Following the September launch of the Apple Watch Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3, retailers are offering substantial discounts on previous generation models, according to reports compiled by The Verge.
This influx of new wearables means consumers have more options than ever, with the Series 11 and the Ultra 2 currently seeing the most aggressive price cuts across major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy.
Technically, buyers should aim for the newest affordable model to ensure sustained software support, as the recent watchOS 26 update excludes devices older than the Series 6, leaving Series 5 owners without new features.
The Apple Watch Series 11, while an iterative update over the Series 10, features a more efficient 5G modem and FDA-cleared hypertension notifications, now available at $299 for the 42mm GPS model, reflecting a $100 reduction.
The entry-level Apple Watch SE 3 represents a more substantial generational leap, incorporating the flagship S10 chip, an always-on display, and new health sensors like retrospective ovulation tracking.
However, the SE 3 omits high-end features such as EKG functionality and blood oxygen monitoring, which remain exclusive to the Series and Ultra tiers, though it is discounted to $219 for the 40mm base variant.
For those seeking premium performance, the older Apple Watch Ultra 2 is seeing a steep $200 discount, currently available starting at $599 at Best Buy, despite running on the S9 SiP instead of the latest silicon found in the Ultra 3.
The availability of deep discounts on high-performing older hardware forces a clear value calculation for consumers: balancing immediate savings against the extended lifespan afforded by the latest chipset and sensor array.
