Thinking of getting a new Apple Watch? It might be tempting to order one of the Series 7 models, but newer hardware always commands a premium price. And while Apple’s latest wearable offers a slightly larger screen and some durability improvements, it’s very much the same Apple Watch we’re familiar with. Fortunately, each Apple Watch model offers extensive functionality and has seen its fair share of discounts over the past year. So which ones should you consider if you’re in the market for Apple’s popular smartwatch while trying to shop smarter? There are currently four Apple Watch models to choose from, all compatible with watchOS 8. The highest is the Apple Watch Series 7, which starts at $399. The latest generation model, the Series 6, has received a modest discount at some retailers. since launch, but it still starts at $399, at least when it’s available. However, if any of those models seem too expensive, you can save around $120 by opting for an Apple Watch SE, which will set you back $279. Finally, there’s the older Series 3, the most affordable Apple Watch to date. It has a starting retail price of $199, but it frequently goes on sale for much less. However, we don’t think it’s a good buy, especially now that we know watchOS 9 won’t be compatible with the Series 3 when it launches later this year. So if you want something more future-proof, which we highly recommend, you’ll want to consider one of Apple’s newer Watches. Fortunately, we’ve rounded up the best Apple Watch deals below, no matter which model you prefer. Starting at $279 for a 40mm version or $309 for the 44mm, the Apple Watch SE is a good mid-range wearable that shares some features found on the like-minded Series 6 and Series 7. , including a built-in accelerometer and handwashing detection. However, it doesn’t have the always-on display found on Apple’s latest flagships, nor does it feature blood-oxygen monitoring. At the moment, the 40mm GPS-equipped configuration is available from various retailers in black (Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy), blue (Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy), and a cream shade (Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy) for $249, which is $30 less than MSRP. If you’re interested in the cellular model, Amazon is selling the 40mm LTE version in black, blue, and cream for $299 instead of $329 at checkout. Walmart also has the black and cream model for $299, and Best Buy is selling other variants for the same price. If you have a larger wrist, all of the aforementioned retailers are discounting the 44mm GPS-equipped models, with Amazon and Walmart selling various configurations starting at $229. At Best Buy, you can choose the black model or one with a silver case. and blue Sport Band for $279, which is still $30 off list price. For those hoping to get the 44mm model with LTE, both Amazon and Best Buy are selling variants for $329 ($30 off). Walmart also sells the black model for the same price; however, other configurations are only available at Walmart through third-party sellers.
Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS)
Apple’s mid-range wearable device, the Apple Watch SE, serves as a step up from the Series 3, with similar features and design to the last-generation Series 6.
Apple Watch SE (44mm, GPS)
Apple’s mid-range wearable device, the Apple Watch SE, serves as a step up from the Series 3, with similar features and design as the last-generation Series 6. While it’s no longer officially part of Apple’s wearable lineup, you can still buy the Apple Watch Series 6 from various retailers. The Apple Watch comes in two sizes, 40mm and 44mm, which start at $399 and $429, respectively. The Series 6 features built-in sleep tracking, a large ecosystem of third-party complications, and more sensors than previous models, including one that allows the device to detect your body’s blood oxygen levels. Deals often come and go quickly on the Series 6. While there are currently no notable deals available in the 41mm configuration, right now Nike is selling the LTE-enabled 44mm Nike model in black or silver for $ 396.97 instead of $529. You can also pick up the red 44mm GPS model at Adorama for $389.99 instead of $449, however, the Series 7 45mm GPS is currently on sale at Amazon for $359 , so we suggest picking up that model instead.
Apple Watch Series 6 with Nike Sport Band (44mm, LTE)
Apple’s wearable device features an always-on display and new sensors that provide the ability to monitor your blood oxygen levels. The Nike edition is identical to the standard model, except that it includes a Nike Sport Band and a series of exclusive watch faces.
The Contour watch face is exclusive to the Series 7. Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge With a slightly altered design and larger display, the new Series 7 comes in a 41mm configuration starting at $399 or a 45mm model mm starting at $429. Right now, you can pick up the GPS-equipped 41mm model in most color configurations at Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy for $329 ($70 off), one of its best prices to date. If you prefer the 41mm cellular version, it’s on sale at Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy right now for $429 ($50 off), matching its lowest price to date. If you’re trying to pick up the larger 45mm GPS-enabled variant, it’s currently available in select colors at Walmart, Amazon, and Best Buy for $359, its steepest price drop yet. All three retailers also sell the 45mm model with LTE for $459 instead of $529, its lowest price to date, in multiple colors (Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy).
A note on the more premium models.
While all of the Apple Watch models and colorways covered here are clad in aluminum, Apple makes a more premium range built with stainless steel and titanium. These offerings have similar designs to their aluminum counterparts, with slightly refined colors and finishes: polished for the stainless steel and brushed for the titanium. However, they start at much higher prices of $749 and up, and are functionally the same, except for a few exclusive digital watch faces that Apple reserves for these premium models. They can also often be found on sale, but are never discounted as low as the standard base models.
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