Once we all started carrying supercomputers around in our pockets, it was only a matter of time before we started looking for an even smaller and more convenient way to access them. The idea of a computer in a wristwatch has been a sci-fi trope for almost a century, but Apple managed to make smartwatches not only useful but fashionable.
The company's sleek, minimal design style lends itself perfectly to watches, and the Apple Watch — which now comes in three distinct configurations — quickly became an essential accessory for fitness tracking, texting, phone calls, and more.
Cupertino announced the new Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at its September's Apple Event, and we've already had a hands-on test with both. They're pretty awesome, especially the new touch-free double-tap gesture controls. If you want to pick one up — or an earlier model, which are still very sweet — here are the best prices.
(Credit: Angela Mosaritolo)Apple Watch Series 9
Just revealed last week, the Apple Watch Series 9 adds some extremely cool new features to the wearable, including Siri running locally on the device for the first time without requiring a phone. That's courtesy of a four-core "neural engine" and the new S9 chip, which boasts a 60% increase in transistors, along with a faster GPU to make that little screen look even better, especially because it can now put out up to 2,000 nits of brightness. In our review, we found it to be "the best smartwatch for iPhone owners."
Apple Watch Series 9 starting at $389
Apple Watch Series 8
Apple's commitment to iterative design has paid off with the Apple Watch, which is now one of the top wearables on the market. The Series 8 refines the already great device by adding features like body temperature sensing and car crash detection. In our review, we called it "the right choice for most smartwatch buyers" due to its robust app selection, improved battery life, and simple customization. With almost $100 off, now is a great time to pick one up.
Apple Watch Series 8 starting at $310 (list price $400)
Apple Watch SE (First Generation)
If you're on a tighter budget, the Apple Watch SE sacrifices some functionality but delivers a lot of the same quality and convenience. In our review, we said it "delivers the same winning app, fitness, and safety features for less." The primary difference between the two is the loss of the always-on display, but it's not that difficult to tap it on when you need to look at it. On the positive side, there's access to Apple's massive library of watch apps and face customizations, and the battery life is stellar.
Apple Watch SE (First Generation) starting at $129 (list price $279)
Apple Watch Ultra 2
The second iteration of the Apple Watch Ultra maintains all of the incredible dual-frequency GPS features, waterproofing, and other cool stuff from the original and adds in the onboard Siri, touch-free gestural controls and new S9 chip for faster processing. The display on this one is even brighter, pumping out 3,000 nits so you can see it just about any condition. This is an incredible smartwatch that pushes the envelope for what a wearable can do, and we can't wait to put it through its paces.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 starting at $779 (list price $799)
Apple Watch Ultra
Of course, when a new model comes out the old one gets a price drop. If you want to save some cash on a rugged and feature-filled smartwatch, the original Apple Watch Ultra is still an incredible deal. The battery life is the same as the new phone, the styling is just about identical, and it packs all of the cool GPS abilities that'll keep you heading on the right path in the deep wilderness. It does lack onboard Siri and the new double-tap control scheme, but if you can live without that, the first-generation Ultra is a great deal.
Apple Watch Ultra starting at $699 (list price $799)