With Black Friday just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start hunting for incredible deals on tech gifts. If you or someone you care about has been eyeing the Apple Watch, Black Friday 2023 is the ideal opportunity to save big.
The Apple Watch has become one of the most sought-after smartwatches on the market. With its sleek design, fitness tracking capabilities, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, it’s no surprise that this handy wrist companion has captured the hearts of many.
But Apple Watches don’t come cheap. The latest Apple Watch Series 9 starts at $399 for the GPS model and goes all the way up to $799 for the rugged Apple Watch Ultra 2. Even older models like the Apple Watch SE 2022 and Series 8 still retail for $249 and up.
That’s where Black Friday comes to the rescue. Retailers offer significant discounts on the Apple Watch every Black Friday, making it the best time of year to grab Apple’s premier smartwatch at a steal. Keep reading to uncover how to secure the best Apple Watch Black Friday deals in 2023.
When is Black Friday 2023?
Black Friday always falls on the day following Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 24. However, Black Friday sales have been starting earlier and earlier each year. It’s common to see Black Friday prices roll out as early as mid-November.
So, when’s the best time to purchase the Apple Watch on sale? I recommend keeping an eye out for deals starting the week before Thanksgiving. Some early doorbuster deals are likely to pop up then. But the bulk of bargains will hit on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday proper.
Cyber Monday, three days later, will extend many of the best Apple Watch Black Friday deals. So, you’ll want to shop on both Black Friday and Cyber Monday to maximize savings.
Find the Top Apple Watch Black Friday Deals
Wondering where to find the top Apple Watch Black Friday discounts? Here are the best retailers to watch:
- Amazon: The Everything Store offers Lightning deals and steep markdowns on Apple products for Black Friday. Last year saw great deals on Series 8 and 9 models.
- Target: Expect to save up to $50 off Apple Watch models in Target’s Black Friday sale. RedCard holders get an additional 5% off.
- Walmart: Walmart promises Black Friday prices on tech starting in early November. The Apple Watch has been included in their pre-Black Friday events before.
- Best Buy: Best Buy’s Black Friday ad always includes savings on both the latest and older Apple Watch models. Look out for their Doorbuster deals.
- Apple: Apple doesn’t discount its own products for Black Friday. But they do offer gift cards with select purchases that can save you money.
- Phone carriers: AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile run Apple Watch promos for Black Friday, often when you open a new line or upgrade.
I recommend comparing prices across retailers to find the absolute lowest price on the model you want. Some stores may offer better deals on certain versions.
How Much Will the Apple Watch Be Discounted?
Over the past several years, we’ve seen Black Friday Apple Watch deals take $50-$120 off different models. Generally, you can expect to save:
- $50 off the Apple Watch SE 2022
- $50-$70 off the Apple Watch Series 8
- $80-$130 off the Apple Watch Series 9
- $50-$100 off the Apple Watch Ultra 2
For the more expensive Apple Watch variations, like stainless steel and Hermes models, savings maybe $100-$200. While not as steep as savings on aluminium models, that’s still a significant price cut for such a premium smartwatch.
The first year a new Apple Watch model is released, deals are more modest. The Apple Watch Series 9 just launched in September 2023, so I’d expect no more than $50 off for Black Friday this year. But Series 8, 7, and SE 2022 models are likely to see beefier bargains.
Older generations like Series 6 and Series 5 won’t see as drastic of discounts either, likely maxing out at $100 off. Since Apple discontinued the Series 3, it likely won’t be on sale this Black Friday.
Should You Buy the Apple Watch on Black Friday?
Saving $50-$130 off an Apple Watch is a significant deal. Apple rarely discounts their smartwatches. Even during other sales events, the savings don’t come close to what’s offered on Black Friday.
So, if you don’t need the latest model right away, Black Friday is worth waiting for. The one downside is that inventory tends to sell out fast for the best Apple Watch Black Friday deals. You’ll want to shop early in the day to make sure you can snag your preferred model and size at a discounted price.
For the newest Apple Watch Series 9, Black Friday deals won’t be as substantial this first year. But you’ll still save $50 off retail pricing. If you want the latest tech bells and whistles now, that’s still a nice perk.
Apple Watch lovers looking to spend the least will find the Apple Watch SE 2022 sees the steepest sale prices. With Black Friday bargains, you can get Apple’s budget smartwatch for under $200.
6 Tips for Shopping the Apple Watch Black Friday Sale
Ready to shop? Use these pro tips to master the Apple Watch Black Friday sale:
- Check ads early. Review Black Friday ads as soon as they’re released to map out the best deals. This will help you plan where to shop first.
- Compare prices. Prices can vary across retailers, so be sure to check who has the best deal on the model you want.
- Decide your budget. Apple Watches range from $199 to $799. Decide how much you want to spend so you don’t overpay.
- Know the return policy. You can likely return or exchange the Apple Watch after the holidays if it’s the wrong size or model.
- Set up price alerts. Use services like CamelCamelCamel to track price drops and get notified when deals go live.
- Shop early. The most coveted deals sell out fast. Shop on Thanksgiving or right at midnight on Black Friday to maximize choices.
Get the Apple Watch You Want for Less
An Apple Watch makes a fantastic gift, both for yourself and your loved ones. Take advantage of the opportunity to save $50, $100, or even $200 on Black Friday 2023. Keep an eye out for deals starting the week of Thanksgiving to score Apple’s top-rated smartwatch at its lowest price of the year.
With huge discounts coming on everything from the budget-friendly Apple Watch SE 2022 to the advanced Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, Black Friday 2023 will be the ideal time to buy. Follow these tips and shop early to snag the Apple Watch model you want while supplies last. Have a wonderful and restful Thanksgiving, then gear up to shop deals on the latest Apple Watch first thing on Black Friday morning!