In September, Apple launched its latest batch of smartwatches, including the Apple Watch Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3. Each has its pros and cons, but the launch of Apple’s latest wearables also means there are now more Apple Watch models than ever before — and there are a lot more deals to be had.
But with all these options, which one should you choose? Generally speaking, you want to buy the latest watch that you can afford so that it continues to receive software updates from Apple. The latest update, watchOS 26, rolled out to Series 6 and later in September, leaving devices with Series 5 and older devices in the proverbial dust. Fortunately, picking up a watch from the latest (or recent) generation ensures that you’re getting a smartwatch of the future with an updated design, a robust feature set, and plenty of sensors.
Now let’s get to the deals.
Apple Watch Series 11 Event
The new Apple Watch Series 11 is a fairly iterative update to the Series 10, meaning those who already own Apple’s latest generation flagship don’t necessarily feel obligated to upgrade. That said, the latest model has a more energy-efficient 5G modem and a more scratch-resistant display, as well as an extra 6 hours of battery life over the Series 10. It’s also the thinnest Apple Watch yet and the first to offer FDA-cleared hypertension alerts out of the gate, which you can now also enjoy on the Series 9 and Ultra 2.
However, if you want to be an early adopter, you can pick up the Apple Watch Series 11 in the 42mm/GPS configuration at Walmart starting at $299 ($100 off), which remains the lowest price we’ve seen for the base model. If you prefer the larger 46mm / GPS model, it’s also on sale at Amazon and Walmart in select configurations, where you can get it for an all-time low of $329 ($100 off).
Read our full Apple Watch Series 11 review.
Apple Watch Series 10 event
If you’re looking for the real deal – and you’re not particularly tempted by what the 11 Series has to offer – the 10 Series still holds its own. The latest generation smartwatch features the same S10 SiP chip found in the 11 series, as well as support for fast charging, a gorgeous wide-angle OLED display and a design that’s still significantly thinner and lighter than previous models. It also includes depth and water temperature sensors, along with FDA-approved sleep apnea detection and the aforementioned hypertension alerts, courtesy of watchOS 26.
Fortunately, the 10 Series remains on sale at Walmart in the 46mm size with GPS starting at $229 ($200 off), easily one of the lowest prices we’ve seen for the larger configuration.
Read our Apple Watch Series 10 review.
While the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 represent several iterative updates, the new Apple Watch SE 3 represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor from 2022. The base watch is equipped with the same fast S10 chip found in Apple’s flagship models, for one, it allows you to use Apple’s double-tap, wrist-swipe and Siri functions on the device. The SE 3 also (finally) adds an always-on display, 5G connectivity, support for fast charging and audio playback so you can listen to music or podcasts right from your wrist.
In terms of health, the SE 3 introduces a wrist-based temperature sensor for retrospective ovulation tracking, along with breathing disorder alerts, sleep apnea alerts, and a new sleep score that breaks down the time spent in each stage. What you won’t find are the Series 11’s EKG, blood-oxygen monitoring, or hypertension alerts—those are exclusive to the Series and Ultra models.
As for deals, the Apple Watch SE 3 is currently available on Amazon and Walmart in its 40mm base configuration with GPS for $219 ($30 off), which is about $20 off its lowest price yet. You can also pick up the larger 44mm model on Amazon and Walmart starting at $249, a $30 discount.
Read our full Apple Watch SE 3 review.
Apple Watch SE (second generation) event.
If you don’t need the latest upgrades, the last-gen SE remains a solid buy if you can pick it up at a deep discount. It has the same chipset as the Series 8, which still holds up well, but has fewer sensors (so fewer features), no always-on display, and a slightly dated design compared to Apple’s newer watches. These omissions may turn some people off, but it may still be exactly what you’re looking for.
Right now, the best deal on the last-gen SE can be found at Walmart, where you can pick up the 44mm model with GPS starting at $129 ($150 off), which remains an all-time low.
Read our Apple Watch SE (second generation) review.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 Event
Unsurprisingly, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers the most features, sensors and durability of any Apple Watch available to date. It features a larger widescreen OLED display with a 1Hz refresh rate and thinner bezels, as well as satellite and 5G connectivity. Better yet, battery life has been bumped up from 36 hours to 42 hours – a marginal improvement, but one that lets you squeeze out a bit more if you need to.
As for deals, the Ultra 3 recently dropped to an all-time low of $699.99 ($100 off). That said, it’s currently only available on Amazon with the Ocean Band, Trail Loop, or Alpine Loop starting at $768 ($31 off).
Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 3 review.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Event
If the latest Ultra isn’t what you’re looking for, you can save some money by opting for the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which isn’t too different from Apple’s latest flagship model. The wearable runs on the older S9 SiP and features Apple’s second-generation ultra-wideband chip, but you shouldn’t mind that, as it still offers accurate GPS tracking, a range of dive-friendly sensors, and long battery life.
Right now, you can pick up the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at Best Buy with an Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, or Ocean Band starting at $549 ($250 off), marking their lowest price yet.