In September, Apple launched its latest batch of smartwatches, launching the Apple Watch Ultra 2 ($799) and the new Apple Watch Series 9 ($399). Each wearable has its own pros and cons, and that goes for 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 the benefits are much more available.
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, rolled out in September on Apple Watch Series 4 and newer models, although no one can say for sure whether the Series 4 will get the next major software update or if it will be exclusive to the newer watch.
Choosing a watch from the latest (or most recent) generation ensures you’re getting a smartwatch with an updated design, great features, and a ton 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. It uses Apple’s new S9 SiP processor and second-generation ultra-wideband chip, but other than that there aren’t many significant differences.
Apple Watch Series 9 represents the latest wearable device in Apple’s flagship product line. It introduces a slightly faster S9 SiP chip and a second-generation ultra-wideband chip that enables onboard Siri processing and pinpoint lookup via 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 has been out for less than six months, but the GPS-equipped model is already available at Amazon, Walmart, and Target, starting at $329 ($70 off) for the 41mm size, with the larger 45mm configuration available at Amazon, As low as $359 at Walmart and Target ($70 off). As for the LTE model with cellular connectivity, it’s currently available on Amazon in the 41mm configuration starting at $340.71 (about $80 off). You can also buy it in the 45mm size at Amazon, Walmart and Target, starting at $459 ($70 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. It has the same chipset as the Series 8, which is great, but has fewer sensors than the Series 8 and Series 9, doesn’t have an always-on display, and has a slightly dated design. These omissions may keep some people from participating, but it could still 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).
Currently, the best deals on the latest Apple Watch SE can be found on Amazon and Walmart, where you can pick up the 40mm model with GPS for as low as $189 (a $60 discount). Meanwhile, select models in the 44mm configuration are available at Walmart starting at $209 ($70 off) and as low as $219 on Amazon ($60 off).
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 also available on Amazon starting at $242.79 (about $86 off) or $259 at Walmart (about $70 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 has a display that’s 50 percent brighter than the first Ultra. Like the Apple Watch Series 9, the 49mm smartwatch also features Apple’s new S9 SiP and second-generation Ultra-Wideband chip, while maintaining long-lasting battery life, precise GPS tracking and an array of dive-friendly sensors.
Recently, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 dropped to $737.99; however, it’s currently only available on Amazon in select configurations, starting at $759.99 (a $40 discount). The product is also available at other retailers like Best Buy and Target, but retails for just $799.
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.