 350 winners from more than 35 countries around the world have been selected.
Apple highlights a few developers who have won this year's challenge, including Abinaya Dinesh, who created an app that gives users with gastrointestinal disorders an easy way to access resources and information. Dinesh, at the age of 15, plans to launch her app later this summer.
Gianna Yan, another winner of this year's challenge, created Feed Fleet, an app that makes it easy for farmers to share their food surplus with food banks and those in need. In just the year since the app and project launched, more than 30 million pounds of food have been shared with food banks and those in need.
Lastly, Damilola Awofisayo, at 17 years old, is the developer behind TecHacks, a non-profit organization that aims to create a "supportive environment for girls everywhere to create, problem-solve, and showcase their talents alongside like-minded females to compete and work with."
WWDC will kick off this year on June 7 and run until June 11. The main keynote which will include the reveal of iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS 12, tvOS 12, and watchOS 8 will take place on June 7 at 10 a.m PT. With less than a week away left until the annual conference begins, be sure to visit our roundup for everything we can expect.
Apple Maps has begun surveying Poland for its "Look Around" feature, which offers users a 360-degree immersive panoramic look of a city or location.
Apple maintains an updated list of countries, cities, and territories of where it is conducting ground surveys for Look Around. That list was recently updated with the addition of Poland. Additionally, a photo shared on Facebook shows an Apple Maps image collection vehicle in Poland. Apple says that the "vehicle ground-based research" of Poland will continue until August of this year.
Last month Apple began surveying Hong Kong for Apple Maps as it contuines its ambition to widen the availability of Apple Maps features to more locations. A full list of where Apple Maps is currently surveying can be found on Apple's website.
We're just one week away from WWDC 2021, which kicks off next Monday, June 7 and runs through Friday, June 11. Apple's annual developers conference will be an all-digital affair for the second year in a row due to public health measures, but it will still be an exciting week, with Apple expected to unveil iOS 15 and other new software updates.
Ahead of WWDC, we've put together five steps to prepare for the conference.
1. Set Siri Reminders
During the course of WWDC, there are a few presentations that have broader appeal:
Keynote on Monday, June 7 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time: Apple is expected to unveil iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS 12, watchOS 8, and tvOS 15, and there is always a chance of a hardware surprise or two, with a new MacBook Pro rumored.
Platforms State of the Union on Monday, June 7 at 2 p.m. Pacific Time: Apple will provide a deeper dive into the new developer tools, technologies, and advances across its software platforms.
Apple Design Awards on Thursday, June 10 at 2 p.m. Pacific Time: The awards celebrate the creative artistry, craftsmanship, and technical achievement of Apple developers, according to Apple.
One handy way to remember these dates and times is to set Siri reminders using an iPhone, Mac, Apple Watch, HomePod, or other Apple device. For example: "Hey Siri, remind me to watch the WWDC Keynote on June 7 at 10 a.m."
Available on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV, the free Apple Developer app is central to the WWDC experience, complete with a full schedule once available. Beginning June 8, session videos will be posted to the app each day, providing a deep dive into new features and frameworks being added across Apple's software platforms. The WWDC Keynote will also be available in the app with on-demand playback after the conclusion of the live stream.
New for WWDC 2021, "Pavilions" will provide an easy way for developers to explore relevant sessions, labs, and special activities for a given topic, like SwiftUI. Pavilions will be found exclusively within the Apple Developer app.
In line with previous years, Apple will likely seed the first betas of iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS 12, watchOS 8, and tvOS 15 to registered developers for testing within an hour or two after the WWDC Keynote concludes.
Those interested in installing the betas on their devices on an official basis will need to sign up for an Apple Developer Program membership, which costs $99 per year in the United States. Individuals who are 18 years or older or have reached the equivalent age of majority in their country can enroll in the Apple Developer Program, even if they do not plan on distributing any apps on the App Store.
It's important to keep in mind that Apple's beta software typically has some bugs or other issues that may affect performance or usability to some extent. For this reason, it's always recommended that beta software be installed on a secondary device that isn't relied on for daily use. It's equally important to back up your devices to a Mac or iCloud before installing beta software to avoid the risk of data loss.
Those who do not want to pay for an Apple Developer Program membership can join Apple's free Beta Software Program, but the first public betas of major new software versions are typically not released until late June or early July.
4. Sign Up for Digital Lounges
Apple will be hosting Digital Lounges at WWDC 2021. Apple Developer Program or WWDC 2021 Swift Student Challenge winners will be able to join Apple engineers and designers throughout the week as they host text-based Q&As and special activities related to developer tools, SwiftUI, accessibility, and machine learning, according to Apple.
Sign-ups open tomorrow, June 1, with limited availability on a first come, first served basis. Visit the Digital Lounges page for more details.
5. Follow MacRumors
Stay tuned to MacRumors.com for complete coverage of WWDC week, including a live blog of the Keynote. If you are unable to watch the stream, be sure to follow @MacRumorsLive on Twitter, where we'll be live tweeting the Keynote as well. Also follow MacRumors on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and RSS for WWDC news, videos, and more.
Our in-depth WWDC roundup is also a helpful resource, and worth adding to your browser's bookmark bar for the next few weeks.
Apple plans to adopt OLED display technology in "some" iPad models next year, following the recent adoption of mini-LED technology in its highest-end 12.9-inch iPad Pro, according to a report from Korea's ETNews.
The report, citing industry sources, claims that Apple will use OLED displays instead of LCDs in some iPad models starting in 2022. The report doesn't specify which iPad models would make the switch from LCD to OLED technology, but credible Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has reported that the mid-range iPad Air will be updated with an OLED display next year at a minimum.
Apple currently uses OLED displays for higher-end iPhones and all Apple Watch models, while the remaining product families continue to use LCD technology. OLED displays in Apple products are currently supplied by Samsung and LG, and ETNews believes that the two suppliers will also provide OLED displays for future iPads.
Last month, Apple introduced a brand new 12.9-inch iPad Pro with mini-LED technology, which, compared to LCD, offers deeper blacks, improved contrast, and higher brightness. Apple is expected to continue the adoption of mini-LED display technology with new models of the MacBook Pro as early as this year.
Apple supplier Global Lighting Technologies will begin shipments of keyboard-related components for next-generation MacBook Pro models in the third quarter of 2021, according to DigiTimes, which cited industry sources.
The industry sources indicated that Apple is likely to release new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with mini-LED displays in the second half of 2021, followed by more devices with mini-LED backlighting in 2022.
In line with the new iPad Pro, mini-LED backlighting would allow for higher brightness and improved contrast ratio on the new MacBook Pro models.
Multiple sources have claimed that the new MacBook Pro models will be introduced in the second half of 2021, but leaker Jon Prosser recently suggested that at least one new MacBook Pro model will be announced at WWDC next week.
This post has been updated following publication of the full DigiTimes story.
While announcing its latest chips yesterday, Intel launched another aggressive public attack on Mac devices, focusing on the experience of gaming (via PC Gamer).
Intel yesterday announced two new 11th Generation H-series laptop processors, featuring clock speeds up to 5GHz, Intel Wi-Fi 6/6E, and 1080p gameplay on popular titles, in high-volume, thin designs. Following the announcement, the company took the opportunity to launch another broadside against Apple.
In a press call with Intel's chief performance strategist Ryan Shrout about the new chips, Intel outlined an argument claiming that it is the supposedly poor gaming experience on Mac devices that makes Intel-based Windows devices superior. Intel derided Apple's M1 chip and boasted that most popular video games do not run on macOS.
The company highlighted a poor gaming experience on the Mac when using an emulator or virtual machine, showing a video of the game "Valheim" running poorly in Parallels on a Mac.
Intel further evidenced its claims with a chart showing an Intel-based 16-inch MacBook Pro, using a Core i9 9980HK processor with a AMD Radeon Pro 5600M, compared to a PC with a Core i5 11400H processor with a GeForce RTX 3060. The Intel-branded PC did better in each of the company's selected tests. This led to the claim that Intel-based PCs offer a "better gaming experience than 100% of Mac laptops."
The company then argued that there is a significant overlap between creators and gamers, suggesting that a large proportion of the Mac user base is not sufficiently accommodated for due to limited gaming options on their system.
Intel now appears to be making gaming a key buttress in its argument to persuade customers that its chips in Windows machines present a much better option for consumers than Macs with Apple silicon.
PC Gamer's Alan Dexter asked Shrout during the call if Intel was "burning its bridges with Apple." Shrout responded that "Apple has been very public about moving to its own silicon" and that "it is now a competitor," justifying the company's aggressive marketing campaign.
Apple has published its annual supplier responsibility report, which outlines the progress it and its suppliers are making towards improving the rights of workers, furthering environmental protection goals, the response to the global health crisis, and more.
The report contains detailed information ranging from how Apple addresses reports of violations within its supply chain to how the company has assisted its suppliers in handling the challenges throughout the past year. The company's senior vice president of operations, Sabih Khan, opens the report by extending a special thanks to Apple employees, partners, and suppliers worldwide for their resilience throughout the past year.
I want to start with a message of gratitude to our teams and to the global network of Apple suppliers. You set an example of care for one another's health, innovating through every challenge, and helping bring technology to our users at a time when we've never relied on it more.
Regarding labor and human rights, Apple says that since 2008, more than 21.5 million workers have been taught their rights from suppliers and that more than 55,000 supplier employees have been interviewed as part of regular supplier assessments. Apple also says that it has found no evidence of forced labor within its supply chain.
Focusing on environmental goals, Apple says that it's working hard and in close cooperation with suppliers to ensure that they meet the goal of being fully carbon neutral by 2030. Apple provides a few environmental statistics, including the fact that it's saved more than 41 billion gallons of water since 2013 thanks to its Clean Water Program. In addition, in 2020, the company diverted more than 400,000 metric tons of waste from landfills and more than 1.65 million metrics tons of waste from landfills since 2015.
Apple is planning to expand its global retail presence by opening more physical stores (via Bloomberg).
Despite inner cities struggling with an accelerating shift to online sales, Apple is planning to open more retail stores. The company currently operates 511 Apple stores globally, of which over 100 are in Europe.
Apple's senior vice president of retail and people, Deirdre O'Brien, confirmed the intention to expand to Germany's Funke Mediengruppe:
On our online site people can learn a lot about the products; in a store they can touch them and get a feel for them. We intend to add more stores.
While it is not yet clear if the expansion is set to be concentrated on a particular region, O'Brien's comments to the German publisher may suggest that Europe will be a focal point.
Moreover, O'Brien remarked that Apple will "undoubtedly" add to its international design infrastructure, as seen with the company's plan to build a one-billion Euro chip design center in Munich within the next three years.
Samsung has begun production of LTPO displays for the upcoming iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max, which will support a high refresh rate of 120Hz, while LG has begun production of LTPS displays for the lower-end models of the 2021 iPhone lineup, according to a new report from The Elec.
Apple was widely rumored to introduce its ProMotion technology, which first debuted in the 2017 iPad Pro, to its iPhone 12 lineup this year. ProMotion allows the display to have a higher refresh rate of 120Hz, compared to the current maximum of 60Hz. However, despite the avalanche of rumors leading up to the 2020 iPhone launch, Apple decided not to include a 120Hz display for the iPhones.
Looking towards the iPhone 13 expected in the second half of this year, Apple is planning to introduce a 120Hz display for the highest-end models of the lineup, according to credible Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
The Elec reports that Samsung and LG have independently kick-started OLED production for the upcoming iPhone lineup ahead of schedule, at the behest of Apple. Due to the global health crisis last year, the iPhone 12 was severely delayed, and Apple is looking to mitigate any potential delays for the 2021 iPhones.
This is a month faster than for the iPhone 12 last year. Apple launched iPhone 12 later than usual due to problems with procuring components for the phones from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Samsung Display began production for the OLED panels to be used in iPhone 13 mid-month. LG Display began production recently, people with direct knowledge of the matter said.
Samsung began organic material deposition a week earlier than LG. For the module process, where the panel is finished, Samsung’s started around ten days earlier than LG.
The iPhone 13 is rumored to include several new features alongside a 120Hz display for the higher-end models. According to current rumors, the new lineup will feature a smaller notch, with a slightly thicker overall design and larger camera bumps. You can catch up on the latest iPhone 13 rumors and leaks using our guide.
Despite leaving the company in 2019, Apple's former chief design officer, Jony Ive, helped design the new 24-inch iMac, according to an excerpt from Wired's review of the new desktop computer.
Jony Ive famously left Apple in 2019 to form his own independent design company, which would have Apple as one of its clients. During his tenure at Apple, Ive oversaw the development and design of revolutionary products, including the iPhone, iPad, iPod, MacBook, and the iMac.
Apple confirmed to Wired that Ive did indeed work on the new iMac but stopped short of confirming or denying whether his own firm, LoveFrom, aided Apple in designing the computer after he left the company.
But Apple has another reason to reference this old campaign. Jony Ive was involved in the design of this new iMac, despite having left Apple back in 2019. Hardware design is a long process, so perhaps it’s not surprising that Ive’s fingerprints are all over this new desktop. But, interestingly, Apple would not confirm or deny if he worked on the 2021 iMac after he left the company – just that he had worked on it.
The 24-inch iMac is the first redesign to the iMac in years, featuring a significantly thinner design, the M1 Apple silicon chip, and comes in seven vibrant colors. Learn more about the 24-inch iMac using our guide.
Yesterday we posted about Memorial Day deals on Apple devices like the MacBook Pro and Apple Watch, and now we're tracking even more deals, this time specifically on third-party accessories. This includes sales on popular Apple-related accessories like Anker's portable batteries, Nomad's leather products, Speck iPhone cases, and much more.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Nomad
Nomad is giving our readers an exclusive 20 percent off discount code for Memorial Day this year, and the code MACRUMORS can be applied to any in-stock products sitewide. It will last through May 31 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
Nomad sells a wide variety of accessories for Apple products, including iPhone and iPad cases, Apple Watch bands, AirTag holders, and more.
Nimble
At Nimble, you can take 30 percent off your entire order when using the exclusive promo code MACRUMORS30 on the retailer's website. Nimble is known for its wireless chargers and portable batteries, all of which are made from environmentally friendly materials.
Nimble's wireless chargers start at $49.99 for the Apollo Wireless Pad, and at $24.99 for the Champ Lite Portable Charger. The company also sells the Disc Case for iPhone, which is made from 100% recycled compact discs.
Anker
Anker this week has a collection of discounts on a power adapter, wireless charger, and a pair of Eufy's robot vacuums.
Hyper is offering 30 percent off select accessories on its website with the code MEMORIAL30 this weekend.
This includes USB-C hubs, portable batteries, and tech sanitizers. Hyper's Memorial Day sale will last through Monday.
JBL
JBL has a Memorial Day sale that's taking between 15 and 60 percent off home loudspeakers, soundbars, and other audio equipment.
This includes a collection of JBL's subwoofers, like the SUB 550P 10-inch powered subwoofer for $199.99, down from $599.95.
Speck
Speck's Memorial Day sale is taking 25 percent off sitewide, with some exclusions like select iPad cases. There's a limit of five items per customer, and this sale will end on May 31 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
Speck offers a wide array of cases for the iPhone, Samsung phones, MacBook, AirPods, Apple Watch, iPod touch, and more. You can also shop screen protectors and portable batteries at 25 percent off during this event.
Twelve South
At Twelve South, you can save up to 50 percent on a collection of the company's best travel accessories. This includes cases for your iPad, like the BookBook Case at $10 off and BookBook Cover at $10 off.
Other devices on sale include the AirFly (up to $15 off), PlugBug Duo ($30 off), TimePorter ($5 off), and SuitCase for MacBook ($10-$20 off). All of Twelve South's discounts will stay live through Memorial Day.
ZAGG/Mophie
ZAGG is offering up to 70% off select items this weekend, with solid markdowns on Mophie power banks, iPhone battery cases, and more. This sale covers items across the ZAGG family of brands, including Mophie, Braven, Invisible Shield, and iFrogz.
WWDC is quickly approaching, and that means rumors are starting to ramp up including the possibility that we might see the long-rumored MacBook Pro redesign at the keynote. This week also saw rumors about future updates to the AirPods and AirPods Pro, as well as a redesigned Mac mini.
In other news, Apple has released iOS 14.6 with new features like Apple Card Family and podcast subscriptions as it prepares to launch Apple Music support for lossless audio and Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos next month. We also took a look at the mini-LED display on the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro, so read on for the details on these stories and more!
New MacBook Pro Models Coming at WWDC, Suggests Leaker
AirPods Pro 2 With Fitness Tracking Coming in 2022, AirPods 3 With 'Pro' Design to Launch Later This Year
Apple is preparing to launch third-generation AirPods this year, and plans to release second-generation AirPods Pro next year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The next AirPods should look more like the current AirPods Pro with shorter stems, while the 2022 AirPods Pro are rumored to lose their stems entirely and feature some new motion sensors for fitness tracking.
See the Dramatic Improvement Mini-LED Brings to the M1 iPad Pro's Display
One of the headline new features of the 2021 12.9-inch iPad Pro is the Liquid Retina XDR display, which has a mini-LED backlighting system for higher brightness, improved contrast ratio, and deeper blacks.
High-End Mac Mini Said to Feature Thinner Design With 'Plexiglass' Top and More
Apple is rumored to be working on a higher-end Mac mini powered by an improved iteration of the M1 chip, and leaker Jon Prosser this week claimed that the computer will feature a thinner design with a plexiglass top, similar to the original Apple TV box from 2007.
It's worth noting that 100x zoom on the Galaxy S21 Ultra refers to digital zoom, meaning some blurriness is to be expected when zooming in significantly. In terms of optical zoom, which preserves image quality, the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers up to 2.5x zoom and the Galaxy S21 Ultra has up to 10x zoom.
MacRumors Newsletter
Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.
Apple today informed podcast creators that use the Apple Podcasts platform that the rollout of Podcasts Subscriptions and channels will be delayed until June to make sure that the "best experience" is being provided to creators and listeners.
We're writing to provide an update on the availability of Apple Podcasts Subscriptions and channels. We've been delighted by the response to last month's announcement and it's exciting to see the hundreds of new subscriptions and channels submitted from creators across the globe every day.
To ensure we are delivering the best experience for creators and listeners, Apple Podcasts Subscriptions and channels will now launch in June. We will communicate further updates on availability, and best practices to help you prepare your subscriptions and channels, through this newsletter.
Over the last few weeks, some creators have experienced delays in the availability of their content and access to Apple Podcasts Connect. We've addressed these disruptions and encourage creators experiencing any issues to contact us.
We've also heard from listeners and made adjustments based on their feedback with iOS 14.6, which was released on Monday. We will introduce additional enhancements to Library in the coming weeks.
Apple first announced Apple Podcasts Subscriptions at its April event. Podcast creators will be able to offer paid subscriptions with access to exclusive content, ad-free listening, and other perks.
Support for Podcasts Subscriptions and channels was added in iOS 14.6, but no subscription offerings have rolled out at this time.
Prior to the launch of iOS 14.6 and Podcasts Subscriptions, Apple overhauled the Podcasts app with iOS 14.5, and users have been very unhappy with the update. There have been a number of complaints about the usability of the app, which Apple began to address in iOS 14.6, and the email sent out to creators today confirms that further improvements for users are in the works.
Apple did not provide a specific date on when Podcasts Subscriptions might officially launch.
Apple has won the rights to "The Big Door Prize," a half-hour comedy based on M.O. Walsh's bestselling novel of the same name, reports Deadline. Apple was involved in a bidding war for the series, winning out over multiple other bidders.
The project, headed up by "Schitt's Creek" writer and executive producer David West Read, will consist of 10 half-hour episodes. Read is writing the adaptation and is set to serve as showrunner.
"The Big Door Prize" tells the story of the residents of a small town named Deerfield, who discover that there's a magical, destiny predicting machine in their local grocery store. From the novel's description:
What would you do if you knew your life's potential? That's the question facing the residents of Deerfield, Louisiana, when the DNAMIX machine appears in their local grocery store. It's nothing to look at, really-it resembles a plain photo booth. But its promise is amazing: With just a quick swab of your cheek and two dollars, the device claims to use the science of DNA to tell you your life's potential. With enough credibility to make the townspeople curious, soon the former teachers, nurses, and shopkeepers of Deerfield are abruptly changing course to pursue their destinies as magicians, cowboys, and athletes-including the novel's main characters, Douglas Hubbard and his wife, Cherilyn, who both believed they were perfectly happy until they realized they could dream for more.
"The Big Door Prize" comes from Skydance Television, a company that's also working with Apple on the upcoming Apple TV+ series "Foundation," which is based on Isaac Asimov's series of science fiction novels.
In our latest YouTube video, MacRumors videographer Dan goes hands-on with the new 12.9-inch 2021 M1iPad Pro and compares it to the 2020 12.9-inch iPad Pro to answer the question "Is it worth upgrading?"
Compared to the 2020 iPad Pro, the 2021 model features an upgraded M1 chip that's faster, a new Center Stage option powered by an Ultra Wide front-facing camera, a much improved mini-LED display that has much better contrast and blacker blacks, and a Thunderbolt port that improves connectivity with peripherals.
Make sure to check out the video to see what Dan thought and whether it's worth upgrading at this point in time, and watch to the end to see a Magic Keyboard comparison.
Apple was interested in purchasing rap-battle music platform Verzuz prior to when it was acquired by video network Triller, reports Bloomberg.
Apple offered Verzuz an acquisition price that was lower than the price that Triller paid. Apple decided not to enter into a bidding war for Verzuz.
Verzuz started out as an Instagram Live series created by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland during the pandemic, with the series debuting in March 2020. Verzuz pits two artists against one another in a friendly competition.
Apple Music began showing Verzuz episodes in July 2020 at the same time as they were portrayed on Instagram Live. Triller purchased the rights to Verzuz in March 2021, and Verzuz is now streamed in the Triller app instead of through Apple Music.
Verzuz has featured Alicia Keys, Erykah Badu, John Legend, DJ Nice, Snoop Dog, DMX, Brandy, Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight, Ludaris, Nelly, and others.
We're only a few days away from Memorial Day in the United States on Monday, May 31, and numerous retailers have opened up major discounts on Apple products as we head into the long weekend. Below you'll find markdowns on Apple's AirPods, MacBook Pro, Apple Watch, and more.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
AirPods Max
We're tracking a few record low prices on the AirPods Max this week on Amazon, which has a few colors at $519.99, down from $549.00. Amazon's prices have been fluctuating frequently on the AirPods Max, so the $519.99 price tag may change soon.
AirPods Max prices have been steadily dropping for the past few months, but we haven't seen any particularly steep discounts above the $50 range yet. However, if you're in the market for Apple's high-end over-ear headphones, Amazon's sale this week is the best you'll find online for a new pair.
AirPods
We're also tracking deals on the regular AirPods models, with up to $52 off these Bluetooth headphones.
AirPods Pro - $197.00, down from $249.00 ($52 off)
Amazon is marking down both models of the M1 MacBook Pro to record low prices this week, starting at $1,099.99 for the 256GB notebook. That's $199 off the original price and now the best deal we've ever tracked, and the same goes for the 512GB device as well.
M1 256GB - $1,099.99, down from $1,299.00 ($199 off, lowest ever)
M1 512GB - $1,299.99, down from $1,499.00 ($199 off, lowest ever)
M1 MacBook Air
Similarly, Amazon has Apple's M1 MacBook Air at up to $149 off for Memorial Day. You can get the entry level 256GB model for just $899.99, down from $999.00. Both of the deals listed below will be seen after an automatic coupon is applied at the checkout screen.
M1 256GB - $899.99 with automatic checkout coupon, down from $999.00 ($99 off, lowest ever)
M1 512GB - $1,099.99 with automatic checkout coupon, down from $1,249.00 ($149 off, lowest ever)
M1 Mac mini
The M1 512GB Mac mini is being discounted to $799.99 on Amazon, down from $899.00. This is another deal that won't be seen until you head to the checkout screen on Amazon, where an automatic coupon worth $29.01 is applied. To date, this is the lowest price we've ever tracked on this version of the Mac mini.
MagSafe
We're tracking a few ongoing discounts on Apple's MagSafe accessories, offering up to $16 off these devices.
For the 11-inch iPad Pro, we're tracking a pair of discounts across both recent generations of the tablet. You can get the 2020 128GB Wi-Fi model for the lowest-ever price of $649.99 ($149 off), and the more recent 2021 128GB Wi-Fi model for $749.00 ($50 off). Both of these sales are on Amazon.
In regards to the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, we're only tracking sales on the previous generation 2020 model. Amazon is hosting one sale, on the 256GB Wi-Fi model ($199 off), while B&H Photo has the 512GB Wi-Fi tablet at $150 off, and both represent record low prices.
256GB Wi-Fi (2020) - $899.99, down from $1,099.00 ($199 off, lowest ever)
512GB Wi-Fi (2020) - $1,149.00, down from $1,299.00 ($150 off, lowest price)
iPad Air
You can save up to $50 on Apple's newest iPad Air at Amazon, with best ever prices found on the cellular models. We're also seeing matching prices at a few retailers, including both B&H Photo and Best Buy.
To close out our collection of Apple Memorial Day deals, Best Buy is offering a huge assortment of Apple Watch Series 6 models at all-time low prices. You'll find 40mm GPS models at $329.00 and 44mm GPS models at $359.00, both $70 off original prices.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
