Black Friday is one of the biggest sales periods of the year, with deals to be had on pretty much everything - including the Apple Watch. Courtesy of an incredible deal, the Series 3 now starts from just $129 from Walmart.
But discounts have rolled in on the entire Apple Watch range, from the Series 3, Series 4 and Series 5. Another headline-grabbing $300 discount on the Apple Watch Series 4 is available from Best Buy, for example.
Black Friday Apple Watch deals highlights (12/2)
These are currently the best Apple Watch deals you can pick up right this very moment. Amazon has just dropped the first major discount on the Series 5.
- Apple Watch Series 5 40mm GPS - $354.99 (Save $44, Amazon)
- Apple Watch Series 3 38mm GPS/Cellular - $229 (Save $70, Walmart)
- Apple Watch Series 4 44mm GPS/Cellular - $449.99 (Save $80, Target)
Best Apple Watch Black Friday deals
Amazon has surprised us with a substantial $44 saving on the Apple Watch Series 5. First off, there's $20 off, but you'll also save a further $24.01 at checkout bringing this down to just $354.99. This same $44.01 discount applies to the 44mm if you prefer the larger option, too.
The Apple Watch Series 3 may be available from a starting price of $199 directly from Apple, but that's just for the GPS version. If you want the variation with cellular capabilities, that typically comes with a $100 premium - but not with this deal. You can pick up the Series 3 with the privilege of LTE coverage on this particular model for a whopping saving of $70.
You might not be able to make a bigger saving on an Apple Watch model throughout the whole of Black Friday.
As for the Apple Watch Series 4, there's a massive saving on the GPS + Cellular model from Best Buy that takes a phenomenal $300 off.
If you don't want LTE, you can pick up a standard GPS 40mm model for just $329 - a saving of $40.
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Which Apple Watch is right for you?
The differences between Apple Watch models are most prominent if you compare the Apple Watch Series 3 to later models, with it being the last generation to have 38mm and 42mm sizes.
From the Apple Watch Series 4 onwards, Apple moved to larger 40mm and 44mm sizes, but shaved down the bezel around the display so the physical size of the watch is practically the same. The resolution of the Series 4 and Series 5 are also higher than that of the Series 3.
The newer Series 4 and Series 5 also add the ability to take ECG readings to detect abnormal heart rhythm and the internals are also upgraded with better performance.
Other benefits include a louder built-in speaker, which is useful for using Siri to read back information and fall detection.
Read more: Apple Watch Series 3 vs Series 4 | Apple Watch Series 4 vs Series 5
The big change going from the Series 4 to the Series 5 is the latest model adds in the option for an always-on display. This means the can still display the time and basic complications even when the Watch is in standby mode.
The latest model also includes a compass for the first time. That means improved navigation for certain apps alongside the GPS.
With all Apple Watch models, there are also different variations with differing materials such as ceramic or stainless steel. These can cost more than the standard, so keep that in mind when comparing prices. Similarly, different bands command different prices. A Milanese Loop band is far pricier than a garden variety sport band, for example. Make sure you're not comparing apples to oranges.
Finally, for any Apple Watch from Series 3 onwards, you also have to consider if you want the Cellular model. This provides LTE connectivity, meaning your Apple Watch has its own data connection. This means you don't need to have your iPhone with you to make and receive calls or messages.
So if you fancy going for a run, with music loaded up on your Apple Watch and a pair of AirPods in your ears, you don't have to worry about people not being able to reach you. With Apple Pay onboard, you're also still able to make contactless payments so you can leave your wallet behind, too.
Keep in mind you'll have to take out a separate contract for your Apple Watch, so look into this with your provider before parting with your cash.
Already, Walmart has put the Apple Watch Series 3 Cellular model on sale for just $199. That means you have the option for always-on connectivity for the same price as the regular GPS-only model.
Needless to say, all Apple Watch models will appeal depending on what your needs are alongside how much you're willing to spend.
The Apple Watch Series 3, for considerably less than $200, could well prove the most popular Black Friday Apple Watch deal.
When is Apple Watch Black Friday 2019?
Black Friday 2019 this year will fall on 29 November, but it's worth remembering that Black Friday has grown beyond a single day event. We would mark out Monday 25 November through to Monday 2 December (Cyber Monday) in your calendars at the bare minimum if you really want to grab an Apple Watch Black Friday deal.
As so many retailers now look to compete for your wallet, the discount wars increasingly start early. We've already seen some back and forth in early November - and some of those early savings are available below - but the biggest discounts tend to be over the Black Friday weekend.
The one risk in waiting it out is that there’s only so much stock to go around, however, and you may miss out.
We’ll be keeping this page updated with the very best Apple Watch Black deals for Black Friday 2019 right through to Cyber Monday 2019, so continue checking back for more savings.
Where will you find Apple Watch Black Friday deals?
In the US, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart and Target have always been the biggest hitters when it comes to Apple Watch savings. In the UK, we would again keep an eye on Amazon, alongside John Lewis, Currys PC World and Argos.
Ironically, Apple direct has historically not been a particularly good hunting ground for Apple Watch bargains. That is unless you were picking up an iPhone at the same time. The best we’ve tended to see from the Cupertino firm is a free gift card when purchasing an Apple Watch and occasionally free bundled straps.
What Apple Watch Black Friday deals to avoid
Be particularly wary of picking up a grey import. These are products imported from abroad, such as from Hong Kong or China, and sold outside their intended territory.
These can occasionally get you a cheaper price, but you can miss out on warranty protection, so it might not be worth it if you encounter any problems. You also might have to pay customs charges upon delivery and face a long wait for it to arrive.
Stick to reputable retailers in general. Keep an eye out for new sites that might crop up during Black Friday to take advantage of bargain hunters. Consider paying for your Apple Watch on a credit card as well if your bank provides additional buyer protection.
Now that you're up to date on Apple Watch Black Friday, all that's left is for the big sale event to kick off so be sure to check back during November. Happy hunting.
For more of our Black Friday 2019 content, check out our other articles:
- Smartwatch Black Friday 2019
- Apple AirPods Black Friday
- Fitbit Black Friday
- Garmin Black Friday
- Fossil Black Friday
- Samsung Black Friday
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How we test
Before joining Wareable, Richard was Wearables and Fitness editor and then commercial content editor at Trusted Reviews.
He's also written for Expert Reviews and Computer Shopper magazine, covering every aspect of the tech world.
Richard still reviews tech to this day, with a particularly keen interest in where wearables are going around strength performance and conditioning.
He's now your go to writer for all of the best deals and discounts. You'll otherwise find him powerlifting in a gym somewhere.