It’s the Best and Worst Time to Buy an Apple Watch. Here’s Why

It’s the best and worst time of the year to buy an Apple Watch.

On one hand, Apple is gearing to announce new Apple Watches in September, so if you buy one now, it’s going to be “last year’s model” real soon.

On the other hand, third-party retailers know this and are countering it by running the biggest sale of the year on current Apple Watch models. And that’s the case with Amazon right now.

Ahead of Prime Day — which starts tomorrow, July 8th — Amazon is deeply discounting every Apple Watch model right now. And the headline deal is on the Ultra 2, as it’s never been cheaper.

Below, we’ll tell you about the deals and, based on recent rumors, whether it makes sense to jump on them now or wait for the next-gen version to be released in two months.

The Ultra 2 is $150 off

Amazon

Apple Watch Ultra 2

• $649 at Amazon
  $799 (19% off)
• $799 at Apple

Currently, Amazon is selling the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for $649, which is $150 off and the lowest price it has ever been. (The previous all-time-low price was $730.) You can buy it with a black titanium or natural titanium case.

For those thinking of pulling the purchasing trigger, you should know that Apple is expected to release an Ultra 3 this September. And while not a ton is known about it, rumors suggest that it’ll be a little and more rugged than the Ultra 2.

That said, judging by Apple’s recent track record, where most Apple Watch models feel like iterative updates over their predecessors, I’m not convinced how much better the Ultra 3 will actually be. So a great deal on the Ultra 2 will probably be worth it.

The Series 10 is $100 off

Apple

Apple Watch Series 10

• $399 at Apple
• $299 at Amazon
  $399 (25% off)

The Series 10 (GPS only) is the best Apple Watch for most people because it pairs premium features (like an always-on display and a big screen) with a relatively attainable price tag.

Amazon has frequently sold it for $299 — which is $100 off — in recent months, and now it’s back at this lowest-ever price.

As is its annual tradition, Apple is expected to release the Series 11 this fall. And while rumors suggest that it will have a faster processor and a new modem (which would improve cellular models), it’s unlikely that it’ll look or feel that much different from the Series 10.

The entry-level SE is $80 off

Apple

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)

• $249 at Apple
• $169 at Amazon
  $249 (32% off)

Although it’s not at its all-time-low price — it hit $149 during the holiday season — Amazon is significantly discounting Apple’s cheapest Apple Watch, the SE, too. It’s $80 off.

While a very good price, this is the most difficult Apple Watch to recommend. It’s several years old (released in 2022) and Apple is expected to release a third-generation model — with a new look, a plastic case and much faster processor — this year.

So if you’re dead set on Apple’s most entry-level smartwatch, unless you want a basic Apple Watch at a really cheap price, I’d suggest waiting for the new SE to get get released.

Reminder: Apple never runs discounts on its new devices, so you need to order from Amazon (or another third-party retailer) to get a great deal.

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