Amazon and Best Buy have introduced significant discounts on the M5 MacBook Air and AirPods Pro 3 during Memorial Day sales this week [1].
These price cuts reflect a broader trend of retailers using major U.S. holidays to drive hardware adoption and clear inventory of recent releases. For consumers, these discounts represent some of the lowest prices seen since the launch of the M5-series laptops.
One of the most prominent deals involves the AirPods Pro 3, which Amazon listed at $199 shipped [1]. This is a notable decrease from the regular price of $249 [2]. The offer appeared multiple times between May 19 and May 22, 2026, as part of the holiday push [1, 2].
"Amazon is offering one of the best prices to date on the AirPods Pro 3 down at $199 shipped," a 9to5Mac author said [1].
Laptop buyers also saw price reductions on the newest MacBook Air models. Amazon offered a $150 discount on the 15-inch M5 MacBook Air [4]. The laptop is marketed as a lightweight and versatile option for users seeking a larger screen without sacrificing portability [4].
"Amazon is back offering $150 off the new M5 MacBook Air 15″, a fantastic large screen laptop that is incredibly powerful, lightweight, and versatile," an OS X Daily author said [4].
Beyond Amazon, Best Buy also listed various Apple deals throughout the week [3]. These sales events typically peak just before the holiday, with availability fluctuating based on stock levels. The discounts apply to a range of accessories and core hardware, signaling a competitive push for market share in the premium electronics segment during the late spring shopping window [1, 3].
Retailers have historically used the Memorial Day window to transition from spring inventories to summer promotions, often resulting in steep cuts for high-demand electronics [1, 2].
“Amazon is offering one of the best prices to date on the AirPods Pro 3 down at $199 shipped.”
The aggressive pricing on current-generation M5 hardware suggests that retailers are prioritizing volume over margins to capture early summer spending. By discounting the M5 MacBook Air and AirPods Pro 3 shortly after their release cycles, Amazon and Best Buy are attempting to lower the barrier to entry for Apple's latest ecosystem, potentially signaling a shift in how these companies manage the lifecycle of high-end consumer electronics.
