Technology

Readers gravitate to Apple gear and gadgets in Prime Day roundup

A deals roundup found strong interest in AirPods, Kindles, smart-home devices and smaller accessories during Amazon’s Prime Day sale.

Hana Yoshida

By Hana Yoshida · Markets Reporter

3 min read

Readers gravitate to Apple gear and gadgets in Prime Day roundup
Photo: The Verge

Amazon’s Prime Day sale is steering shoppers toward a mix of Apple devices, e-readers, smart-home hardware and practical accessories, according to The Verge. The publication said its list was based on the products its readers were buying during the event, offering a snapshot of demand beyond standard deal recommendations.

The Verge’s Sheena Vasani wrote that the outlet focused on products it had tested or could recommend, while also using reader purchases to show which discounts were drawing attention. Vox Media may receive a commission when shoppers buy through Verge links, according to the disclosure included with the roundup.

Apple products drew attention

Several Apple devices appeared among the reader favorites cited by The Verge. The AirPods Max 2 were listed at $399, down from $549, with The Verge describing them as over-ear headphones with improved audio, stronger noise cancellation and Apple’s H2 chip.

The AirPods Pro 3 were listed at $179, reduced from $249, according to The Verge. The outlet said the earbuds include a redesigned fit, stronger noise cancellation, improved bass and heart-rate sensors.

The Verge also highlighted a four-pack of second-generation AirTags at $89, down from $99. The publication said the updated trackers include a newer ultra-wideband chip, a louder speaker and longer Bluetooth range.

Apple Watch SE 3 was another reader purchase in the roundup. The Verge listed the watch at $199, down from $249, and said it adds an always-on display, wrist-temperature sensing, faster charging and a more powerful processor.

Kindles, smart-home gear and accessories

Amazon’s Kindle Colorsoft Essentials Bundle was listed at $183, down from $335, according to The Verge. The publication said the bundle includes the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition with 32GB of storage, wireless charging support, an auto-adjusting front light, a leather cover and a wireless charging dock.

Smart-home and utility products also featured prominently. The Verge listed the SwitchBot Smart Switch Button Pusher at $20, down from $30, describing it as a device that can be attached to appliances or switches to press a button remotely.

The Aqara Smart Lock U400 was listed at $220, down from $270, according to The Verge. The outlet said the lock uses the U1 ultra-wideband chip in many iPhones and Apple Watches to unlock as a user approaches, and that it is expected to support the Aliro standard and Android phones for hands-free unlocking.

The Verge also pointed to Birdbuddy’s solar smart bird feeder at $168, down from $299. The publication said the camera-equipped feeder can identify visiting birds, capture 5-megapixel photos and provide facts through an app, while its solar roof helps maintain battery power.

Lower-priced buys rounded out the list

Some reader picks were smaller accessories. The Hoto 3.6V Electric Screwdriver Kit Pro was listed at $28, down from $50, with The Verge citing its three torque modes, up to 220RPM rotation speed, circular LED, 25 bits and extension bar.

The Fitbit Ace LTE, a kids’ fitness tracker, was listed at $60, down from $180, according to The Verge. The outlet said it offers movement-based games, GPS location tracking, messaging and calling to limited contacts, while noting that a Fitbit Ace Pass subscription is required for location tracking, messaging and Fitbit Arcade access.

The Verge listed Belkin’s Charging Case for Nintendo Switch 2 at $55, down from $70, and said it includes an integrated power bank plus a pocket for an AirTag or similar Bluetooth tracker. It also listed Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand with Qi2 15W at $63, down from $120, and said the stand supports 15W MagSafe wireless iPhone charging while elevating an iPhone and Apple Watch.

This story draws on original reporting from The Verge.