if you completed a workout but didn’t track it with a wearable, does it still count? Yes, it does. But if you’re trying to optimize your exercise routine and up the ante on your progress, then a smartwatch is an excellent gadget to use. If you’re an iPhone user, the Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are the top three picks in our guide to the Best Apple Watches. And, each one is currently on sale for Prime Day. The discount will vary depending on the color option and size of each model, but you’ll find the Series 9 for as low as $252 ($147 off), the SE for $150 ($99 off), and the Apple Watch Ultra for $700 ($99 off). These are the lowest prices we’ve seen for these smartwatches.
Apple Watch Series 9 Deal
The Series 9 (7/10, WIRED Review) doesn’t come with any major changes compared with its predecessor, but there are a few noteworthy upgrades. It comes with a brighter display (you’ll get 2,000 nits of brightness compared to 1,000 on the Series 8), faster performance thanks to the latest S9 chipset, and improved battery life. It also has the new Double Tap feature, which triggers functions like hanging up a call, dismissing an alarm, and playing music by simply tapping your index finger and thumb together. It’ll support watchOS 11 too (coming later this year), giving you access to new features like the Training Load algorithm to measure performance improvements and the Vitals app to track health metrics at a glance. However, it’s important to note that due to a patent dispute, Apple has disabled the blood oxygen sensor on models sold directly through its stores. But if you’re buying it through Amazon, you’ll find the best deals on the Red (which is currently at $252) and Midnight colorways in the 41-mm size.
Apple Watch SE Deal
The Apple Watch SE is the best option for most people. It’s an entry-level wearable that packs all the basic fitness tracking features. It’s also a great option if you don’t need the fancier capabilities like checking your blood oxygen or skin temperature. But with the S8 chip, you’ll have access to additional features like Crash Detection (to call your emergency contact and emergency responders if you’ve been in a car accident), the redesigned Compass app, and support for international roaming. It’s compatible with the aforementioned watchOS 11 as well, so you’ll be able to use features like the Vitals app and the Training Load algorithm. It’s worth noting that while all colors are on sale (in both sizes), the lowest price applies to the Midnight color with the 40-mm case size.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Deal
The second-generation Ultra (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is our favorite smartwatch for outdoor sports. It has an onboard precision dual-frequency GPS system and the ability to access offline maps (as long as you download them on your iPhone and it’s within Bluetooth range of the watch), and it also displays your cycling session as a Live Activity on your iPhone. As with the first-generation version, there’s also an Action button—which you can use to start Backtrack, Apple’s navigation feature that creates virtual breadcrumb trails via the Compass app that you can follow to get back home. As with the Series 9, it also comes equipped with the latest S9 chip, so you’ll get faster processing power, the Double Tap feature, and a new ultra-wideband chip with enhanced precision finding features (if you lose your iPhone somewhere around the house, it’ll pinpoint it and lead you to it). This is also the lowest price we’ve tracked for the Ultra 2 so far.
Apple Watch Accessory Deals
Whether you’re buying an Apple Watch or you already have one, it’s a great device to accessorize. Lucky for you, we’ve tested a bunch. Below, you’ll find a variety of deals on a few of our favorite options.
