Time to Upgrade? Your Guide to Scoring the Sweetest Apple Watch Deals
Phnom Penh, Cambodia — Another year, another fleet of gleaming Apple Watches gracing our wrists.
Background
Just recently, Cupertino unveiled its latest lineup: the sleek Apple Watch Series 11, the feature-packed SE 3, and the formidable Ultra 3
For us here in Southeast Asia, where every dollar, ringgit, or peso saved makes a real difference in these often challenging economic times, the allure of the newest tech is certainly strong
Yet, as a journalist who's covered countless product cycles, I can tell you the smartest move for your wallet might just be to look back a generation or two
Here at The Verge, we've started our official watch (pun absolutely intended. ) for price drops.
Significant discounts on brand-new Apple gear are about as rare as a quiet tech launch, especially immediately after release.
However, the good news is that their immediate predecessors – the Series 10 and the Ultra 2 – are fantastic devices, and discounts on them are becoming fairly common
This dynamic is a crucial insight for consumers: Apple's annual product refresh cycle often leads to immediate, yet minor, price adjustments on new devices, while predecessors see more substantial and attractive discounts
So, with all these options, which one should you pick
Generally speaking, you'll want to buy the newest watch you can afford. Software updates.
Apple’s latest OS, watchOS 26, rolled out in September, and it’s only available for Series 6 models and newer.
If you're still rocking a Series 5 or an original Apple Watch SE, you're officially getting left behind on features
That's a crucial point for long-term value, no matter where you are in the world. This focus on long-term software support is a key insight for any tech purchase.
Globally, and particularly in Southeast Asian markets, where disposable income can be tighter and consumers are highly attuned to value, these predecessor deals become incredibly important
The current economic climate, marked by inflation, further amplifies the appeal of maximizing value for consumer electronics purchases, making informed buying guides like this essential for savvy shoppers navigating a crowded market
Apple Watch Series 11 Deals: The Early Adopter's PickThe new Apple Watch Series 11, frankly, is a fairly iterative update over its predecessor.
If you’re already sporting an Apple Watch Series 10, you might not feel a huge pull to upgrade
That being said, the Series 11 does bring some notable improvements to the table. We’re talking a more power-efficient 5G modem, a display that’s more resistant to scratches, and an extra 6 hours of battery life – a welcome boost over the Series 10.
It’s also the slimmest Apple Watch yet and the first to offer FDA-cleared hypertension notifications right out of the box (though you can now get these on Series 9 and Ultra 2 with watchOS 26)
Where to Buy:42mm, GPS: Currently around $389 ($10 off) at Amazon and Walmart; $399 at Best Buy
46mm, GPS: Currently around $419. 99 ($9 off) at Amazon and Walmart; $429 at Best Buy.
If you're an early adopter who has to have the latest and greatest, you can currently snag the 42mm GPS model for $389 at Amazon and Walmart, a slight $10 launch discount
For the larger 46mm GPS variant, expect to pay around $419
99 at the same retailers, a modest $9 off. Best Buy still lists both at full price.
It's a small saving, but hey, every little bit helps.
Apple Watch Series 10 Deals: The Savvy Saver's Sweet SpotNow, if you’re looking for a real deal – and you’re not particularly tempted by the Series 11’s incremental upgrades – the Series 10 is an absolute powerhouse that still holds its own beautifully
Here's the kicker: it packs the same S10 SiP chip as the Series 11. That means you’re getting blazing-fast performance.
Plus, it boasts fast-charging, a gorgeous wide-angle OLED display, and a design that's still significantly slimmer and lighter than older models.
Health-wise, it includes depth and water temperature sensors, along with FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection and those hypertension notifications I mentioned, thanks to watchOS 26
Where to Buy:42mm, GPS: Starting at $329 ($70 off) at Walmart; $349 ($50 off) at Amazon and Best Buy. 46mm, GPS: Around $359 ($70 off) at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy.
Thankfully, the Series 10 remains on a fantastic sale.
The larger 46mm GPS variant is available across Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy for a very appealing $359, also a solid $70 discount.
If you need LTE, Walmart has the 44mm models from $329, a massive $170 off
This illustrates a key insight: last-generation models like the Series 10 provide significant savings and still offer excellent performance and features, making them a smart choice for budget-conscious consumers
Apple Watch SE 3 Deals: The Entry-Level Game ChangerWhile the Series 11 and Ultra 3 largely bring iterative updates, the new Apple Watch SE 3 represents a significant leap forward for Apple's entry-level offering
This isn't just a minor refresh; it’s a total game changer for new users or those upgrading from a much older model.
It now features the same speedy S10 chip found in Apple’s flagship watches, unlocking features like the double-tap gesture, wrist flick gestures, and on-device Siri
Crucially, the SE 3 finally adds an always-on display, 5G connectivity, fast-charging support, and even audio playback directly from your wrist – features that were previously reserved for the pricier Series models
The Apple Watch SE 3 is a major upgrade for the entry-level segment, finally adding an always-on display and 5G, truly enhancing its value proposition
On the health front, the SE 3 introduces a wrist-temperature sensor for retrospective ovulation tracking, alongside breathing disturbance alerts, sleep apnea notifications, and a new Sleep Score
What you won’t find here are the Series 11’s EKG functionality, blood oxygen monitoring, or those advanced hypertension notifications – those remain exclusive to the Series and Ultra lines
Where to Buy:40mm, GPS: Around $239. 99 ($9 off) at Amazon and Walmart; $249 at Best Buy.
44mm, GPS: Around $269. 99 ($9 off) at Amazon and Walmart; $279 at Best Buy.
Currently, the Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm GPS) is available at Amazon and Walmart for $239. 99, a modest $9 off, marking the lowest price we’ve seen since its mid-September arrival.
The larger 44mm model sees a similar $9 discount at the same retailers, priced at $269.
No major discounts on the 5G models yet, but these base GPS deals are certainly tempting for a watch this capable
Apple Watch SE (Second-Gen) Deals: The Budget ChampionIf you genuinely don’t need the latest and greatest upgrades, and your budget is your top priority, the last-generation SE remains an incredibly solid buy – especially if you can nab it at a significant discount, which you can right now
It shares the same chipset as the Series 8, which, trust me, still performs admirably for everyday tasks
Yes, it has fewer sensors (meaning fewer health features), no always-on display, and a slightly less refined design compared to Apple’s newer offerings
But for many, those omissions are perfectly acceptable trade-offs for the price
This earlier SE is truly a budget champion with deep discounts. Where to Buy:40mm, GPS: Around $169 ($80 off) at Amazon and Walmart; $199 at Best Buy.
44mm, GPS: Around $199 ($80 off) at Amazon and Walmart; $229 at Best Buy. Right now, the best deal on the 2022 SE is at Amazon and Walmart.
If you're eyeing an LTE model, Walmart has the 44mm variant starting at $189, an incredible $110 markdown.
These are genuinely fantastic prices for a reliable Apple Watch, proving that smart shoppers can find substantial value by considering slightly older models that retain core functionality at a much lower price
Designed for the adventurous and the uncompromising, it boasts a larger, wide-angle OLED display with a 1Hz refresh rate and thinner bezels, alongside both satellite and 5G connectivity
Battery life has also seen a bump, extended from 36 hours to a respectable 42 hours – a marginal improvement, perhaps, but one that could be crucial when you’re off the grid
Where to Buy:Around $779
99 ($19 off) at Amazon (with Ocean Band, Alpine Loop, or Trail Loop). $799 at Best Buy and Apple.
As far as deals go, the Ultra 3 is currently seeing a modest $19 discount at Amazon. You can grab it with your choice of a Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, or Ocean Band for $779.
Best Buy and Apple are still listing it at its full retail price of $799. It’s a small saving, but for the absolute top-tier, it's something.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Deals: The Smart Adventurer's ChoiceIf the very latest Ultra doesn’t quite fit your budget – or your sense of value – you can save a significant chunk of change by opting for an Apple Watch Ultra 2
And honestly, it isn't vastly different from Apple's latest top-of-the-line model
While it runs on the older S9 SiP and features Apple’s second-gen ultra wideband chip, for most users, that won't detract from its capabilities.
It still offers precise GPS tracking, a comprehensive range of diving-friendly sensors, and impressive, long-lasting battery life that will get you through even the most demanding adventures
Where to Buy:Around $649 ($150 off) at Best Buy (with Trail Loop or Ocean Band) and Amazon (with Alpine Loop). Right now, this is where the real deal is for Ultra enthusiasts.
You can buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at Amazon with an Alpine Loop starting at $649 – that’s a fantastic $150 off its original price and matches its most recent Prime Day low
Best Buy also offers it at the same $649 price point with either a Trail Loop or an Ocean Band
These are incredible savings for a device that’s still a technological marvel. So, there you have it.
Whether you're chasing the bleeding edge of tech, seeking the best value for your money, or just looking for a reliable, feature-rich smartwatch without breaking the bank, there's an Apple Watch deal out there for you
As a consumer in Southeast Asia, where every purchase counts, these insights on balancing new features with proven performance and significant savings are more vital than ever
Remember, smart shopping means weighing the newest features against proven performance and substantial savings. Happy hunting – your wrist (and your wallet) will thank you.
