Should I buy an Apple Watch now or wait? Best time to buy an Apple Watch in 2026
Apple updates the Apple Watch almost every year, usually at its September iPhone event, so timing your purchase can make a big difference. As of July 2026, the current lineup – the Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3 and SE 3 – has been on sale since September 2025, which means we’re approaching the point when Apple is expected to introduce new models.
If you’re reading this during the summer, our advice is simple: unless you find an exceptional deal, wait until the new watches launch in September. You’ll then have the choice of buying the latest model or picking up the previous generation at a reduced price.
If you don’t need a watch immediately, it’s also worth considering the major sales events that follow Apple’s launch. Retailers consistently offer their biggest Apple Watch discounts during Amazon Prime Day (July and October) and Black Friday in November. During Prime Day in June 2026, for example, we saw discounts ranging from $50 to $120 on current models.
One factor to watch this year is pricing. Apple increased the prices of Macs and iPads in June 2026, but left the Apple Watch unchanged. Some analysts believe Apple could introduce a modest $30–$50 price increase alongside the next generation because of higher component costs. However, unlike Macs and iPads, there is currently little evidence that an Apple Watch price hike is imminent, making unchanged pricing the more likely outcome.
In this guide, we’ll explain whether you should buy an Apple Watch now or wait, the best times of year to find the biggest discounts, and how to avoid paying full price just before a new model arrives.
Should I buy an Apple Watch now? At a glance
| Watch | Apple Watch SE 3 (Best Value) | Apple Watch Series 11 (Best for Most) | Apple Watch Ultra 3 (Best for Adventurers) |
| Advice | Buy (update not expected yet) | Wait | Wait |
| Starting Price | $249/£219 | $399/£369 | $799/£749 |
| Key Health Sensors | Heart rate, Sleep tracking, Fall Detection | ECG, Blood Oxygen, Temperature, Hypertension alerts | All Series 11 sensors, plus Dive computer |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 24 hours | Up to 42 hours (72 in Low Power Mode) |
| Best For | Budget-conscious users who want core features and iPhone integration | Everyday users wanting the best balance of features, health tracking, and price | Athletes, hikers, and divers needing maximum durability, GPS, and battery life |
Buy an Apple Watch now if…
Mahmoud Itani / Foundry
Buying now makes sense if you need an Apple Watch for health monitoring, fitness, travel, or as a gift and can’t wait until September. It’s also worth buying if you find a good deal—discounts of $50 to $100 or more on the Series 11 or Ultra 3 make them excellent value, while the Apple Watch SE 3 – which isn’t expected to be updated in 2026 – remains a great budget option at $249.
You should consider buying now if:
- Your current Apple Watch no longer supports the latest version of watchOS.
- You’re upgrading from an Apple Watch Series 6 or earlier. Newer models offer faster performance, better battery life, brighter displays and significantly improved health features.
- You want the latest Apple ecosystem features, including Apple Intelligence-powered capabilities available through your iPhone.
- You’ll benefit from the health and safety features. Apple Watch can monitor your heart rate, record ECGs, measure blood oxygen and wrist temperature, track sleep, and alert you to irregular heart rhythms, signs of sleep apnea, and other potential health issues. It also includes Fall Detection, Crash Detection and Emergency SOS, which can automatically contact emergency services if needed.
- You’re looking for fitness motivation. Activity Rings, workout tracking and coaching make the Apple Watch one of the best fitness companions available and can help build healthier habits.
- Your current watch’s battery no longer lasts a full day.
- You need one before a holiday, trip or special event.
- You find a discount of $50–$100 or more, especially during a major sale.
Don’t buy an Apple Watch now if…
For most people, waiting is the smarter choice. Apple is expected to unveil new Apple Watch models in September, so buying at full price now means your watch could be superseded within weeks. If you can wait, you’ll have the choice of buying the latest model or picking up the current generation at a discount.
You should wait if:
- A new Apple Watch launch is only weeks away. Apple’s next generation is expected to arrive in September, making this one of the worst times of year to pay full price.
- You’re waiting for the biggest discounts. The best Apple Watch deals typically arrive during the October Prime Big Deal Days and Black Friday in November. After the September launch, retailers also discount the previous generation.
- You already own a Series 10 or Series 11. The Series 11 is only a modest upgrade over its predecessor, so there’s little reason to replace a recent model.
- You’re interested in rumored new health features. If Apple introduces new sensors or health capabilities this year, you’ll regret buying just before they’re announced.
- You’re hoping prices will fall. Even if the new models launch at the same price, the current generation is likely to become cheaper once replacements arrive.
- You’re considering buying an older or used Apple Watch. watchOS 27 dropped support for several older models, including the Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, SE (2nd generation) and the original Ultra, leaving them without the latest features and future software updates.
- You use an Android phone. Apple Watch only works with an iPhone.
- You’re looking at the Apple Watch SE 3 but want advanced health features. The SE lacks features such as ECG and blood oxygen monitoring found on the premium models.
Should I buy the Apple Watch Series 11?
Best Prices Today:
Should you buy: Wait (if you can until September)
The Apple Watch Series 11 is the best all-round Apple Watch for most people, combining Apple’s most complete health features with longer battery life and a refined design. Introduced in September 2025, it isn’t a dramatic upgrade over the Series 10, but it does add a 24-hour battery life, a more scratch-resistant display, 5G on cellular models, and blood pressure monitoring.
If you’re buying your first Apple Watch or upgrading from an older model, the Series 11 is an excellent choice. However, with new models expected this September, it’s worth waiting if you can.
Buy the Apple Watch Series 11 if:
- You’re upgrading from a Series 7 or earlier.
- You want Apple’s most complete health features, including ECG, blood oxygen, heart-rate monitoring, temperature sensing, blood pressure alerts, sleep apnea notifications and Sleep Score.
- You want a 24-hour battery, the longest on a standard Apple Watch.
- You value premium features such as the brighter, more durable display and 5G connectivity on cellular models.
Don’t buy the Apple Watch Series 11 if:
- You already own a Series 9 or Series 10. The improvements are relatively modest, making it hard to justify the upgrade.
- You can wait until September, when Apple is expected to launch the next generation and retailers are likely to discount the Series 11.
- You’re shopping on a tighter budget. The Apple Watch SE 3 delivers the core Apple Watch experience for around $150 less, making it the better value for many buyers.
Our verdict: The Series 11 is Apple’s best all-round smartwatch, but it’s also one of the hardest to recommend right now because it’s so close to the end of its product cycle. If you’re coming from a much older Apple Watch, it’s a worthwhile upgrade—especially if you find it on sale. If you own a Series 9 or 10, or can wait a few weeks, you’re better off holding out for the next generation or taking advantage of post-launch discounts.
Read our full
Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm) review
Should I buy the Apple Watch SE 3?
Best Prices Today:
Should you buy: Buy (we aren’t expecting this to be updated in September)
The Apple Watch SE 3 is the best-value Apple Watch in the lineup and the model we’d recommend for most iPhone users. Announced in September 2025, it brought many features that were previously reserved for Apple’s premium watches, including an always-on display, temperature sensing, fast charging and the S10 chip found in the Series 11 and Ultra 3.
If you don’t need Apple’s most advanced health sensors, the SE 3 delivers almost everything that makes the Apple Watch great at a much lower price. It starts at $249 / £219, although we’ve already seen it discounted to $199 during major sales.
Buy the Apple Watch SE 3 if:
- You want the best-value Apple Watch.
- You’re buying your first smartwatch.
- You mainly want fitness tracking, notifications and Apple’s core smartwatch features.
- You want safety features such as Fall Detection, Crash Detection and heart-rate alerts.
- You’re buying for a child or older family member, particularly the cellular model.
Don’t buy the Apple Watch SE 3 if:
- You need ECG or blood oxygen monitoring, which are only available on the Series 11 and Ultra 3.
- You want the brightest display and most premium design—the SE 3 still has thicker bezels than the flagship models.
- You need longer battery life. The SE 3 is rated for 18 hours, compared with 24 hours for the Series 11.
- You’re happy to spend more for Apple’s most advanced health and fitness features.
Our verdict: The Apple Watch SE 3 is an outstanding budget smartwatch. Its always-on display, S10 processor, fast charging and improved health features make it a huge step up from the SE 2. Unless you specifically need ECG, blood oxygen monitoring or the longer battery life of the Series 11, the SE 3 is the Apple Watch we’d recommend to most buyers.
Read our full
Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm) review
Should I buy the Apple Watch Ultra 3?
Best Prices Today:
Should you buy: Wait (if you can until September)
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is Apple’s most capable smartwatch, designed for adventurers, endurance athletes and anyone who wants maximum battery life and durability. Introduced in September 2025, it builds on the Ultra 2 with longer battery life, faster charging, 5G connectivity, Emergency SOS via satellite and a tougher, brighter display.
It isn’t a huge redesign, but if you spend a lot of time outdoors, it’s the best Apple Watch you can buy.
Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 3 if:
- You’re an outdoor enthusiast, hiker, diver or endurance athlete.
- You want the longest battery life of any Apple Watch—up to 42 hours (or 72 hours in Low Power Mode).
- You need Apple’s most rugged design, with a 49mm titanium case, sapphire crystal display, 100m water resistance and dive features.
- You’ll benefit from Emergency SOS via satellite, 5G cellular and dual-frequency GPS for reliable navigation.
- You’re upgrading from an Apple Watch Series 8 or earlier and want Apple’s most advanced smartwatch.
Don’t buy the Apple Watch Ultra 3 if:
- You already own an Apple Watch Ultra 2. The improvements are relatively minor, with the biggest additions being satellite connectivity, 5G and longer battery life.
- You don’t need the extra durability or outdoor features. The Series 11 offers almost all of Apple’s health features for much less.
- You’re on a budget. At $799, it’s Apple’s most expensive watch, even though discounts have brought it closer to $649 during sales.
- You have smaller wrists or prefer a lighter watch. The 49mm case is noticeably larger and heavier than the standard Apple Watch models.
- You’re a serious endurance athlete who needs advanced training metrics and weeks of battery life. Dedicated sports watches from Garmin may be a better fit.
Our verdict: The Ultra 3 is the best Apple Watch Apple has ever made, but it’s also the most specialised. For most people, the Series 11 or SE 3 offers better value. If you need exceptional battery life, ruggedness and off-grid safety features, the Ultra 3 is worth the premium—but with a new generation expected in September, waiting a few weeks is the smarter move.
Read our full
Apple Watch Ultra 3 review
Should I buy an older Apple Watch?
Foundry
Buying an older Apple Watch can be a great way to save money, but in 2026 it’s important to choose carefully. The biggest consideration is software support. Apple will drop support for several older models when watchOS 27 launches, meaning they no longer receive the latest features and may eventually miss out on security updates.
If you want an older Apple Watch that will continue to receive the latest version of watchOS, look for a model with at least an S9 chip.
Avoid buying these models and anything older, unless you’re getting them at a very low price and don’t mind running older software:
- Apple Watch Series 6 (2020)
- Apple Watch Series 7 (2021)
- Apple Watch Series 8 (2022)
- Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, 2022)
- Apple Watch Ultra (1st generation, 2022)
For the best balance of price and longevity, look for a discounted Series 9, Series 10, or Ultra 2. These models still support the latest software, deliver excellent performance, and are likely to receive updates for several more years.
What to look for when buying an older Apple Watch
- Choose an S9 chip or newer for the longest software support.
- Buy refurbished if possible. Apple’s Certified Refurbished Store includes a one-year warranty, while reputable third-party refurbishers can also offer good value.
- Shop during major sales. Previous-generation Apple Watches often receive their biggest discounts during Prime Day and Black Friday.
- Check the battery and Activation Lock. If you’re buying used, confirm the battery is in good condition, inspect the watch for damage, and make sure Activation Lock has been removed before you buy.
| Model | Key Advantage | Why It’s a Good Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 10 | Nearly identical to the Series 11 | The Series 11 was a very minor update. As one review put it, the Series 11 has “the almost total lack of upgrades from last year” . You can save a lot by getting the Series 10 instead. |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Rugged, long battery, great price | The Ultra 3 was also an incremental update. A review of the Ultra 3 noted that “unless you really need its exclusive features – of which there are few – its predecessor will make for a better value purchase” . |
| Apple Watch Series 9 | The oldest model with full support | This is the oldest model that still runs watchOS 27. It’s a solid choice if you find a great deal, but it’s getting older. |
When is the best time to buy an Apple Watch?
The best time to buy an Apple Watch depends on whether you want the newest model or the lowest price.
If you want the latest Apple Watch, the best times to buy are Amazon Prime Day (July and October) and Black Friday (November). These sales often include discounts on current-generation models, even just weeks after launch. During Prime Day 2026, for example, we saw savings of $50 to $120 on the latest Apple Watches.
If you’re happy with the previous generation, another excellent opportunity comes immediately after Apple’s September launch event. Apple typically unveils new Apple Watch models each September, prompting retailers to reduce prices on older models to clear inventory.
This year, pricing is another consideration. Apple raised Mac and iPad prices in June 2026 but left the Apple Watch unchanged. While some analysts expect a modest price increase for the next generation, there is currently little evidence of a significant hike. Waiting until September should give you more choice without necessarily costing you more.
When shouldn’t you buy an Apple Watch?
Avoid buying an Apple Watch:
- Just before Apple’s September event, unless you need one immediately.
- At full price when a major sale is only days away, such as Prime Day or Black Friday.
- Without comparing prices. Check multiple retailers and use price-tracking tools such as CamelCamelCamel to avoid inflated “sale” prices.
- If you’re paying extra for cellular but don’t need it. Cellular Apple Watch typically cost around $100 more and require a monthly data plan, while the GPS model offers better value for most people.
- If battery life is your top priority. Apple Watch battery life still trails some competing smartwatches, so you may prefer an alternative platform if multi-day battery life is essential.
| Best time to buy | Why |
|---|---|
| Prime Day (July/October) | Best deals on current-generation models. |
| Black Friday (November) | Consistently some of the lowest prices of the year. |
| After the September launch | Previous-generation models receive substantial discounts. |
| Worst time: August to early September | New Apple Watches are expected within weeks. |
Best Apple Watch prices
Check below to find the best price we are seeing right now for each configuration compared to the best price we have ever seen and the full price.
U.S. deals
U.K. deals
Where to find the best Apple Watch deals
IDG
Apple rarely discounts the Apple Watch itself, so the best deals are usually found at third-party retailers – we check these every month and record the best deals here: Top Apple Watch discounts & deals – Big savings on all models.
Best places to buy: Amazon is consistently one of the best places to find Apple Watch discounts, particularly during major sales. Other good options in the U.S. include Best Buy, Walmart, Target and Costco. In the U.K., check Amazon, Currys, Argos, John Lewis and KRCS.
Shop during major sales: The biggest discounts typically arrive during Amazon Prime Day (July and October) and Black Friday/Cyber Monday (November). Savings of $100–$150 on current-generation models are common. During Prime Day 2026, for example, the Apple Watch Series 11 fell to $279 ($120 off) and the Ultra 3 dropped to $649 ($150 off).
Check for education discounts: Students, teachers and education staff may qualify for discounted Apple Watch pricing through Apple’s Education Store U.S. (and Education Store U.K.). For more information read our guide to how to get a student discount at the Apple Education Store.
Tip: Before buying, compare prices across several retailers and check the recent price history with a tool such as CamelCamelCamel to make sure you’re getting a genuine deal rather than a temporary “discount” from an inflated price.
Is it worth buying a refurbished Apple Watch?
Buying a refurbished Apple Watch is another great way to save money, provided you buy from a reputable seller and choose a model that will continue to receive software updates.
Apple’s Certified Refurbished Store is the safest option. Every watch undergoes rigorous testing, cleaning and inspection, comes with a one-year warranty, includes new accessories, and is eligible for AppleCare. Apart from the plain white box, it’s difficult to tell the difference between a refurbished Apple Watch and a brand-new one. You can typically save around 15% on recent models, with even bigger discounts on older generations.
The best Apple Watch refurbished deals:
Apple’s U.S. Refurbished Store has Apple Watch Series 11, 10 and 9, SE 3, SE 2, Ultra 2 and Ultra 3.
Apple’s U.K. Refurbished Store has Apple Watch Series 11, 10 and 9, SE 2, SE 3 and Ultra 3.
Third-party refurbishers can also offer excellent value, but quality varies. Terms such as “Excellent” or “Grade A”aren’t standardised, so always check the seller’s warranty, return policy and battery condition before buying. Be aware that Amazon Renewed devices, for example, aren’t refurbished to Apple’s standards and may not include a new battery or replacement parts.
The other key consideration is software support. Older Apple Watches eventually stop receiving new versions of watchOS, so avoid buying a model that’s nearing the end of its supported life. For the best balance of price and longevity, look for a Series 9, Series 10 or Ultra 2. These models still support the latest software and should continue receiving updates for several years.
A refurbished Apple Watch can be one of the best values in Apple’s lineup – as long as you buy from a trusted seller and don’t choose a model that’s too old.
Read: Should I buy a refurbished Apple Watch? for more information.
FAQ
Should I wait for the next Apple Watch?
If you can wait a few weeks, the answer is probably yes. Apple is expected to unveil the Apple Watch Series 12, Ultra 4and possibly a new Apple Watch SE in September 2026, in line with its annual release schedule.
Waiting gives you more options: you can buy the latest models if the new features appeal to you, or take advantage of discounts on the current generation once retailers begin clearing stock.
How long does Apple support an Apple Watch?
Apple has traditionally supported Apple Watches with major watchOS updates for around five to six years, but that changed with watchOS 27, announced at WWDC 2026.
Apple dropped support for five older models in a single release:
- Apple Watch Series 6 (2020)
- Apple Watch Series 7 (2021)
- Apple Watch Series 8 (2022)
- Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, 2022)
- Apple Watch Ultra (1st generation, 2022)
As a result, watchOS 27 only supports Apple Watches with an S9 chip or later, starting with the Apple Watch Series 9. While Apple may continue to provide security updates for older models for a limited time, they no longer receive new watchOS features.
The change makes software support a much more important consideration when buying an older or refurbished Apple Watch. If you want the longest possible lifespan, choose a model with an S9 chip or newer.
