Apple has kicked off its annual New Year Sale in Japan. The promotion runs from January 2 to January 5 and covers iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, and select accessories. Buyers can earn Apple Gift Cards worth up to ¥38,000, which is about $255. Along with the gift cards, Apple is adding something extra for iPhone buyers this year.
The highlight is a free limited-edition AirTag bundled with select iPhone purchases. This version comes with a Daruma engraving. Daruma is a traditional Japanese symbol linked to good luck and the idea of wishes coming true. The design feels personal and seasonal, which explains why many people already call the Daruma AirTag “so cute.”
Apple says the AirTag is offered on a “first-come, first-served basis,” with a total of “65,000 units” available during the sale. The company also calls this promotion its “first sale” of the new year, giving it extra weight for early buyers.
iPhones qualified for the free AirTag
Not every iPhone purchase includes the Daruma AirTag. Apple limits the free item to buyers who choose the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, or iPhone 16e. Customers who pick one of these models during the sale window receive the AirTag while supplies last. Once the 65,000 units run out, the offer ends.
Apple runs New Year promotions in Japan every year, but the Daruma AirTag adds a strong local touch. Gift cards remain the main incentive, yet the engraved AirTag gives customers something physical and collectible. That mix helps the sale stand out from regular seasonal discounts.
For shoppers in Japan, timing matters. The sale lasts only four days, and the AirTag supply is limited. Those who want both the gift card and the special AirTag need to act early.
