In September, Apple launched its latest batch of smartwatches, launching the Apple Watch Ultra 2 ($799) and Apple Watch Series 9 ($399). Each wearable has its own pros and cons, and so does the second-generation Apple Watch SE ($249), but the introduction of new wearables also means there are now more Apple Watch models on the market than ever before, and at great deals And much more is owned.
But with all these options, which one should you choose? Generally speaking, you want to buy the latest watch you can afford so that it can continue to receive software updates from Apple. The latest update, watchOS 10, was launched on Apple Watch Series 4 and later models in September, but we will have to wait until WWDC on June 10 to know whether Series 4 will get the next major software update, or whether it will be exclusive to the newer version. watch.
Choosing a watch from the latest (or most recent) generation ensures you’re getting a smartwatch with an updated design, great features, and plenty of sensors. Now, let’s get down to business.
Apple Watch Series 9 Best Deals
Apple Watch Series 9 uses the new S9 processor, supports offline Siri use, a brighter display and double-click gesture. If you own an iPhone 15, it also has a second-generation ultra-wideband chip for pinpoint finding.
Apple Watch Series 9 is a slight upgrade from last year’s Apple Watch Series 8.
Apple Watch Series 9 represents the latest wearable device in Apple’s flagship product line. It introduces the slightly faster S9 SiP chip and second-generation ultra-wideband chip, which enables onboard Siri processing and precise search through iPhone. It also offers a brighter 2,000-nit display and works with Apple’s new “Double-Tap” feature, which lets you tap your thumb and index finger simultaneously to perform various actions. While these improvements are welcome, the Series 9 isn’t all that different from its predecessor, the Series 8.
The Apple Watch Series 9 is less than a year old, but the GPS-equipped model is already available on Amazon and Walmart , starting at $299 ($100 off) for the 41mm size, while the larger 45mm configuration is available on Amazon , Walmart , as low as $329 at Best Buy ($100 off). As for the LTE model with cellular connectivity, the 41mm configuration is available at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy starting at $399 ($100 off). You can also get it in the 45mm size on Amazon and Walmart starting at $429 ($100 off).
Read our Apple Watch Series 9 review.
Apple Watch SE Best Deals
The latest SE borrows some features from the Series 8, including the same chipset and collision detection capabilities, but it’s a subtle upgrade from the previous-generation SE.
Apple’s entry-level wearable represents a minor upgrade compared to the previous SE, although it does introduce a faster chipset and takes advantage of many watchOS 10 features.
Apple Watch SE was updated in late 2022. That might turn some people off, but it still might be just what you’re after. Best of all, the 40mm Wi-Fi/GPS model starts at $249, which is $30 less than the base cost of the previous generation. Opting for cellular connectivity raises the starting price to $299 for the 40mm size (44mm adds $20 per configuration).
Right now, the best deals on the latest Apple Watch SE can be found at Amazon and Walmart, where you can pick up the 40mm model with GPS, with select styles starting at $189 ($60 off). Meanwhile, select models in the 44mm configuration are available at Amazon and Walmart starting at $219 (a $60 discount) and at Best Buy for $229 (a $50 discount).
If you want the LTE configuration, the 40mm configuration is available at Walmart for $229 ($70 off) and for as low as $239 on Amazon ($60 off). The larger 44mm size is available at Walmart for $259 ($70 off) and on Amazon for $269 ($60 off).
Read our Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) review.
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 longer battery life and improved performance. It also comes with Apple’s new S9 SiP, allowing you to take advantage of Apple’s new double-click feature.
Apple’s latest Apple Watch Ultra, launched in September for $799, supports GPS and LTE and is very similar to the original model. This ultra-powerful smartwatch has the most features, sensors, and ruggedness of any Apple Watch model to date, and a display that’s 50 percent brighter than the first Ultra. Like Apple Watch Series 9, this 49mm smartwatch also features Apple’s new S9 SiP and second-generation Ultra-Wideband chip, while maintaining long-lasting battery life, accurate GPS tracking and a range of diving-friendly sensors.
Recently, we saw select configurations of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 drop to an all-time low of $642.04 (about $157), which is the current starting price on Amazon when purchased with an Alpine Loop strap. You can also buy the Trail Loop at Amazon starting at $779.99 ($20 off), or the Ocean Band at Amazon and Best Buy for $799 (full retail price).
Read our Apple Watch Ultra 2 review.
Notes on more advanced models
While all of the Apple Watch models and colors featured here have aluminum casings (except the Ultra 2, which comes in titanium), Apple does make its more premium series out of stainless steel and titanium. These products are similar in functionality and aesthetics to their aluminum counterparts, but with slightly more refined colors and finishes—polished for stainless steel and brushed for titanium. However, they start at much higher prices at $749 and up. They’re also often on sale, but they’re never discounted less than the standard base model, so we’re not including them here.