In September, Apple launched its latest batch of smartwatches, introducing the Apple Watch Ultra 2 ($799) alongside the new Apple Watch Series 9 ($399). Each wearable has its own pros and cons, as does the second-gen Apple Watch SE ($249), but the introduction of the new wearables also means there are now more Apple Watch models on the market than ever before — and a lot more deals to be had.
But with all of those options, which one should you pick? Generally speaking, you want to buy the newest watch you can afford so that it continues to receive software updates from Apple. The latest update, watchOS 10, launched in September on the Apple Watch Series 4 and newer, though no one can say with certainty whether the Series 4 will get the next big software update or whether it will be exclusive to newer watches.
Picking up a watch from the latest (or a recent) generation ensures you’re getting a smartwatch with an updated design, a robust number of features, and plenty of sensors. Now, let’s get into the deals.
The best Apple Watch Series 9 deals
The Apple Watch Series 9 features a brand-new S9 processor that enables offline Siri use, brighter displays, and the double tap gesture. It also has the second-gen ultra wideband chip for Precision Finding if you have an iPhone 15.
The Apple Watch Series 9 represents a slight upgrade over last year’s Apple Watch Series 8. It uses Apple’s new S9 SiP processor and second-gen ultra wideband chip, though there aren’t many significant differences beyond that.
The Apple Watch Series 9 represents the latest wearable in Apple’s flagship Series lineup. It introduces a slightly faster S9 SiP chip and a second-gen ultra wideband chip, which allow for onboard Siri processing and precision finding with your iPhone. It also offers a brighter, 2,000-nit display and works with Apple’s new “double tap,” a feature that lets you tap your thumb and index finger together to carry out various actions. While the improvements are welcome, the Series 9 isn’t a vast departure from the prior model, the Series 8.
The Apple Watch Series 9 has been out for less than six months, but the GPS-equipped model is already on sale at Amazon, Walmart, and Target in the 41mm sizing starting at $329 ($70 off) or in the larger 45mm configuration at Amazon, Walmart, and Target for as low as $359 ($70 off). As for the LTE model with cellular connectivity, it’s available at Amazon and Walmart in the 41mm configuration starting at $429 ($70 off). You can also pick it up in the 45mm sizing at Amazon, Walmart, and Target starting at $459 ($70 off).
The best Apple Watch SE deals
The latest SE borrows a few features from the Series 8, including the same chipset and Crash Detection feature, but it’s an otherwise subtle upgrade from the last-gen SE.
Apple’s entry-level wearable represents a minor upgrade when compared to the prior SE, though it does introduce a faster chipset and make use of many watchOS 10 features.
The Apple Watch SE received a refresh in late 2022. It has the same chipset as the Series 8, which is great, but with fewer sensors, no always-on display, and a slightly outdated design compared to the Series 8 and Series 9. Those omissions might take this out of the running for some people, but it still may be exactly what you’re after. Best of all, it starts at $249 for the 40mm Wi-Fi / GPS model, which is $30 less than the previous generation’s baseline cost. Opting for cellular connectivity bumps the starting price up to $299 for the 40mm size (44mm adds $20 to each configuration).
At the moment, the best deal on the latest Apple Watch SE can be found at Amazon and Walmart, where you can pick the 40mm model with GPS in select styles starting at $189 ($60 off). The 44mm configuration, meanwhile, is available in select styles at Walmart starting at $209 ($70 off), or for as low as $219 ($60 off) at Amazon.
If you want the LTE configuration, the 40mm configuration is available at Walmart for $229 ($70 off), or at Amazon for as low as $239 ($60 off). The larger 44mm size is also available at Walmart for $259 ($70 off) or at Amazon starting at $269 ($60 off).
The best Apple Watch Ultra 2 deals
The rugged Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes in one size: 49mm. It offers the brightest display of any wearable in Apple’s lineup, along with better battery life and improved performance. It sports Apple’s new S9 SiP, too, allowing you to take advantage of Apple’s new double tap feature.
Apple’s latest Apple Watch Ultra launched at $799 in September with GPS and LTE support, much like the original model. The ultra-capable smartwatch has the most features, sensors, and ruggedness of any Apple Watch model available thus far, along with a display that’s 50 percent brighter than the first Ultra. The 49mm smartwatch also packs Apple’s new S9 SiP and second-gen ultra wideband chips, just like the Apple Watch Series 9, while maintaining long-lasting battery life, precise GPS tracking, and a bevy of diving-friendly sensors.
We recently saw the Apple Watch Ultra 2 dip to $737.99 in select configurations; however, it’s currently only on sale at Amazon with an Ocean Band strap starting at $748.99 ($50 off). You can also pick it up at Amazon wit a Trail Loop starting at $759.99 ($39 off) or an Alpine Loop for $779.99 ($20 off). If you prefer a different retailer, it’s also available at Best Buy, albeit only for its full retail price of $799.
A note on the more premium models
While all of the Apple Watch models and colorways covered here are encased in aluminum (except the Ultra 2, which has a titanium build), Apple does make a more premium range built out of stainless steel and titanium. These offerings are functionally and aesthetically similar to their aluminum counterparts, with slightly refined colors and finishings — polished for the stainless steel and brushed for the titanium. However, they start at much steeper prices of $749 and above. They, too, can often be found on sale, but they’re never discounted as low as the standard base models, so we don’t include them here.
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