Buying an Apple Watch? Don’t check out until you consider this

An Apple Watch is one of those iPhone accessories that, dare I say, is underrated. Before I tested them out, I had the same thought that many of my phone-obsessed peers did: why do I need a second screen around my wrist? I’m already addicted to the big screen in my pocket. 

Then, I began running, tracking my weight-lifting sessions at the gym, and learning about all of the health features the smartwatch has to offer. I also used my Apple Watch during the workday and found it helpful for receiving messages while I was away from my laptop. I also learned about a new movement to turn those tiny smartwatches into fully functional dumb phones, leaving the actual phone at home. It became clear: I finally understood why someone would want a second screen around their wrist. 

Also: The best Apple Watch deals to shop right now

That didn’t address the other, more pressing question: do I have the money to spend $300 on a smartwatch? The answer to that is: You don’t need to spend $300. 

If you shop sales and keep a year-long eye out for deals (which most companies almost always participate in), you can buy a discounted Apple Watch — yes, even a newer model — for less. 

In fact, ahead of Black Friday, I’ve been monitoring the sales on Apple’s newest Apple Watch models. Already, the tech giant has discounted the rugged (and expensive) Ultra 3 by $100, bringing it down to $699, and the affordable SE 3 by $49, which was my sleeper pick for the best Apple Watch this year. 

Also: The Apple Watch SE 3 just got its first discount – here’s where to buy one.

When do Apple Watches go on sale? 

I’ve been covering sales events for almost two and a half years now, and I’ve noticed a pattern in when big retailers discount their most popular devices. During sales events like Prime Day, Black Friday, or Cyber Monday, we often see steep discounts on the most popular tech products. Leading up to those events, retailers will begin to lower prices, but the best discounts are generally available during the deal event days. That’s because there is the most interest in buying that product during these events, compared to a random Tuesday in, say, April. 

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It’s also essential to factor deals into when a retailer debuts its newest merchandise. Once Apple unveils its latest lineup of Apple Watches, the value of its one-year or two-year-old models depreciates. Apple’s 2024 Series 10 smartwatch–> had consistently been available for around $70 off its original price for several months this year, and it just dropped even cheaper to $280. That smartwatch has almost every single feature the 2025 Series 11 does (except a longer battery life). 

The Series 10 is still a worthy buy, and it’s cheaper. You see, folks? That’s depreciation in action. That might not be beneficial for Apple, but it’s ideal for budget-conscious individuals seeking to purchase a fitness tracker at a lower price point. Always keep an eye out for the prices of older models after Apple releases a new product. Retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy are typically the first to start slashing prices on those older models. Remember that Apple itself seldom does.

Also: Which Apple Watch should you buy in 2025? My verdict on the most disputed model

But let’s say you want to grab a discount on a brand-new device that was unveiled this year, like the Watch SE 3<!–> or Watch Series 11–> (or even the pricier Ultra 3<!–>). Deals events like Black Friday, Cyber Week, and Prime Day are your best bets for finding a decent deal on recently released products, such as Apple Watches. Apple’s new watch lineup is a few months old at this point, having been released in September, so it’s about time for Apple to start dropping prices as we get closer to six months after their release. Remember that tech brands are ahead in their development and are already gearing up for the next launch months in advance. 

Last year, the first discounts on the then-new Watch Series 10 popped up during Black Friday sales, and some of the better $50-$70 offers started rolling in around Presidents’ Day in February. If this year follows the same trends, we may see some minor discounts on the Watch Series 11 in the next few weeks, with more significant drops expected after the new year. 

Lucky for you, I’m keeping my eyes peeled for every viable deal on Apple Watches leading up to Black Friday. If there’s a deal worth buying, you’ll find me writing it up first. 

So, should you buy an Apple Watch during Black Friday?

If you have been in the market for an Apple Watch and don’t want to pay full price for one, I can nearly guarantee that retailers will cut the prices on Apple’s oldest (and even newest) wearable devices during Black Friday (as they have already begun to do). You can find these discounts across retailers like Amazon<!–>, Best Buy–>, Walmart<!–>, and more. 

The older devices will receive steeper discounts, but I anticipate that, like in years past, you’ll be able to snag newer devices for a little cheaper during the deals event itself. If you can hold out to upgrade until after the new year, though, that’s when some of the better deals on Apple’s 2025 watch lineup may start to crop up. Here’s a basic overview that may help you with holiday purchases, especially during the early shopping season. 

Note: All price data was gathered on Nov. 7 from CamelCamelCamel using the respective Apple Watch product links from Amazon. 

Apple Watch Series 10

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The Apple Watch Series 10 was released in September 2024. It’s been steadily selling for $70 off for the last few months, and just dropped again. You can now scoop it up for $100 off at select retailers, extremely close to its lowest price ever. The GPS 46mm model<!–> is on sale for $310, about $10 more than its lowest-ever price. Here’s the full price look-back on the Watch Series 10 GPS 42 mm–> model according to CamelCamelCamel: 

• Lowest ever: $279 on July 8, 2025
• Highest ever: $400 on Sept. 14, 2024
• Average: $337.54
• Current: $280

Our expert advice: This is a good deal. If you’re getting or gifting the Watch Series 10 (42mm or 46mm), I’d consider purchasing now. Retailers will be offloading stock of this model, and it may become harder to find new in-box in the colors, band styles, and sizes you need. 

Apple Watch Series 11

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The Apple Watch Series 11 was released in September 2025. It’s first discount just hit the market, a slim $10 off at select retailers. The GPS 46mm model–>

is on sale for $420, also $10 off. Here’s the full price look-back on the Watch Series 11 GPS 42mm<!–> model according to CamelCamelCamel: 

• Lowest ever: $389 on Sept. 26, 2025
• Highest ever: $399 on Sept. 10, 2025
• Average: $393.13
• Current: $389 

Our expert advice: This isn’t a deal. Unless you’re not concerned with saving more money, or are purchasing an Apple Watch Series 11 regardless of discounts this holiday season, there’s no reason to buy this. A ten-dollar discount is poor, and much better deals are sure to come around, either closer to Cyber Week or into the new year, if you’re not intending to gift this watch under the tree. 

Apple Watch SE 3

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The Apple Watch SE 3 was released in September 2025. Its first discount also just hit the market, a decent $49 off at select retailers. This discount only applies to the Starlight color. The GPS 44mm model<!–> is on sale for $279, also $429 off. Here’s the full price look-back on the Watch SE 3 GPS 40mm model according to CamelCamelCamel: 

• Lowest ever: $200 on Nov. 3, 2025
• Highest ever: $249 on Sept. 11, 2025
• Average: $233.59
• Current: $200

Our expert advice: This is an excellent first-time discount that makes a compelling case for most casual Apple Watch customers. The Watch SE 3 was already my sleeper pick for best Apple Watch out of the newest lineup, and these $49 savings sweeten the sentiment. I would scoop this up if you want to get or gift an Apple Watch SE 3 for the holiday season. 

It will eventually see prices under $200, so if you can wait it out a few more months, you will likely be able to save more, but this $200 offer is stellar for a watch model that’s future-proofed for the next few years and gives the Series 10 and Series 11 a decent run for their money. Keep in mind that it could see another price cut during Black Friday (the Watch SE 2 sold for $149 last year then), but because it’s much newer than the SE 2 was at this point last year, I would be surprised if it is those $100 savings again. 

Apple Watch SE 2

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The Apple Watch SE 2 was released in September 2022. This watch has been comfortably selling for around $189 for the last few months, though it’s dipped lower during sales over the last few years. Right now, it’s on sale for $89 off, only $11 more than its lowest price ever. The GPS 44mm model<!–> is on sale for $190, also $89 off. Here’s the full price look-back on the Watch SE 3 GPS 40mm–> model according to CamelCamelCamel: 

• Lowest ever: $149 on Nov. 24, 2024
• Highest ever: $249 on May 18, 2025
• Average: $202.76
• Current: $160

Our expert advice: This is a nice discount, but it’s still not the lowest we’ve ever seen. I’d advise spending the $40 extra and getting the newer Watch SE 3 on sale instead, since it’s future-proofed for the next few years. The SE 2 is heading towards four years old, and while it’s still great for a child, elderly individual, or no-fuss user, I’d anticipate it to drop in price to $149 (or even below) given its age and place in Apple’s lineup. If you set on picking this model up, I’d wait until Black Friday, or consider a different model on sale. 

Apple Watch Ultra 3

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The Apple Watch Ultra 3 was released in September 2025. This watch is also seeing a first-time discount of $99 off at select retailers. The GPS + Cellular 49mm model–>

is on sale for $700, a $99 savings. Here’s the full-price look-back on the Watch Ultra 3<!–> model according to CamelCamelCamel: 

• Highest ever: $799 on Sept. 10, 2025
• Lowest ever: $700 on Nov. 1, 2025
• Average: $767.59
• Current: $700

Our expert advice: The Ultra models of these watches see the most infrequent discounts, and are on the pricier side, selling upwards of $650 even when on sale in most cases. The Ultra 3 is on sale for $700, only about $50 more than the Ultra 2–> in new condition. If you are looking to buy the Ultra 3, I’d aim for it over the Ultra 2 based on the current sale prices. 

It’s possible that both the Ultra 2 and Ultra 3 could see more price cuts during Black Friday (I’d expect better deals on the Ultra 2), but it’s not a guarantee, given that this is Apple’s most premium smartwatch, and it depends on the exact color, band style, and size. Last year, the Ultra 2 hovered around $680 during Cyber Week. 

Looking for reviews?

We’ve covered the best Apple watch models on the market and put them to the test. Read more to find the model for you. 

When is Black Friday?

Black Friday falls on Nov. 28 this year. Cyber Monday is a few days later on Dec.1. 

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Source: Information Technologies - zdnet.com