For the first time in history, Apple Watch models are selling at prices so low they’re rewriting the rules of holiday tech shopping. Starting at 12:00 a.m. PST on November 28, 2025, Walmart, Amazon, and Best Buy unleashed record-breaking discounts across the entire lineup—from the brand-new Michael Bizzaco of Tom's Guide calling it "the most aggressive Black Friday Apple has ever allowed." The Apple 2025 Shopping EventApple Store kicked off with deals that made even loyal fans do a double-take.
Record Prices on Older Models
The biggest surprise? The Apple Watch Series 10, a model released just a year ago, dropped to $279 at Walmart—the lowest price ever recorded for any Apple Watch in its generation. The deal applies to the 46mm Jet Black model with a matching black sport band. "There’s not a major difference between the newer Series 11 and this Series 10," Bizzaco told reporters. "If you’re upgrading from an older model, this is the steal of the decade."
Even more shocking was Walmart’s $129 price tag on the previous-generation Apple Watch SE. That’s $120 off its original $249 price. "At this low of a price, this deal won’t last long," Bizzaco warned. All three color options—Midnight, Starlight, and Silver—are available with sport bands included. TechRadar’s senior editor Jacqueline Moriyon called it "one of the cheapest Black Friday Apple Watch deals I’ve ever seen."
New Models Get Major Cuts Too
But Apple didn’t just discount last year’s hardware. The Apple Watch SE 3, released in September 2025, is now $199 at Amazon—$50 off its retail price. "While we typically don’t see good Black Friday Apple deals until the actual date," Moriyon noted, "this $50 discount on the new Apple Watch SE 3 is an excellent bargain." Good Housekeeping’s November 2025 roundup confirmed a 20% discount on the SE 3 across multiple retailers, making it one of the most consistently discounted smartwatches of the season.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 also saw historic drops. Normally $799, the GPS & Cellular 49mm model is now $599 at both Amazon and Best Buy—a $200 reduction. TechRadar labeled this a "record-low price," noting it’s even cheaper than last year’s Black Friday offer. The Ultra 2, which launched in September 2024, still boasts titanium casing, 36-hour battery life, and dual-frequency GPS. "This is the first time the Ultra line has dipped below $600," said Bizzaco. "It’s no longer a luxury item—it’s a value proposition."
Apple’s Own Gift Card Game
While retailers slashed prices, Apple played its own hand. During its Apple 2025 Shopping EventApple Store, customers who buy the Apple Watch Series 11 or Apple Watch SE 3 get a $50 Apple Gift Card. That’s on top of any retailer discount. The promotion runs through December 1, 2025, and applies to both online and in-store purchases. Apple also extended the gift card offer to AirPods Max, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4—with up to $75 in credit depending on the bundle.
Why Now? The Strategy Behind the Discounts
Industry analysts say this isn’t just about holiday sales—it’s about market positioning. With Wear OS devices gaining traction and Fitbit pushing into premium health tracking, Apple needed to make its entry-level watches irresistible. "The SE line is now Apple’s gateway drug to the ecosystem," said tech analyst Lena Park of Consumer Intelligence Research Partners. "If you can get someone into a $129 Apple Watch, they’re far more likely to buy an AirPods Pro or Apple Fitness+ subscription later."
Even the Ultra 3, Apple’s newest flagship launched in September 2025 with 42-hour battery life and satellite communication, is being pushed through bundling. While it hasn’t dropped below $749 yet, retailers are offering free bands or AppleCare+ extensions with purchase. "The Ultra 3 isn’t being discounted because it doesn’t need to be," said Bizzaco. "It’s the halo product. The real winners are the SE and Series 10."
What’s Next? The Ripple Effect
These deals aren’t just changing how people buy watches—they’re reshaping the entire wearable market. Competitors like Samsung and Garmin are scrambling to match the discounts, with Samsung announcing a $100 cut on its Galaxy Watch 7 this week. Meanwhile, Apple’s stock rose 1.8% the day after the deals went live, signaling investor confidence in the strategy.
"Black Friday Apple Watch deals are making it more accessible than ever to upgrade your current smartwatch or buy an Apple Watch for the first time," Bizzaco said. "We’re not just selling devices anymore. We’re selling access to a lifestyle."
What to Watch Before Midnight
Stock is already running thin on the $129 SE and $279 Series 10. Walmart’s inventory updates hourly, and Amazon’s lightning deals disappear in minutes. Experts recommend setting up price alerts on Honey or CamelCamelCamel. If you’re buying for someone else, consider the SE 3—it’s new, affordable, and comes with the latest watchOS 11 features like advanced sleep apnea detection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple Watch Series 10 still worth buying over the Series 11?
Yes—if you’re on a budget. The Series 10 and Series 11 share the same S9 chip, heart rate monitor, and crash detection. The only real upgrades in the Series 11 are a slightly brighter screen and a new temperature sensor. At $279, the Series 10 saves you $120 with virtually no functional loss. For most users, it’s the smarter buy.
Why is the Apple Watch SE priced so low?
Apple intentionally keeps the SE line simple: no ECG, no always-on display, but it still has fall detection, GPS, and water resistance. At $129, it’s cheaper than many fitness trackers. Apple uses it as an entry point to lock users into its ecosystem—once you own one, you’re more likely to buy AirPods, an iPhone, or subscribe to Apple Fitness+.
Are these deals available in stores or just online?
All major deals are available both online and in physical stores at Walmart, Amazon (via Amazon-owned Whole Foods and Apple kiosks), and Best Buy. However, in-store inventory is limited and often sells out within hours. Best Buy’s website shows real-time stock levels, so checking before heading out is highly recommended.
Does the $50 Apple Gift Card stack with retailer discounts?
Yes. If you buy an Apple Watch Series 11 or SE 3 directly from Apple’s website during the Shopping Event, you get the $50 gift card on top of any retailer discount you may have used elsewhere. For example, if you bought the SE 3 from Amazon for $199 and then used Apple’s gift card, you’d effectively pay $149. The gift card can be used for accessories, apps, or future Apple purchases.
What’s the best Apple Watch for first-time buyers in 2025?
The Apple Watch SE 3 at $199 is the top pick. It’s the newest model with updated sensors, watchOS 11, and Apple’s latest health features—including sleep apnea alerts and temperature tracking. It’s also more reliable than the older SE, and the $50 discount makes it a rare value. For those who want fitness tracking without the Ultra’s bulk, this is the sweet spot.
Will prices drop further after Black Friday?
Unlikely. Historically, Apple’s lowest prices come during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. After December 1, the SE 3 and Series 10 will likely return to $249 and $379 respectively. The Ultra 2 may see minor drops during Cyber Week, but nothing near the $200 savings seen now. If you’re waiting for a better deal, you’re probably waiting forever.
