Black Friday: UK Apple store sale offers cash discount instead of US gift cards

Apple spurn 'Cyber Monday' for Black Friday online deals

If you were saddened by the news that UK retailers are attempting to emulate America’s annual shopping frenzy, aka ‘Black Friday’, then take heart: we’re getting better deals than the US and we don’t even have to leave the house.

Admittedly, this news only applies to Apple’s range of shiny playthings, but the savings – available from Apple’s online store - aren’t to be sniffed at.

The iPad Air has been cut from £399 to £368, whilst the iPad mini (without Retina screen unfortunately) has come down from £249 to £234 and the larger-screened iPad 2 from £329 to £304.

Computers have also come down in price, with the MacBook Air and iMac both saving £81 to £768 and £1,068 respectively, whilst the MacBook Pro with Retina starts at £1,018 (from £1,099)and the regular Pro is £918 down from £999.

This looks pretty good in comparison to the US, where shoppers are tempted with gift cards, but accounting for unfavourable exchange rates, the deals come out about equal.

There’s a whole other range of items on sale (including iPods and a bunch of non-Apple accessories and products from the online store) though Apple are warning that the discounted prices are available for “today only”.

More Black Friday content:

• What is Black Friday anyway?
• Video: Black Friday chaos in Walmart
• Comment - 'Black Friday is another American nightmare'