In September, Apple released its latest batch of smartwatches, introducing the first Ultra ($799) alongside the Series 8 ($399) and a new Apple Watch SE ($249). Each wearable has its own pros and cons associated with it, but the introduction of the high-end Ultra also means there are more Apple Watch models on the market now than ever before, and many more offerings.
But with all those options, which one should you choose? 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 9, rolled out on Apple Watch Series 4 and newer models in September, though no one can say for sure if the Series 4 will get the next big software update. Also, keep in mind that unlike some Apple products, the biggest discounts are usually on the newest models, not the latest generation.
Choosing a watch from the latest (or recent) generation ensures that you’ll get a smartwatch with an up-to-date design, a host of features, and plenty of sensors. And thankfully, now that the Series 3 is officially out of commission (it was way overdue), it’s harder to end up with a watch that will quickly feel stale.
Now, let’s get into the deals.
The best Apple Watch deals
The best Apple Watch Series 8 deals
The Apple Watch Series 8 represents the latest wearable in Apple’s flagship series lineup. It brings a new chipset (which, according to our colleague Victoria Song, isn’t any faster than the previous iteration), new temperature sensors that enable menstrual tracking, glitch detection, and a host of other improvements. While the subtle improvements are welcome, the Series 8 isn’t all that different from its predecessor, the Apple Watch Series 7.
We recently saw the starting price of the base Apple Watch Series 8 drop to $349, however the 41mm model with GPS is currently on sale at Best Buy, Amazonand Aim for an all-time low of around $329 ($70 off). As for the larger 45mm model, it’s also available at a $70 discount on Best Buy and Aimwhere you can pick it up for around $359.
If you want to buy an unlocked LTE-equipped model, Best Buy and Target offer the same $70 discount on the 41mm configuration (Best Buy/Aim) and its 45mm variant (Best Buy/Aim), which start at $429 and $459, respectively.
Apple’s latest smartwatch features watchOS 9 along with temperature sensors and glitch detection that enable menstrual cycle tracking, something you won’t find on any other model.
The Apple Watch Series 8 isn’t a drastic departure from the Series 7, but it does offer flaw detection and a number of iterative improvements that will make it the go-to for many.
The best Apple Watch SE deals
The Apple Watch SE received an update 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 7 and Apple Watch SE. Series 8. Those omissions may knock this out of the competition for some people, but it may still be exactly what you’re looking for. Best of all, it starts in $249 for the 40mm Wi-Fi/GPS model, which is $30 less than the baseline cost of the previous generation. Opting for cellular increases the starting price to $299 for the 40mm size (44mm adds $20 to each configuration).
Right now, the 40mm Apple Watch SE with GPS is available at Best Buy and Aim for around $219, which is around $30 off and the lowest price for the wearable to date. The GPS-only model is also available in the 44mm size for as low as $249 ($30 off) at the same retailers (Best Buy/Aim), or in the configuration equipped with LTE in Amazon, Best Buyand Aim starting at $269 ($30 off).
If you’re okay with getting the latest generation model, Walmart even has the 40mm GPS-equipped SE for $199which is a total of $80 off.
The new SE for 2022 borrows some features from the 8 Series, including the same chipset and fault detection feature, but it’s a subtle update to the last-gen SE.
Apple’s entry-level wearable represents a minor upgrade compared to the previous SE, though it features a faster chipset and uses many features from watchOS 9.
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The best Apple Watch Ultra deals
Apple’s big, thick and capable Watch Ultra will launch in $799 with GPS and LTE support, and in case you didn’t know, it has the most features, sensors, and ruggedness of any Apple Watch model available so far. Its 49mm case houses a screen that can get brighter than the Series 8, has longer battery life and more accurate GPS tracking, and is loaded with sensors that essentially make it a guide to swimming and snorkeling.
On the deals front, we recently saw the Apple Watch Ultra drop to an all-time low of $749 at various retailers. Right now, though, it’s only on sale for $779.99 ($20 off medium and large band sizes) at Amazonor for its full retail price of $799 at Aim, Best Buyand other retailers.
The Watch Ultra is the toughest and most capable Apple Watch available. It has a thicker and larger build than the Series 8, precise GPS tracking, and sensors that can measure metrics for diving. It only comes in one size and configuration, and it supports both GPS and LTE.
A note about the more premium models.
While all of the Apple Watch models and colorways discussed here are clad in aluminum (with the exception of the Ultra, which has a titanium construction), Apple makes a more premium range built with stainless steel and titanium. These offerings are functionally and aesthetically similar to their aluminum counterparts, with slightly refined colors and finishes: polished for stainless steel and brushed for titanium. However, they start at much higher prices of $749 and up. They can also often be found on sale, but they’re never discounted as low as the standard entry-level models, so we’re not including them here.
