Apple’s launch of the iPhone Duo last week was anything but smooth, with reports of supply constraints and mixed reviews. But if you’re not ready to jump on the folding bandwagon, there’s plenty to be excited about in the world of traditional Apple products. This week’s theme is all about OLED displays and touch interfaces, with a slew of deals on the iPhone 17 series, the newly refreshed iPad mini, and the first touch-enabled MacBook Pro. Let’s dive into the best offers available right now.
iPhone 17 Series Sees Rare Discounts
Apple products rarely go on sale, especially shortly after launch, but the iPhone 17 series is already seeing some attractive price cuts. The vanilla iPhone 17, which launched just a few months ago, is now available at a €180 discount for the base 256GB model. That brings the price down to a more palatable level, making it a compelling option for anyone looking for a powerful, future-proof phone without the Pro price tag.
iPhone 17: The Sweet Spot
The iPhone 17 strikes a nice balance between performance and price. It features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology, the A17 Bionic chip, and an improved dual-camera system. The 256GB base storage is generous enough for most users, and the €180 discount makes it an even sweeter deal. However, be warned: upgrading to 512GB will set you back an additional €300, which is a steep premium for extra storage. If you need more space, it might be worth considering cloud storage options or the 256GB model with an external drive.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: Premium Performance
For those who demand the best, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are also seeing modest discounts. The Pro models feature a titanium build, a more advanced camera system with a periscope zoom lens, and the same A17 Bionic chip. The Pro Max, in particular, offers a larger 6.7-inch display and a bigger battery. While the discounts aren’t as deep as the vanilla model, every little bit helps. Check with major retailers for carrier-specific offers and trade-in deals that can further reduce the price.
Where to Find the Best iPhone 17 Deals
Discounts on the iPhone 17 series are available at several authorized resellers. Amazon and Best Buy are offering the €180 off on the 256GB iPhone 17, while carriers like Vodafone and EE are throwing in extra data or accessories with a contract. If you’re upgrading from an older iPhone, trade-in values are still strong, so you can offset the cost even more. Keep an eye out for flash sales, as these discounts are likely to be temporary.
iPad Mini Gets OLED Upgrade
Apple’s iPad mini has long been a favorite for its portability and power, but the latest refresh brings a significant upgrade: an OLED display. The new iPad mini (6th generation) now features an 8.3-inch OLED panel, offering deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better contrast compared to the previous LCD model. This makes it an excellent choice for media consumption, reading, and even creative work on the go.
Performance and Features
Under the hood, the new iPad mini is powered by the A15 Bionic chip, which delivers smooth performance for multitasking and gaming. It also supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, making it a great tool for note-taking and sketching. The USB-C port is a welcome addition, allowing for faster data transfer and compatibility with a wide range of accessories. Battery life remains impressive, with up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback.
Pricing and Availability
The OLED iPad mini starts at €549 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model, which is a €50 increase over the previous generation. However, given the display upgrade, it’s a reasonable price hike. Several retailers are already offering small discounts, such as €30 off at Amazon and Currys. If you’re a student, you can also take advantage of Apple’s education pricing, which knocks off an additional 10%. The iPad mini is available in four colors: Space Gray, Pink, Purple, and Starlight.
Who Should Buy It?
The iPad mini with OLED is ideal for users who want a compact tablet for entertainment and light productivity. It’s perfect for reading e-books, watching movies on the go, and jotting down notes with the Apple Pencil. If you already own the previous iPad mini, the upgrade might not be essential unless you crave the improved display. But for first-time buyers, it’s a fantastic option that offers a premium experience in a small package.
MacBook Pro with Touchscreen: A New Era
In a surprising move, Apple has finally introduced a touchscreen to the MacBook Pro. The new 14-inch and 16-inch models now feature a touch-enabled Retina display, marking a significant shift in Apple’s design philosophy. This addition has been rumored for years, and now it’s finally here, promising to bridge the gap between laptop and tablet experiences.
Display and Design
The touchscreen MacBook Pro retains the stunning Liquid Retina XDR display, which now supports multi-touch gestures and input. The display is still ProMotion-enabled, with a 120Hz refresh rate for buttery-smooth scrolling. The chassis remains sleek and durable, with the same aluminum unibody design. The touchscreen adds a new layer of interactivity, allowing users to tap, swipe, and pinch directly on the screen, which is particularly useful for creative apps like Photoshop and Illustrator.
Performance and Specs
Under the hood, the new MacBook Pro is powered by the M2 Pro or M2 Max chip, offering blazing-fast performance for demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering. The touchscreen integration is seamless, with macOS optimized for touch input. Apple has also updated the keyboard and trackpad, though the Touch Bar is still absent. Ports include three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an SDXC card slot, an HDMI port, and a MagSafe 3 charging port.
Pricing and Deals
The touchscreen MacBook Pro starts at €1,999 for the 14-inch model with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, while the 16-inch model starts at €2,499. These prices are in line with previous generations, making the touchscreen a welcome addition without a premium. Retailers are already offering incentives: Best Buy is throwing in a free AppleCare+ package (worth €279) with any purchase, while Amazon is offering a €100 gift card with the 14-inch model. Students can save an additional 10% through Apple’s education store.
Is It Worth It?
The touchscreen MacBook Pro is a niche product, but for creatives and professionals who frequently use touch-based workflows, it’s a game-changer. The ability to interact directly with the screen can streamline tasks and enhance productivity. However, if you’re a traditional user who relies on keyboard and mouse, the touchscreen might be an unnecessary addition. Still, it’s a bold step forward for Apple, and it will be interesting to see how developers adapt their apps to take advantage of the new input method.
Other Notable Deals
Beyond the headline acts, there are several other Apple deals worth checking out this week. The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are down to €199 at several retailers, a €50 discount. The Apple Watch Series 8 is seeing €70 off at John Lewis, bringing the starting price to €359. And if you’re in the market for a new Mac, the MacBook Air M1 is available for €849, a €150 saving. These deals are likely to be time-limited, so act fast if you’re interested.
Final Thoughts
This week’s deals highlight Apple’s continued innovation with OLED displays and touch interfaces. The iPhone 17 series offers a rare discount, making it an attractive option for upgraders. The OLED iPad mini brings a premium display to a compact form factor, while the touchscreen MacBook Pro opens up new possibilities for creative professionals. As always, shop around for the best prices and consider trade-in options to maximize your savings. Happy shopping!
