Black Friday is a major shopping event that occurs the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, which is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. Typically falls between November 23 and 29. It marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season and is known for massive sales and discounts offered by retailers both in-store and online. Here’s what you should know about it:
In this article, we’ll dive into the best Apple Watch deals you can expect this year, covering the latest models, budget options, and where to find them. From discounts on the Apple Watch SE 2 to deals on the premium Apple Watch Ultra 2, there’s something for every need and budget.
Why is Black Friday a Great Time to Buy an Apple Watch?
Black Friday is an ideal time to snag Apple Watch deals for several reasons. Apple typically releases new models in the fall, which means older versions, like the Apple Watch Series 9, are often heavily discounted to make room for the new ones. Retailers get aggressive with their discounts during this period, making it the best time of year to buy a smartwatch at a reduced price. Additionally, you’ll find great discounts across a range of models, whether you’re shopping for an entry-level option or a high-end fitness-focused model.
Best Black Friday Apple Watch Deals 2024
1. Apple Watch SE 2 (2nd Gen)
If you’re on the hunt for an affordable yet feature-packed smartwatch, the Apple Watch SE 2 is your best bet. This model provides the essential features of an Apple Watch, including sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, and fall detection, at a more budget-friendly price.
The 40mm GPS-only version typically retails for $249, but Black Friday deals are expected to cut this price by a significant margin. Discounts could bring it down to around $189, a savings of 24% or more
. The GPS + Cellular version, which allows you to make calls and send texts directly from your watch, might be available for $219 (down from $299)
. For those who want the latest in affordable fitness tech, this is a deal you don’t want to miss.
2. Apple Watch Series 9
The Apple Watch Series 9, released in late 2023, features a stunning 2000-nit OLED display, the new Apple S9 chip, and upgraded health features like improved sleep tracking and medication reminders. If you’re looking for a mid-range option that delivers on performance, this model is hard to beat.
This Black Friday, the 41mm GPS-only model will likely see a significant price drop, expected to be around $329 (down from $399)
. The GPS + Cellular version (45mm) could be available for as low as $329, a 23% discount from its original price of $429
. The Series 9 delivers a great balance of advanced features without the ultra-premium price tag of the Ultra 2.
3. Apple Watch Ultra 2
For those who are serious about fitness, extreme sports, or simply want the best that Apple has to offer, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the standout choice. This watch boasts a 49mm display, advanced GPS tracking, and up to 36 hours of battery life in demanding conditions. It’s also built to withstand extreme environments with features like waterproofing up to 100 meters and recreational scuba support
However, the Ultra 2 comes with a hefty price tag, normally starting at $799. During Black Friday, you can expect savings of around $100, bringing it down to $699
. While the Ultra 2 won’t see deep discounts like the SE 2 or Series 9, this deal is worth considering if you’re after the most rugged and capable smartwatch Apple makes.
4. Apple Watch Series 8
Released in 2022, the Apple Watch Series 8 still remains a popular choice for those seeking a slightly older model that still offers advanced features like ECG monitoring, temperature sensing (helpful for women’s health), and crash detection. While the Series 8 has been overshadowed by the newer Series 9, it’s still an excellent smartwatch with a slightly more affordable price tag.
Expect the 41mm GPS model to be available for around $299 (down from $399), and the 45mm GPS + Cellular version could see discounts of up to $100, potentially bringing it to around $429
. The Series 8 offers strong value for those who want key health features but don’t need the latest chip or display improvements in the Series
5. Apple Watch Series 7
The Apple Watch Series 7 is another solid option for those who want a reliable smartwatch at a lower price. Featuring an always-on display, fast charging, and heart rate monitoring, the Series 7 still packs a punch despite being a couple of years old.
On Black Friday, you can often find this model for $229 for the 41mm GPS version (originally $399)
. If you’re not concerned about having the most recent tech, the Series 7 offers an incredible deal for a high-quality smartwatch.
Where to Find the Best Black Friday Apple Watch Deals
Amazon
Amazon is known for offering some of the best deals on tech during Black Friday. Expect the Apple Watch SE 2 and Series 9 to see significant price drops. In previous years, Amazon has also bundled deals that include AppleCare or accessories with Apple Watch purchases
Best Buy
Best Buy is another retailer that consistently offers fantastic Black Friday deals on Apple products. They typically offer great discounts on both the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, and sometimes even bundle them with gift cards or additional accessories
. Best Buy’s deals are well-known for including extended warranties and special financing offers.
Target
Target also participates heavily in Black Friday sales and is known for offering store-specific discounts on Apple Watches. If you’re a Target Circle member, you can also stack these deals with extra savings or coupons
Walmart
Walmart often beats other retailers when it comes to cutting prices on older models like the Apple Watch SE 2 and Series 8. If you’re looking for an unbeatable deal, Walmart is likely to have the best price on these models during Black Friday.
Tips for Scoring the Best Deals
- Act Early: Black Friday deals don’t always wait until the big day. Be prepared to take advantage of early bird discounts in early November
- Set Alerts: Some retailers offer price drop notifications, so setting up alerts for specific Apple Watch models can help you catch the best deals.
- Consider Refurbished Models: If you’re open to a slightly pre-owned model, Apple’s official refurbish store offers warranty-backed refurbished Apple Watches at a reduced price.
- Look for Bundles: Keep an eye out for bundles that include accessories like charging stands, bands, or AppleCare. These bundles can add significant value to your purchase, especially during Black Friday.
Conclusion
Black Friday 2024 is an exciting time to shop for an Apple Watch, with discounts available across the full range of models. Whether you’re looking for an entry-level smartwatch like the Apple Watch SE 2, a high-performance model like the Apple Watch Series 9, or a rugged Ultra 2 for extreme sports, you’re likely to find a deal that fits your needs. Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target will all have major sales, so be sure to keep an eye on the prices and act quickly to secure the best deal. Happy shopping!