The best Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2 deals: Save on this luxury Apple Watch while you can
In the world of wearables, the Apple Watch family consistently holds several spots on our list of the best smartwatches around. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the best of the bunch. It’s big, strong, and has an aesthetic that shows it means business. But with a whopping $799 price tag, this business isn’t cheap. While Apple isn’t one for in-store discounts, third-party retailers often fill the void with their own deals.
CNET Editor-in-Chief Adam Oram works with our dedicated deals team to bring you the best deals on this sleek and powerful Apple smartwatch. This includes clear discounts as well as trade-in savings and other special offers that you’ll have to jump through a few hoops to get.
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If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, the original Apple Watch Ultra is still a viable option. It was launched in 2022, so it’s harder to find this first generation model in stock and there are currently no active discounts on new models. If you decide to go for a refurbished model, you’ll find these more readily available at several retailers.
It’s worth noting that Apple is in an ongoing legal battle with the US International Trade Commission over a patent dispute with a company called Masimo over its blood oxygen sensor technology. This means that Apple is no longer allowed to ship Apple Watches with an activated blood oxygen sensor, so unless specifically mentioned at the point of sale, your new Apple Watch won’t have it.
Read more: Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Apple Watch Ultra: A Rugged Watch Comparison
What’s the best deal on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 right now?
Unless you’re looking to trade in an older smartwatch, Amazon has the best deal on the Ultra 2 right now. The online retailer came knocking $50 off most color optionsmeaning you can pick one up for just $749 right now.
The best Apple Watch Ultra 2 deals
Released in September 2023, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is Apple’s most advanced smartwatch to date. It retains the overall design of its predecessor while upgrading with the new S9 chip for faster speeds and better battery efficiency. It also has a new ultra-bright display.
Athletes will benefit from more advanced running and cycling performance, and the extended altitude range is a boon for hikers and divers. Battery life remains the longest in the Apple Watch range at 36 hours on a single charge or up to 72 hours on low power mode.
There are no clear discounts on this watch through Apple, but if you have an older Apple Watch to trade in, you have the potential to save up to $375 through a trade-in credit.
While not a huge discount, Amazon is offering $50 off the price of the Ultra 2.
Best Buy is currently selling the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for the full price of $799, but there’s the potential to get up to $250 in trade-in credit. Garmin, Fitbit and Samsung smartwatches are all included, but previous-generation Apple Watch models will see the biggest savings.
Best Buy provides three months of Apple Music as well as four months of Apple Fitness with every purchase.
AT&T will let you save $100 when you buy an Apple Watch Ultra 2 on a pay-as-you-go service plan. Stocks are limited at the moment, so be sure to check the model you like best before ordering.
Trade in your old Verizon smartwatch for $180 off an Apple Watch Ultra 2. Eligible service plan required and you’ll see the trade-in credit applied for 36 months as bill credits.
If you choose to combine the purchase with a new 5G iPhone, you can get up to $120 back in promotional account credits, too. Just note that this offer requires a new Apple Watch service.
The best deals on the Apple Watch Ultra
The first gen Apple Watch Ultra has been discontinued by Apple and most retailers have stopped offering new models. There’s little choice when it comes to offers and direct discounts, but you can save some money if you go for a refurbished model. Apple currently has no refurbished Ultras in stock.
Target is no longer offering a discount on the remaining stock of the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra, so the device costs $799. However, Target is one of the few retailers that has the watch in stock in select color options. You can get three months of Apple Fitness free with purchase.
Back Market also offers a selection of refurbished Apple Watch Ultra models that range from good to excellent condition. They’re a little more affordable than Apple repairs, which aren’t even available right now, though they may show more signs of wear and tear.
Best Buy is another retailer that still has some refurbished Apple Watch Ultra models. All repairs are currently priced at $500 and come with four free months of Apple Fitness Plus and three free months of Apple Music.
How we pick Apple Watch Ultra deals at CNET
For the Apple Watch Ultra 2, we’ve highlighted all the retailers offering direct discounts. However, these types of discounts can be quite difficult to find, so we’ve also selected a number of retailers and carriers that offer more consistent savings in the form of trade-in discounts, bundle deals or freebies. We’ve also selected a number of trusted retailers that have a selection of refurbished first-generation Ultra models for those who want the advanced features of a high-end Apple Watch without the hefty price tag.
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