Essentials

Apple Watch price tracker: When to buy the Apple Watch 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and more

By Kaylyn McKenna, Brittany Vincent

Edited By Lily Rose

Updated on: September 27, 2023 / 1:16 PM EDT / Essentials

CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.

Ready for a new Apple Watch? You might be in luck. We've been tracking Apple Watch prices and it's a great time to pull the trigger on a variety of Apple Watch models. Apple just unveiled the Apple Watch 9, which features a brighter screen and new chip. The new model has sparked some major clearance discounts on existing models, including the bestselling Apple Watch 8.

Related: How we choose the best products for your home, work and life

Apple Watches aren't cheap, so it's smart to wait until you can find one on sale. To help, we've compiled this Apple Watch price tracker so that you strike when the deals are hot and score the best price on the coveted smart watch.

The experts at CBS Essentials analyzed historical pricing data on the top Apple Watch models using CamelCamelCamel to uncover key data patterns and help you find the best time to buy. Ready for a new Apple Watch 8 or Apple Watch Ultra? As it turns out, now is the perfect time to buy. Learn more ahead.

When to buy the Apple Watch Series 9

The new Apple Watch Series 9 offers the versatility and functionality most people want from their smartwatch. It can be ordered right now for immediate shipment. Once again, there are two case size options -– 41mm and 45mm –- and multiple casing color options including starlight, midnight, silver and (Product)RED. You can also choose between several different case material options (all of which are waterproof). The aluminum option, for example, also now comes in pink. All run the WatchOS 10 operating system which comes preinstalled on the watch, along with a collection of apps.

One of the biggest improvements to Apple Watch Series 9 is the introduction of the Apple S9 SiP chip. It improves the speed, battery life and functionality of the watch. For example, it now supports a double-tap gesture that makes it easier to control the watch with just one hand. The new chip also improves how the watch gathers and analyzes data from the accelerometer, gyroscope and optical heart sensor.

Key Features of the Apple Watch Series 9

It runs using Apple's new S9 chip and a 4-core Neural Engine.
You get 29% more accuracy using the watch's dictation feature and Siri.
All of the new Apple Watches support additional gestures for controlling the watch. For example, tap your thumb and forefinger together to answer or end calls.
The Series 9 watch now offers an up to an 18 hour battery life.
Enjoy an always-on Retina display that's twice as bright as the Apple Watch 8 (up to 2,000 nits).
Some Siri commands and requests are now handled on-device and don't require an Internet connection.
The new Smart Stack feature makes accessing information faster and easier on the watch's display.
New integrated watch faces include Snoopy, Palette and Solar Analog. There's also a new Nike watch face.
The Live Activity feature now tracks more activities, including cycling.
The Mindfulness app offers new features, such as state of mind logging.
The watch can now monitor how much exposure you have each day to daylight using its ambient light sensor.
A three-month subscription to Apple Fitness+ is included.

The smaller 41mm case size retails for $399 at Apple, but Amazon has it on sale for $390. It's a relatively small discount, but since it's a new release, finding a discount at all is fairly impressive. It's possible that Amazon may offer a more generous discount during the Prime Big Deal Days sale in October, but there's no guarantee. We'd recommend getting your hands on an Apple Watch 9 now.

$390 and up at Amazon

When to buy the Apple Watch Series 8

The Apple Watch Series 8 is the previous model in the Apple Watch lineup. It features the new S8 chip for improved performance and an always-on display. The battery life can be extended to 36 hours when in low-power mode. The Apple Watch 8 features a durable design and is swim-proof, dust-proof and crack-resistant. The Apple Watch 8 also has a number of health-tracking features, including an optical heart sensor, an electrical heart sensor for ECG readings, a blood oxygen sensor and a new body temperature sensor.

Right now, Amazon has marked down the 41mm GPS-only Apple Watch 8 to $299 (regularly $399). This is one of the lowest prices we've ever seen. Pricing varies for additional models based on size and cellular options, but the Apple Watch 8 is discounted across all models. If you want to get the best deal on an Apple Watch and don't mind not having the newest model, now is the perfect time to buy the Apple Watch 8.

Key features of the Apple Watch 8:

Heart rate readings and ECG records are stored in the Apple Health app for easy access.

It effortlessly syncs with iPhones and other Apple products to share health data, messages and more.

It comes with a built-in blood oxygen sensor and application.

$299 and up at Amazon

When to buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2

Designed for adventurers, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is not only more rugged than the Apple Watch Series 9, it's also packed with additional potentially life-saving features. In addition to the titanium casing, the battery life of Apple Watch Ultra 2 is up to 36 hours (72 hours in Low Power Mode), which is significantly longer than the regular versions of the watch. You also get a much brighter, always-on retina display that's equipped with a Night Mode for better viewing in low light situations.

In addition to GPS tracking and dual speakers, this new version of the Ultra 2 smartwatch features an action button, side button, a three-microphone array and an 86-decibel siren that can be heard from up to 600 feet away. Unlike the Apple Watch Series 9, you also get an integrated depth gauge and a selection of unique band options that are designed for comfort and extra durability in even the harshest of environments.

This higher-end version of the Apple Watch includes all of the communication, safety, health, fitness and related sensors and internal equipment built into the Apple Watch Series 9 and then some.

Key features of the Apple Watch Ultra 2

An always on Retina LTPO OLED display with a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits.
It runs using Apple's new S9 chip and a 4-core Neural Engine.
Cycling workouts automatically show up as a Live Activity.
The Compass app displays current elevation and offers a 3D view of waypoints (with their elevation).
The Maps app displays topographic maps that showcase details, like points of interest and trailheads.
A three-month subscription to Apple Fitness+ is included.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 retails for $799. This new release has yet to go on sale. If you want the latest and greatest Apple Watch right away, feel free to buy it now. But if you're looking for a deal, you may want to hold off as Prime Big Deal Days and Black Friday are not too far away.

$799 and up at Amazon