The best Apple Watch deals for back to school
Going back to school with an iPhone? It's a good idea to go ahead and add an Apple Watch to your collection as well, especially if you or your older kids are headed to the classroom this fall. These smartwatches are far more than just wrist candy. They're excellent for using your favorite apps, monitoring your health, and keeping things convenient when it comes to getting things done on the go. Students, especially those in high school or college, can use them to keep in touch with friends and family while keeping up with schoolwork.
Here's the good news: You can grab a new Apple Watch without having to spend a ton. You can scoop up deals on everything from the Apple Watch Series 9 (without the blood oxygen feature) to the more budget-friendly Apple Watch SE.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm, GPS + Cellular): $700 (12% off)
There aren't any great deals on the Apple Watch Ultra 2's retail version, but you can still save on a refurbished one at Amazon. You're covered with Amazon's guarantee that your renewed watch is up to snuff according to the brand's standards, so it's safe to buy.
For active users, the latest Apple Watch Ultra 2 is an exciting upgrade, packing advanced capabilities into a durable smartwatch design. It's sleek, it's rugged, it's everything you could want in a wearable, and while you'll pay a premium for it, it's worth it.
This hardy model adds handy new features like a double-tap control to manage calls and music using your thumb and fingertip. It retains Apple's excellent health sensors for heart monitoring, crash detection, and menstrual cycle tracking. As previously mentioned, there's no blood oxygen monitoring available on this device, so adjust your expectations accordingly.
Otherwise, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 makes upgrading a no-brainer. It's the best of the lineup, and definitely worth grabbing if you don't mind spending a pretty penny. The least expensive option we found was for this model with a blue band.
Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen (40mm, GPS only): $189 (24% off)
The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) makes an ideal entry-level smartwatch, with key safety features for users of all ages. You can grab this budget favorite for just $189 right now at Walmart.
It runs using the powerful S8 chip from the Series 8 and features a lightweight aluminum frame. This gives you impressive performance with a budget price tag.
The SE retains must-have Apple Watch capabilities like fall detection, emergency SOS, activity tracking and more. You're also covered for health monitoring, notifications, communication and basic app needs.
While it lacks some flagship model perks, the SE (2nd Gen) nails the basics for an excellent starter smartwatch. And current sale pricing makes it even easier to bring home Apple's wearable safety and utility at a solid value.
Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm, GPS only): $329 (16% off)
The Apple Watch Series 9 is the most recent in Apple's smartwatch lineup, outside of the rugged Ultra 2 model. That makes it one of the best picks for giving a student, since it's packed with so many features.
This smartwatch is also designed to support virtually every activity and need. in terms of fitness. Health insights like ECG, SpO2 monitoring and menstrual cycle tracking join must-have basics like fitness metrics and crash detection.
New intuitive features such as double tap, which controls calls and music with two fingers, demonstrate Apple's relentless innovation. And the iconic styling looks as stellar on the wrist as it functions.
When in close proximity to your iPhone, the GPS only version of the Series 9 enables calling, messaging, app access and more. With cutting-edge tech and design, it represents the pinnacle of Apple's world-leading smartwatch ecosystem.
Apple Watch Series 8 (45mm, GPS, refurbished): $255 (5% off)
Don't have tons of extra cash to spend on a smartwatch alone? Totally understandable, especially with how expensive school can be. The good news is that you don't have to. Most Apple Watch models retain their usefulness (and their value) through multiple generations, and this one is no exception.
The Apple Watch Series 8 is still available at most retailers, but given that it's been replaced by the newer Apple Watch Series 9, stock will be less readily available going forward. However, you can find it at a great price right now at Amazon in a refurbished model that you can grab if you're quick before it sells out.
This model is still very much worth snagging if you're a heavier smartwatch user as it can absolutely keep up – don't let the pricing fool you.
Apple Watch Series 7 (45mm, GPS + cellular, refurbished): $200 (62% off)
The Apple Watch Series 7 remains an excellent option if you're looking for a balance of utility and value. It's not very readily available outside of refurbished models now, so that's what you'll have to go with when buying from a retailer like Amazon.
This older-generation wearable offers the core Apple Watch experience, so you have a good idea of what to expect when you use it. In addition to its standard suite of phone features, it also comes with health sensors like ECG, SpO2, fall detection and more.
Of course, it also offers fitness tracking and health monitoring features, as well as activity goals, challenges with friends, and in-depth metrics to help you get in better shape or maintain the one that you have.
If a refurbished model isn't something that scares you away, you can get a renewed watch right now for $209 at Amazon, which is 61% off its original price of $530.
How do I know if I'm buying an Apple Watch with the blood oxygen feature?
The only way to tell if you have a pre-ban Apple Watch is to look at the packaging or menus for part numbers ending in LL/A. You'll have no way of knowing which one you get buy purchasing online, so keep that in mind unless the retailer has explicitly describes which version you're buying.
What's the best Apple Watch?
There's no tried-and-true way to determine the "best" Apple Watch overall. But you can determine the right one that works for you and your lifestyle. Here are some of the key features to consider when shopping for an Apple Watch:
Size: The latest Apple Watches come in two sizes. The right size for you will depend on your wrist size and preference for screen size. Larger screens give you better visibility and touch targets, but can feel bulkier on smaller wrists, so it comes down to personal preference.
Features: If you're into fitness, look for models with advanced health and fitness tracking. If you need it for connectivity and productivity, you'll want an Apple Watch with GPS + cellular capabilities so that the watch can work more autonomously from your iPhone.
Battery Life: Different models and usage patterns affect battery life. If you're a heavy user or plan to use features like GPS and cellular internet connectivity frequently, keep in mind these features deplete battery life faster. From all of the latest Apple Watch models, you can typically get at least one full day of usage between charges.
Compatibility: Make sure your Apple Watch is compatible with your iPhone model. Yes, you do need an iPhone to activate and manage an Apple Watch, so if you don't own an iPhone or plan to pair the watch with an iPhone, don't buy one.
Health features: If health monitoring is a priority (like ECG, heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen monitoring, etc.), look for models that include these sensors and keep in mind which features are no longer available on certain models.
Future-proofing: Buying the latest Apple Watch model guarantees longer software and WatchOS support, plus access to new features released in future updates. As long as you stay current, you'll get all of Apple's newest updates.
