Most people associate the Apple brand and its devices as being expensive, and they’re right to think that; Apple products aren’t among the cheapest in the market. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any Apple products that are generally affordable.
In this guide, we’ll discuss top Apple products under $100, what gives them value, what they’re used for, and how you can buy products that are priced above $100 while paying less than $100 in cash.
Apple is one of the most recognizable brands in tech due to its quality, minimalistic design, fantastic ecosystem, and vertical integration between hardware and software that provides a smooth and pleasant user experience. On top of everything, Apple’s control over hardware and software, particularly strict standards third-party developers have to adhere to, allows for a higher level of security and privacy often associated with Apple’s products.
Considering the quality and innovation associated with Apple as a brand, it’s safe to assume that even the lowest-priced products benefit from Apple’s design philosophy, which ensures that the customers are getting a reliable and well-designed product. This means that even the lowest-priced devices adhere to the same strict standards as their top models.
For example, inexpensive products such as Apple AirPods can easily connect with an Apple iPhone, iPad, Mac, or MacBook Pro in the same way that Apple AirPods Pro 2 do, retaining the same levels of reliability and connection quality. This greatly enhances the overall value of the lower-priced product.
Apple doesn’t have product classes or product lines like other manufacturers like Samsung do. An iPhone is an iPhone, and each and every iPhone, whether it’s iPhone 8 or the latest Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max, is made with the same level of quality. While there are inherent differences in their respective hardware and inherent software limitations, you can rest assured that all hardware and software are of top quality.
The same applies to aesthetic design. Even the lower-priced Apple products often feature the same attention to detail and premium build quality that provide a well-established and satisfying user experience. While higher-priced Apple products offer more in terms of advanced features and capabilities, the company’s lower-priced products still provide an exceptional combination of quality, reliability, and Apple ecosystem integration.
However, this user experience and unparalleled privacy and data security often come at a premium price, and even Apple’s lower-priced products are known to sit at a less affordable end of the price scale. In the end, the manufacturing costs, the premium materials, and the premium product quality the company provides have to be justified.
This means that, sadly, there aren’t that many Apple products that are priced under $100; the flagships are priced well above that price range, which leaves us with accessories. These are Apple products that complement not just Apple’s flagships, but also any product they’re compatible with. On top of that, they have received the same attention to detail as the flagship products have, allowing you to enjoy Apple quality at an affordable price range.
Since there aren’t that many Apple products priced under $100, we’d like to discuss Apple Gift Cards before listing any products. Apple Gift Cards are a great way to secure a discount on your next Apple purchase, and you can actually use them as a payment method.
For example, if you want to buy the third Generation AirPods with MagSafe charging, which are priced at $179, you can use a $100 Apple Gift Card and cover the difference with cash or credit card. It’s worth noting that Apple Gift Cards come loaded with different amounts of money, but for the purpose of this guide, we’ll assume that you were given a $100 Apple Gift Card or you got one through reward platforms, such as Shop Your Way.
Apple EarPods are Apple’s wired earbuds, which offer exceptionally clear sound, with deeper, richer bass tones, for high-quality audio output. The design of the EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear, which makes them incredibly comfortable.
They come in two varieties, either with Apple’s proprietary Lightning plug or a standard stereo 3.5mm plug, which makes it compatible with a wide range of Apple and non-Apple products, such as iPhone, iPad Pro, iPad Mini, iPad Air, Macbook Pro and MacBook Air, and any other consumer electronics that features an adequate audio port.
Both models also have a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control music, and video playback, talk to Siri, and answer or end calls with on-cable controls that are at your fingertips. While they don’t offer the convenience and freedom of wireless options, EarPods remain a popular choice among users who don’t mind wires or have a device without Bluetooth connectivity.
AirPods are a more advanced, wireless version of EarPods. They come in their own Lightning Charging Case, and they’re ready to connect to your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or any product from the Apple Watch series. They’re really well designed with convenience in mind.
For example, they’re off while they’re in their case, which also has a battery pack of its own and charges the AirPods. Once you remove them from the case, the buds will automatically connect to your iOS device via Bluetooth, and built-in optical sensors and motion accelerometers detect whether they’re in your ears, which helps the Apple H1 headphone chip decide where to route the audio and engage the microphone.
The battery life of the second generation AirPods offers up to five hours of listening time, while the Lighting Charging Case holds multiple charges for a total of 24 hours of listening time. If your wireless earbuds are empty, just pop them back into the case for 15 minutes, and they’ll recharge enough to provide additional three hours of listening time.
The list of features associated with this particular device is pretty extensive, which is why they’re priced above $100. However, if you happen to have an Apple Gift Card, you can use it to bring the price to a sub-$100 price range.
Both your iPhone, iPad, and AirPods need to be charged from time to time, and a 20W USB-C Power Adapter can supply enough juice to charge your devices. The device offers fast and efficient charging wherever you are—all you need is access to a power outlet.
Compatibility-wise, the adapter is compatible with Apple iPhone 8 or later models for fast charging and supplies 50% battery in approx. 35 minutes for that particular model. You can pair it with the iPad Pro and iPad Air for optimum charging. Note that both models use USB-C charging ports which can take up to 100 watts and 30 watts, respectively.
The 20W USB-C Power Adapter is equipped with a USB-C port due to the port’s power delivery capabilities. However, to effectively charge your device, you’ll need a compatible cable. For example, iPhones and AirPods use Lightning, while iPads use USB-C ports.
It’s also worth noting that Apple has stopped supplying power adapters with its products. This makes the 20W USB-C Power Adapter a good, inexpensive purchase for yourself or your loved ones. However, if you want to charge your iPad Pro or a 14 inch MacBook Pro more efficiently, you should consider an Apple 96W USB-C Power Adapter, which is priced at $79.
Apple USB-C to Lightning Cable allows you to connect your iPhone, or any other device with a Lightning port, to your USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 device, such as a Mac or a Macbook, for syncing and charging. Furthermore, the cable is also compatible with a wide selection of Apple Power Adapters that range from 18 to 96 watts for fast charging.
If a meter (or 3ft) long cable isn’t enough for you, we suggest buying a 2-meter-long version that’s priced at $29, and it’s much more efficient than wireless charging.
If you don’t want to deal with all the charging cables, just get yourself a MagSafe Charger—Apple’s wireless charger that simply snaps to the back of your iPhone. Unlike most wireless chargers, which are stationary and pretty limiting, MagSafe Charger uses perfectly aligned magnets to attach itself to your iPhone 12 and later models. Not only that, but it also provides faster wireless charging by delivering up to 15W of power.
With that said, the charger maintains compatibility with the Qi wireless charging standard, so it can be used to wirelessly charge older iPhone models, such as iPhone 8 or later, and AirPods models with a wireless charging case. However, the charger won’t stick to those particular models, as the magnetic alignment only works on iPhone 12 models and later.
Unfortunately, the MagSafe charger isn’t compatible with the Apple Watch series, so if you’re looking to charge your watch wirelessly, you should consider a MagSafe Duo Charger. Note that this is a stationary version of the charger, so it doesn’t actually offer magnetic alignment.
However, the charger does support Qi charging standard, which makes it quite convenient for charging compatible iPhones, Apple Watches (including the Apple Watch Ultra series) AirPods with a wireless charging case, and just about any other Qi-certified device, including premium-range Android phones.
Using this charger is as easy as placing your device on the charger. Once you’re done charging your devices, you can fold the charger neatly for storage or travel purposes. The product box contains the MagSafe Duo Charger and the aforementioned USB-C to Lightning Cable (1 m) but no power adapter. We recommend you pair it with the previously mentioned power adapter.
The MagSafe is much more than just a convenient magnetic charging connector; it’s also incredibly safe. The magnetic DC connector ensures that the power cable connects to the system easily and securely. However, let’s say that someone trips on your MagSafe Charging Cable. The magnetic connector would disconnect harmlessly without sending your MacBook Pro flying across the room.
Even if you manage to grip the laptop and prevent it from falling, the potential damage to the charging port could cause a short, resulting in potentially irreparable damage. Apple 85W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter solves both potential problems while keeping your Macbook Pro with Retina display intact. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
When the connection is secure, the LED located on the charging connector itself will light up: an orange light means that your MacBook is charging, while the green light signals a full charge. It’s capable of supplying power to the system while the MacBook is off, on, or in sleep mode, and it can also power the system if you use it without a battery installed.
Unfortunately, the Apple 85W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter is only compatible with a MacBook Pro with Retina display. If you have a 15- or 17-inch MacBook Pro, you’ll need to rely on Apple 85W MagSafe Power Adapter with the same price tag.
Unleash your creativity with an Apple Pencil, a product that expands the power of the iPad by opening new creative possibilities. It’s a stylus designed by Apple specifically for use on certain iPads, which allows users to interact with the device’s screen in a more precise and versatile manner, especially for drawing, sketching, or other kinds of creative work.
The Pencil is sensitive to pressure and produces a wide range of art effects, just like the traditional pencil does, but with pixel-perfect precision. It seamlessly integrates with compatible iPad models, including iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Mini; it has built-in controls for additional functionality and palm rejection technology, which means that your hand or palm may easily rest on the iPad’s screen without interfering with the pencil’s input.
The product’s box contains the Apple Pencil, Lightning adapter, an Extra tip, and a USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter, which is needed to pair and charge with 10th-gen iPad. The Pencil’s successor, the Apple Pencil (second generation), is a bit more expensive, priced at $129, but offers the convenience of wireless charging.
These small, coin-shaped devices are designed to help users keep track of their personal belongings or locate them in case they’re misplayed. They’re designed to work in conjunction with the Find My app on iOS devices and rely on Bluetooth technology to connect with nearby Apple devices to help you locate lost or missing items. They’re a perfect gift idea for anyone who constantly misplaced their keys.
While the list of Apple products priced under $100 still contains things like Apple Watch Bands, they’re too broad aesthetically to cover, so we’ll change our focus on the most frequently asked questions about Apple products.
Apple’s best-selling product is the iPhone, and since 2008, the iPhone has ben the company’s main source of revenue.
It really depends on whether you’re looking at flagship products or accessories. The cheapest iPhone you can possibly get in 2023 is the iPhone SE, priced at $429, followed by iPhone 13 Mini, priced at $599. The cheapest MacBook is the Air M2, priced at $1,119 at an Apple Store, followed by a 13-inch MacBook Pro, which costs $1,299.
When it comes to accessories, the Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter, USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter, and USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter are priced at $9 each, and the same applies to the MagSafe to MagSafe 2 Converter.
For more tips and tricks regarding Apple Store, check out our 10 Store Secrets on Apple Discounts & Deals.
The iPhone SE is currently the cheapest iPhone you can obtain from Apple, and it’s priced at $429. The box includes the product and the USB-C to Lightning Cable. Unfortunately, the device, just like many other Apple devices, ships without a power adapter.
Apple products cost a lot of money, and even Apple Gift cards cost money. However, you can purchase those with Shop Your Way points.
This guide contains a handpicked selection of the most practical Apple products under $100 and products whose list price is higher than $100, but the use of Apple Gift Cards would bring the price down to a desirable range. Apple Gift Cards are a great way to ensure a discount for your purchase, and you can combine up to eight Apple Gift Cards in one purchase.
Considering that some cards come pre-loaded with $200, you can actually combine them to a total of $1,600. If you want to learn more, here are another 20 Ways to Spend Your Apple Gift Card. However, if you haven’t received a gift card from someone, you’ll be left to give one to yourself, and those cost money. Fortunately, there’s another solution: Shop Your Way, a reward platform that allows you to earn on everyday purchases and redeem your points on thousands of brands you love. You can also load your Shop Your Way card into the Apple Wallet for easier use and exchange the points for Apple Gift Cards, which you can use during your next Apple purchase. If you want to learn more about how to save money on Apple products, visit Shop Your Way.
