Should I buy an Apple Watch now or wait?

Macworld

Apple updates the Apple Watch almost every year, usually at its September iPhone event, so timing your purchase can make a big difference. As of July 2026, the current lineup – the Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3 and SE 3 – has been on sale since September 2025, which means we’re approaching the point when Apple is expected to introduce new models.

If you’re reading this during the summer, our advice is simple: unless you find an exceptional deal, wait until the new watches launch in September. You’ll then have the choice of buying the latest model or picking up the previous generation at a reduced price.

If you don’t need a watch immediately, it’s also worth considering the major sales events that follow Apple’s launch. Retailers consistently offer their biggest Apple Watch discounts during Amazon Prime Day (July and October) and Black Friday in November. During Prime Day in June 2026, for example, we saw discounts ranging from $50 to $120 on current models.

One factor to watch this year is pricing. Apple increased the prices of Macs and iPads in June 2026, but left the Apple Watch unchanged. Some analysts believe Apple could introduce a modest $30–$50 price increase alongside the next generation because of higher component costs. However, unlike Macs and iPads, there is currently little evidence that an Apple Watch price hike is imminent, making unchanged pricing the more likely outcome.

In this guide, we’ll explain whether you should buy an Apple Watch now or wait, the best times of year to find the biggest discounts, and how to avoid paying full price just before a new model arrives.

Should I buy an Apple Watch now? At a glance

Watch

Apple Watch SE 3 (Best Value)

Apple Watch Series 11 (Best for Most)

Apple Watch Ultra 3 (Best for Adventurers)

Advice

Buy (update not expected yet)

Wait

Wait

Starting Price

$249/£219

$399/£369

$799/£749

Key Health Sensors

Heart rate, Sleep tracking, Fall Detection

ECG, Blood Oxygen, Temperature, Hyperte…