[2025 Edition] Should You Buy Apple Products on Black Friday? A Guide to Truly Smart Used Purchases
1. Black Friday: Is it really a good deal? The gap between expectation and reality
Black Friday is a highly anticipated major sale each year, but for Apple products, significant price drops are not always guaranteed.
Especially for the latest models, prices often remain stable, and official or major retail channels tend to offer only minor perks like gift cards.
On the other hand, the used market consistently offers older models and overstocked items, allowing you to get a good deal without waiting for sales periods.
In other words, rather than relying on temporary events like Black Friday, knowing a reliable used product channel that offers consistent prices and quality will ultimately lead to the smartest purchases.
2. Where and which models to target? A deeper look
2-1. Older models are fine. They can still perform well with specs and updates.
Apple products are robust and can remain functional for several years. Even older models, if they support the latest iOS updates, offer sufficient performance for daily use or as a secondary device.
For example, for those who prefer compact devices or simple operations, there's a strong demand for models like the older generation iPhone SE, which is readily available at an affordable price.
Additionally, the iPhone 12 class, which offers a good balance of screen size, camera, and communication methods, is also consistently available as a good option in terms of price and practicality.
Furthermore, standard iPad models, suitable for video viewing and educational purposes, offer sufficient performance at a lower price despite being older models, making them highly cost-effective.
2-2. Choose a vendor with thorough inspection and warranty, not just low prices.
It's natural to feel uneasy about used items. That anxiety significantly changes depending on the vendor's reliability, strictness of inspection, and warranty content.
• Clear inspection and appearance grading → Easy to understand product condition
• Appropriate warranty period → Peace of mind for initial defects or network restrictions
• Logistics like same-day shipping → Get it when you want it
Knowing stores/sites that consistently offer these features means you don't have to wait for Black Friday, and you can buy at a low price right away.
3. Actually targeted, instantly affordable used Apple product picks
3-1 First check this super affordable compact device
Why is it a good target now?
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Good price and good condition combined: A-rank is clearly stated as having almost no exterior scratches and good functionality, and the price of approximately 25,000 yen is quite affordable for a used item in its class.
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Clear inventory availability: The page displays remaining stock, currently showing 1 item left. High chance of availability.
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Still practical despite being an older model: Compact and easy to operate, sufficient for daily use like phone calls, social media, and payments, or as a secondary device.
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Reassuring rank and warranty display: The description for A-rank is carefully presented, making it easy to imagine the condition before purchasing.
Tips and tricks for purchasing
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Especially suitable for users who prefer a sub-device or small size over a main device.
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If you want to lower your budget further, consider B or C ranks. Prices will be lower, but there will be more signs of use and scratches, so consult your usage and tolerance levels.
Insider Tip
While this product is also available through other used channels and major refurbished retailers, data suggests that when comparing the balance between price and warranty content, it tends to be competitively priced or slightly cheaper in its class. A past price comparison by PRODIG showed that used prices were generally similar to or slightly lower than those on Back Market.
3-2 The popular 5G model that's just right for those who prioritize balance
Why is it a good target?
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It combines 5G compatibility, a practical size, and sufficient performance, making it a stress-free mid-to-high-end device for daily use even now.
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A good condition A-rank at this price is very attractive for a used item.
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"In stock" display means high purchase possibility.
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Detailed specs publicly available: Screen size, resolution, IP rating, etc., are clearly stated, making it easier to make an informed decision.
Tips and tricks for purchasing
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Other storage capacities are available, but the price will increase. 64GB is sufficient if you don't use a lot of photos or videos.
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Prices vary depending on color and rank, so look for the optimal device by balancing aesthetic preference and price.
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It's also a cost-effective choice for long-term use as a main device, for outings or work, and is advantageous as a model that will experience a large price drop when it becomes an older model.
Insider Tip
When comparing with Black Friday or major sales, don't just focus on the discount rate. Considering stock availability, shipping speed, and warranty content often leads to a better overall deal. The iPhone 12 is highly popular in the used market, so prices tend to rise when stock dwindles. Taking advantage of current stock and acquiring it early is a smart decision.
3-3 The best tablet for home use, learning, and video watching
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It's a classic iPad model with sufficient performance for learning, video, reading, and as a secondary work device.
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The price range is relatively stable for an older used model, making it possible to purchase without waiting for a sale.
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While prices vary by rank and color, there's potential for further price reduction with B/C ranks.
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The page displays prices by rank, actually showing a range like ¥33,800~.
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Comprehensive warranty and initial defect support are often standard, providing peace of mind for used purchases.
Tips and tricks for purchasing
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Prices vary between Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi+Cellular models, so choose according to your usage environment. If you plan to use it for internet access outdoors, the Cellular version is recommended (higher cost but greater convenience).
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If you plan to use it for an extended period for learning or similar purposes, factoring in the budget for accessories and protective cases beforehand will create an environment with excellent overall cost-effectiveness.
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Stock tends to fluctuate, so check regularly. The best time to buy is as soon as a good-ranked item comes in stock.
Insider Tip
The description for this model clearly states the policy for initial defect warranties and other support, which is reassuring as it means there is a system in place to handle defects shortly after arrival. This lowers the psychological barrier to purchasing used items.
4. Practical techniques to buy even cheaper
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Always compare multiple ranks
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There can be a price difference of several thousand to tens of thousands of yen between A-rank and B-rank. Don't insist on a higher rank than necessary, considering your intended use and tolerance for appearance.
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Combine coupons and point rewards
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Combining point rewards from used item sales sites and payment services can further reduce the effective price.
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Even when targeting big sales, timing your purchase with point reward periods can effectively reduce the purchase amount.
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Check stock frequently and use restock notifications
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Popular models can sell out instantly, so even if stock runs out, be ready to purchase the moment it becomes available again.
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Checking regularly, not just during sale periods, allows you to find better deals for the same budget.
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Prioritize reliable vendor inspections and warranty information
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Stores with clear condition descriptions, inspections, and warranties often prove more cost-effective in the long run than cheap private sales or anonymous listings.
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Check if potential issues like network restrictions are clearly stated, and whether there are provisions for exchange or refund in case of a problem.
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5. Is waiting for Black Friday worth it for the model you're truly aiming for?
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If you're looking exclusively for the latest models and expect significant discounts, then waiting might be worthwhile.
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However, for older models or those prioritized for practicality, consistent availability and good deals are key.
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The most realistic approach is to identify reliable used channels with a good balance of price and quality that are available now, and to narrow down the specific model you're targeting.
By focusing on models with clear condition ranks and prices, and verifiable stock, as introduced in this article, you can make a truly good deal without being swayed by Black Friday.
6. Summary: The real deal is a reliable used channel you can buy from now.
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Don't just get caught up in the Black Friday hype; consistently utilize genuinely affordable used channels.
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Focus not only on price but also on the reliability of inspection and warranty, stock availability, and shipping speed.
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All the models mentioned above offer a good balance of price, performance, usage scenarios, and availability.
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Given these points, acting now is the most advantageous way to buy, rather than waiting for a sale.
Check now and verify the actual stock and prices. It's highly likely you'll get a good deal before the next batch of stock arrives.
Recommended Used Apple Product Picks (2024 Edition)
Even without waiting for Black Friday, here are some popular Apple products you can find at PRODIG.
iPhone SE (2nd/3rd Generation)
Compact and easy to operate, supports current iOS. Used models start from around 20,000 yen.
▶︎ See iPhone SE lineup here
▶︎ iPhone SE 2nd Gen Product Page
iPad 9th Generation
Perfect for reading, video viewing, and learning. If you're looking for a used one in good condition, PRODIG is the best bet.
▶︎ See iPad product lineup here
iPhone 12
Still a current 5G-compatible model. Highly popular as a balanced device, with many items in good condition.
▶︎ See iPhone 12 Product Page
Finally: Don't be swayed by Black Friday; make truly smart choices.
If you want to buy Apple products "cheaply" and "with peace of mind," the right answer is to utilize a used sales website where prices are consistently stable and warranties are well-established, rather than waiting for sales.
With PRODIG, you can purchase iPhones and iPads at affordable prices without waiting for Black Friday. Plus, with inspected, same-day shipping and return guarantees, it offers the perfect shopping experience for even the most cautious buyer.
▶︎ Check out Apple products at PRODIG now
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