Apple’s 2025 Holiday Lineup: Which Devices Are Worth Buying Refurbished?
Introduction:
Every year the late-November to December shopping season drives a surge of Apple purchases. This holiday, the question many smart shoppers are asking isn’t which product to buy, but how to buy it, new or refurbished. Our experts have spent weeks comparing Apple’s 2025 lineup with the best certified-refurb deals, and we believe the savings this year are too good to ignore. Below we share the products we recommend most, the ones to skip, and the simple steps to make sure your refurbished gift feels brand-new.
Why We’re Big on Refurbished Apple Gear:
Apple’s own Certified Refurbished store and a handful of trusted partners now offer devices that are thoroughly inspected, fitted with new batteries and shells, and backed by a full one-year warranty. We’ve bought dozens for testing over the years and rarely spot a difference from brand-new. In 2025 the economics make even more sense: prices on the iPhone 14 and MacBook Air M2 models have dropped sharply as the iPhone 16 and M3 Macs grab headlines.
Best Refurbished Buys for the 2025 Holiday Season:
iPhone 14 and 14 Pro:
Our testing shows the iPhone 14 remains a sweet spot for most users. It runs iOS 26 perfectly, supports the new on-device Siri, and costs roughly 25 percent less in certified-refurb condition than a brand-new iPhone 16. For gift-givers who want modern features without the premium price, we think the 14 is the year’s best smartphone value.
MacBook Air M2:
Although the M3 chip just launched, the M2 MacBook Air is still an outstanding ultralight laptop. Our team uses one daily for writing and light editing, and battery life consistently tops 15 hours. Certified-refurb units often include the same one-year warranty as new machines, saving you hundreds of dollars.
Apple Watch Series 9:
The new Series 10 is gorgeous but expensive. The Series 9 supports the same watchOS 11 features, including advanced health metrics and on-device AI coaching, and is widely available refurbished. We’ve seen nearly new units for 30 percent off Apple’s original price.
iPad Air (M1 and M2):
For students and casual creators, the iPad Air line continues to hit the balance of price and power. Our experts recommend the M2 model if you plan to edit video or use heavy design apps, but the M1 version is plenty fast for everyday tasks and often deeply discounted in the refurb channel.
How to Shop Refurbished the Right Way:
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Stick to Trusted Sellers
Apple’s own Certified Refurbished store is the gold standard, but we’ve also had excellent experiences with Best Buy Certified Refurbished and Amazon Renewed Premium. We avoid unknown marketplace sellers. -
Look for Battery Guarantees
Every iPhone or MacBook you consider should come with a fresh battery or at least 90 percent battery health. Apple guarantees this on its own refurb stock. -
Check the Return Window
We always confirm a 14- to 30-day return policy. Even though refurb devices are inspected, you want time to ensure the device meets expectations.
Devices We’d Skip This Year:
Not every product is a slam-dunk. Our experts recommend passing on:
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Original AirPods Pro (1st generation): Battery longevity issues make them risky even when refurbished.
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HomePod Mini: Still good, but discounts are minimal, so you’re better off buying new when sales appear.
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Older iPads (pre-M1): Software support is starting to taper, and resale value will drop quickly.
The Gifting Angle:
Buying refurbished doesn’t mean giving a “used” gift. Apple’s Certified Refurbished products arrive in plain white boxes with new accessories and full warranties. We’ve gifted refurb iPhones and MacBooks for years; recipients rarely realize they weren’t purchased brand-new. Our advice: pair the device with a fresh case or accessory to make the presentation feel special.
Why This Holiday Is Different:
Two market forces make 2025 unique. First, supply of high-quality trade-ins is unusually strong thanks to the iPhone 16 launch and aggressive upgrade programs. Second, economic uncertainty has made consumers more price-sensitive. That combination means certified refurb inventory is deep and discounts are sharper than usual. We think waiting until late November around Black Friday will reveal the year’s best bargains.
Conclusion:
Our team believes the smart money this holiday season goes to certified-refurbished Apple devices. They offer nearly identical performance, full warranties, and significant savings while supporting the growing circular tech economy we care about. Whether it’s an iPhone 14 for a teenager, a MacBook Air for a college student, or an Apple Watch for a fitness-focused friend, refurbished is no longer second best, it’s simply smart.