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Mashable is a leading source for news, information & resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's 25 million monthly unique visitors and 10 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.
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Updated: 41 min 40 sec ago

Were tracking the best Apple deals in the Amazon Spring Sale — new lows on AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks

Sun, 03/29/2026 - 17:07
The best Amazon Big Spring Sale Apple deals at a glance: Best AirPods deal AirPods Pro 3 $199.99 (save $49.01) Get Deal Best AirTag deal Apple AirTag (1st Gen, 4-Pack) $59.99 (save $39.01) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $749 (save $50) Get Deal Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 (save $250) Get Deal Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299 (save $100) Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is back for its third consecutive year, with deals running across the site through March 31. The retailer began rolling out wide-ranging discounts earlier this week, with more to come as prices drop on such items as robot vacuums, TVs, and your daily essentials. And if there's one thing we can always guarantee, it's that this sale features a raft of much-welcome Apple deals.

Apple has kept us very busy so far in 2026. We've been hard at work testing the first-ever budget Neo MacBook, as well as the upgraded MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros, a new iPad Air, and the iPhone 17e. Next on our Apple to-do list: the upcoming AirPods Max 2.

With so many new Apple products, we're seeing a bunch of first-time discounts during the Amazon Spring Sale, as well as new record-low prices on last-gen models like the Apple Watch SE 2 and M4 MacBook Air. What more could you want from a major sale event? Just keep in mind that many of the older models are selling out fast at Amazon. If the model you want is no longer available, be sure to check the stock at Best Buy and Walmart. These retailers are matching many of the best Spring Sale deals.

We'll be tracking prices on AirPods, MacBooks, and iPads between now and March 31, so keep checking back on this page for info on the lowest-possible prices across Apple products.

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $49.01   Get Deal Why we like it

We've always been fans of the AirPods Pro, but the third generation really takes them to new heights. Mashable's reviewer called them, "without a doubt, one of the best products of the year" in 2025.

The latest premium buds feature outstanding noise cancellation (twice as good as the Pro 2), a solid eight hours of battery life with ANC on, and new foam-infused tips that come in five sizes to find the perfect fit. Apple also brought the heart rate monitoring tech from the Powerbeats Pro 2 (our favorite earbuds for working out) and Fitness app compatibility to the new AirPods Pro 3, and introduced a live translation feature.

While we've seen the buds drop as low as $184 in the past, this Amazon spring sale discount is still worth grabbing.

More AirPods dealsBest AirTag deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (1st Gen, 4-Pack) $59.99 at Walmart
$99 Save $39.01   Get Deal Why we like it

This four-pack of Apple's Bluetooth trackers keeps going in and out of stock on Amazon, but luckily, Walmart's stock has stayed consistent. Right now, get a 4-pack of 1st gen AirTags for just $59.99, the lowest price ever on the bundle. You wind up paying just $15 per AirTag. As of March 29, this pack of AirTags is out of stock at Amazon, but still available at Walmart and Best Buy.

Best iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $746.50 at Amazon
$799 Save $52.50   Get Deal Why we like it

Just launched earlier this month, the 13-inch M4 iPad Air is already on sale for $84.50 off. The base configuration with WiFi connectivity and 128GB of storage is now just $746.50 (normally $799). Mashable's tech editor took the M4 iPad Air for a spin and found it pretty impressive — too impressive for the average user, even. "It delivers iterative updates that improve an already stellar tablet," he writes in his review.

More iPad dealsBest Amazon Big Spring Sale MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 at Best Buy
$1,199 Save $250   Get Deal Why we like it

Apple released its new MacBook Air with the M5 chip this month, but honestly, they're not a whole lot different than the M4 Airs. The main differences are the upgraded processor and a new wireless chip. You can save some money by grabbing the M4 model with 16GB RAM and 512GB of storage, which is currently down to just $949 at Best Buy. Amazon had the same deal at the start of the Big Spring Sale, but it's since gone out of stock multiple times and jumped up to $999.

More MacBook Air dealsMacBook Pro dealsBest Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299 at Amazon
$399 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple Watch Series 11 offers significant battery improvements over its predecessor. For that reason alone, it's worth the upgrade. It also features a tougher build with durable glass that's twice as resistant to scratches, 5G capability for quicker connectivity, and a Sleep Score and hypertension tool that can flag chronic high blood pressure. It's not a major upgrade (is anything in 2026?), but as Mashable's reviewer put it: "Buy it for the battery life." Now $100 cheaper, it's an even better value.

More Apple Watch dealsApple Pencil deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Im a tech editor. I found 45+ tech deals Id actually buy in the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

Sun, 03/29/2026 - 16:58

As Mashable's tech editor, it's my job to test the latest and greatest products from brands like Apple, Samsung, and DJI. But I also get to test cool under-the-radar finds and random gadgets that only true tech nerds know about. For the Amazon Big Spring Sale, I hand-picked a fresh batch of tech deals that are actually worth shopping. I've also included some deals from competing retailers — if they have a better price.

Amazon Big Spring Sale tech deals: Best of the best Best Kindle deal Kindle Paperwhite $134.99 (save $25) Get Deal Best Charger Deal Anker Nano 45W GaN Smart Charger $27.99 (save $12) Get Deal Best Budget Headphones Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphones $48 (save $21.99) Get Deal Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Cancelling Headphones $398 (save $61.99) Get Deal Best Drone Deal DJI Neo Mini 4K Drone $149 (save $50) Get Deal Best Fitness Tracker Deal Google Pixel Watch 4 $289.99 (save $60) Get Deal Best Creator Deal DJI Mic Mini $45 (save $14) Get Deal Best Streaming Deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $14.99 (save $25 with code FTVSELECT) Get Deal Best Apple Deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 (save $50) Get Deal Best MacBook Deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 265GB SSD) $899 (save $100) Get Deal

Between inflation, a global memory shortage, and overall economic anxiety (trust me — I'm feeling it, too!), you don't want to miss a chance to save some money.

I've personally tested many of these products, and I'm only recommending products with genuine discounts, because we all know big retailers like to play fast and loose with the definition of the word "deal."

Finally, a word of warning — Apple deals are moving fast. We've already seen the M3 iPad Air, AirTags, AirPods, and select MacBooks go out of stock.

Kindles starting at $94.99

I don't know what I'd do without my Kindle. As an avid book collector, I have literally run out of space to store books, and so I depend on my Kindle Paperwhite. And just like during Black Friday, you can grab my beloved Kindle on sale for $134.99, with the base Kindle available for under $100.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle $94.99 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $15   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $134.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $25   Get Deal More Kindle dealsGrab Sony Headphones on sale

During the Big Spring Sale, you can shop wireless Sony headphones starting at just $48. On day five of the savings event, Sony's flagship cans, the famous XM6 headphones, are also discounted to $398, their best-ever price. I loved these headphones, and as I wrote in my review, "The ANC in the XM6 is as good as or better than any I've ever heard."

However, if you're looking for something in the mid-range, you can also grab the bass-heavy Sony ULT Wear Headphones on sale for $148, another Mashable Choice winner, at a 41% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones Bluetooth On-Ear $48 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $21.99   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Cancelling Headphones $398 at Amazon
$459.99 Save $61.99   Get Deal Select MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches are all at record prices

Amazon always delivers solid Apple discounts during its big sales, and this time around, you can score record-low prices Apple Watches and newly released MacBook Pro laptops. Early shoppers cleaned up on the M4 MacBook Air and M3 iPad Air, which are almost completely out of stock — womp, womp.

Pro tip: If you're looking for the AirPods Max headphones, they're in and out of stock at Amazon but still available at Target and Walmart — for now.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inches (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $899 at B&H Photo & Video
$1,199 Save $300   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 at Amazon
$249 Save $50   Get Deal More Apple dealsA smart Anker charger with a smile

Anker makes my favorite fast chargers, and I literally use the company's GaN USB-C chargers every day of my life. However, the next Anker charger I want to try is this little phone charger, which comes with a smart display and fun colors (you can match it to your iPhone, if you're into that sort of thing).

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Nano 45W GaN Smart Charger $27.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $12.00   Get Deal DJI drones on sale starting at $149

Yes, technically, DJI drones are banned in the United States, but they're still widely available from third-party sellers at Amazon. (It's complicated.) If you're a creator, real estate professional, or wedding photographer who wants to take beautiful aerial videos in 4K — or just an aspiring pilot looking to have some fun outdoors — these drones are by far the most popular choice.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Neo Mini 4K Drone $149 at Amazon
$199 Save $50   Get Deal More deals on drones

Please note: Due to the ongoing DJI drone ban, all DJI drones are sold through third-party sellers at Amazon. Do your research into the seller and shop accordingly.

Amazon Echo device deals

As per usual, some of the best deals of the spring Amazon sale are on Amazon's own products, particularly in the Echo lineup. I was at the fall 2025 event where Amazon unveiled its new Echo smart home products, which include refreshes to the popular Echo Dot and Echo Show devices. You can also grab Fire TV Sticks starting at just $14.99, letting you stream movies and enjoy cloud gaming at home.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $14.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $25 Use code FTV Select Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Show 11 $169.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $50   Get Deal More Echo device dealsBose headphones on sale

We've been waiting for this one: Our favorite Bose headphones are finally discounted for the Amazon Spring sale. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2), the brand's current flagship, are supremely comfortable. In fact, our reviewer called them the most comfortable headphones in the world, full stop. And if you need something a little more affordable, their younger sibling is also on sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2) $399 at Amazon
$449 Save $50   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones $249 at Amazon
$349 Save $100   Get Deal TV deals

During Prime Day, you can grab TVs starting at just $99. However, I recommend spending a little more than that. You can grab a 55-inch Fire TV at a very reasonable price, or a 65-inch Samsung QLED TV, released last year and now getting its first big price cut.

Unfortunately, I'm still waiting for good deals on my favorite TV: The Frame art TV from Samsung. Strangely, The Frame is more expensive during the big Amazon sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon 55-inch Fire TV 4 Series $279.99
$459.99 Save $180   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-Inch Q8F 4K QLED Smart TV (2025) $597.97 at Amazon
$897.97 Save $300 Lowest-ever price Get Deal More TV dealsDJI creator deals

For the Big Spring Sale, Amazon is going hard with DJI deals, and you can find massive discounts on the brand's popular line of creator gadgets. I personally use the DJI Mic Mini and DJI Osmo Mobile 7P Gimbal when shooting videos for Mashable (check our Instagram story to see my latest).

But let me also call your attention to the cult-favorite DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Vlogging camera, which almost never goes on sale like this. Pro creators and YouTubers are obsessed with this camera (in my review, I wrote, "it should replace whatever vlogging camera you're using now"), so grab it before it goes out of stock again!

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) $79 at Amazon
$99 Save $20   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Gimbal Camera $439 at Amazon
$499 Save $60   Get Deal More DJI creator dealsShark vacuums are 60% off

Spring cleaning is a big theme during the Big Spring Sale, and one of our all-time favorite Shark vacuums is currently marked down to just $149. The Mashable-tested and approved Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum is a pet hair hero, but you can also save on the brand's popular robot vacuums, now up to 60% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum $149 at Amazon
$299 Save $150   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop $299.99 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $450   Get Deal Save on Dyson stick vacuums

Looking for a more premium cleaning machine, preferably one with lasers? Then you need a Dyson Detect stick vac. For the Big Spring Sale, you can grab one of the latest Dyson Detect vacuums, complete with the dust-illuminating laser attachment, while it's on sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V15 Detect Plus Cordless Vacuum $599.99 at Amazon
$849.99 Save $250   Get Deal JBL Bluetooth speakers — save 27%

I'm a big fan of JBL's Bluetooth speakers. In my testing, they've beaten out more expensive Bluetooth speakers from brands like Bose and Sonos. They're also extremely portable, super easy to use, and totally waterproof, i.e., perfect for spring and summer hangouts.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Flip 7 Bluetooth Speaker $109.95 at Amazon
$149.95 Save $40.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Xtreme 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker $299.94 at Amazon
$379.95 Save $80.01   Get Deal HEPA air purifiers for allergy season

Have you heard the bad news? Climate change is making seasonal allergies worse, which I can attest to firsthand. So, if you want to add some fresh air to your apartment or home, get a HEPA air purifier that can remove 99.98% of allergens, bacteria, and other microscopic particles. This Shark model is currently 45% off for Prime members, which is probably why it's almost sold out.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark HEPA Air Purifier — Large $179.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $150   Get Deal A cloud gaming bundle

If you want to play games like Borderlands 3, Fallout: New Vegas, and Hogwarts Legacy without buying an expensive console, try this bundle from Amazon. It includes a Fire TV streaming stick and a Luna gaming controller, letting you play games right on Fire TV.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus + Luna Controller $64.98 at Amazon
$119.98 Save $55   Get Deal Fitness trackers on sale

If you're coming out of a winter funk and looking for some workout motivation, strap on a fitness tracker. You can pick up Fitbit step counters for under $70, and the Google Pixel Watch 4 (our reviewer called it "a true runner's watch") for under $300.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Inspire 3 $69.96
$99.95 Save $29.99   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Watch 4 $289.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $60   Get Deal SEE ALSO: We found the best Apple Watch deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale — deals start at $189 The Brick phone blocker

Have you heard of the viral gadget, The Brick? This humble little device blocks you from using your phone during set times so you can break your doomscrolling and screentime addiction — and it works! In her review, Mashable's Sam Mangino wrote that the Brick is "the only thing that cuts my screen time in half."

Opens in a new window Credit: Brick The Brick $47.20 at Brick
$59 Save $11.80   Get Deal Our favorite portable power stations

We've been testing a lot of power stations lately. These versatile devices can help you keep the lights on in an emergency, but they're also helpful for camping, festivals, and creators. One of our favorite Mashable-tested power stations from Anker is 46% off for sping, and you can pick up a bundle from Jackery that includes solar panels, also 46% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station $428.99 at Amazon
$799 Save $370.01   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 + 200W Solar Panel $698.99 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $600.01   Get Deal An affordable foldable phone

If you're an Android user on the fence about getting a foldable phone, this deal could help you decide. The Motorola Razr Ultra was the most underrated phone of 2025, and I was impressed by its battery life, display, and design during testing. If you miss flip phones that slip easily into your pocket, then you'll appreciate this one.

During the Amazon Spring Sale, this trendy little flip phone is $500 off at Amazon. It's far more affordable than Samsung's Z Flip 7, too.

Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola Motorola Razr Ultra, Unlocked $799.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $500   Get Deal SEE ALSO: I've been testing phones for 20 years. Check the top unlocked phone deals in Amazon Spring Sale.
Categories: IT General, Technology

The next social media ban? Austria looks to block kids under 14 from social media

Sun, 03/29/2026 - 16:38

Less than 4 months ago, Australia banned social media for kids under 16, sparking a wave of similar proposals from governments around the world. The latest effort to ban social media for children now comes from Austria. In a press release, the Austrian government announced that a bill will be introduced by the end of June to ban social media use for children under 14.

According to the press release, a mandatory minimum age of 14 for social media would only be one part of the bill seeking to address child safety online. The bill would also introduce media literacy in schools to help young people "recognize disinformation and radicalization."

SEE ALSO: Pinterest CEO says ban kids under 16 from social media

The Austrian government said these measures would be taken in order to address the issues children have faced as a result of social media, such as cyberbullying, addiction, and mental health problems.

While the press release doesn't provide many details, it does mention that any bill introduced would address data privacy concerns related to age verification methods, ensuring that users' information is protected.

Many social media platforms have policies requiring users to be a certain age to join. However, these rules are implemented by companies themselves, with little to no incentive to uphold them. At the government level, however, as in Australia's first such bill, these bills slap social media companies with hefty fines for allowing users under age to join their platforms. The U.S. may be joining soon, as a bipartisan group of Senators proposed a bill earlier this year that would ban social media for children under 13.

The U.S. also recently saw social media companies like Meta and YouTube lose two separate trials regarding social platforms harming young people's mental health. It will be interesting to see how U.S. lawmakers go forward with their age limit proposals following those verdicts.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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