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Apple Watch SE

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Live now: Best Cyber Monday 2025 Apple Watch deals — Series 11, SE 3, Ultra 3 and more extreme price drops

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Chromo color processed (light blue on pink background) of Apple Watch Series 11 to illustrate post on Black Friday week 2025 deals
Every model of Apple Watch is on sale for Black Friday week, but some are better deals than others.
Image: Cult of Mac

Apple Watch Cyber Monday 2025 deals are live, featuring significant price drops on entry-level models and premium variations.

The best deal so far is the newest Apple Watch Series 11, which has dropped to its lowest price to date — just $339 (regularly $399). Another great buy is the entry-level Apple Watch SE 3, on sale from just $199 (save $50 or 20% off). This is a superb starter watch and perfect for kids (and you can use it to track the little darlings). And even the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is on sale (although not by much).

Plus, if you want to save even more, you might be able to grab a previous year’s model before the clearance sales in effect decimate the inventory forever.

They’re practically giving away Apple Watch SE [Now even cheaper!]

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Apple Watch SE deal
Don’t pay full price for a new Apple Watch SE (2nd gen).
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple Watch SE is already the most affordable wearable Apple makes, and a deal knocks up to 32% off the second-generation of this budget smartwatch. Some case-and-band combos of the 40mm model just dropped to $159.99! For an Apple Watch! And the larger 44mm version is 29% off at $189.99.

An Apple Watch can help motivate you to exercise and track your progress, or just make it easier to read incoming texts. If you don’t have a smartwatch, now is a great time to buy.

Apple Watch SE 3 adds plenty of pro features

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Apple Watch SE 3 launch
The Apple Watch SE 3 offers many features not available in its predecessor, but at the same price.
Graphic: Apple

Apple Awe Dropping Event:The Apple Watch SE 3 boasts a lengthy list of features new to Apple’s most affordable smartwatch, including an always-on display, temperature sensor, 5G and more. But the price didn’t go up.

“Apple Watch SE offers a great way for users to start their Apple Watch journey, delivering outstanding health, fitness, safety, and connectivity features at an incredible value,” said Stan Ng, Apple’s vice president of Apple Watch and Health Product Marketing. “With even more health features, an Always-On display, and fast charging, we’re excited to see the ways Apple Watch SE 3 supports more people around the world to live a healthier and more active life.”

Which Apple Watch should you buy?

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Photo of Apple watch to illustrate Apple Watch buying guide
See which Apple Watch makes the most sense for your lifestyle.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Confused about which Apple Watch to buy? With Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch SE currently vying for your wallet’s attention, it all depends on what you want out of a smartwatch — and how much you’re willing to pay.

This buying guide breaks down what each Apple Watch does best, helping you match your needs (and budget) with the right device, whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer or simply looking for a reliable, everyday smartwatch.

How the Apple Watch SE 3 could go carbon negative

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Apple Watch SE 3 rumors
Apple Watch SE 3 might actually be good for the environment.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The plastic used to make the casing for the upcoming Apple Watch SE 3 will be taken from the ocean, making it environmentally friendly, according to a tipster.

The next-gen smartwatch will supposedly be more colorful so it’ll appeal more to an important demographic.

Apple Watch SE 3 revamp reportedly coming in second half of 2025

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Apple Watch SE 3 might sport a kid-friendly design.
Apple Watch SE 3 will only arrive later in 2025.
Concept graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Like Apple’s rumored smart home hub, the refreshed Apple Watch SE might not launch as soon as initially expected. A new report says the Apple Watch SE 3 will debut in the second half of 2025.

Apple supposedly will give its cheapest smartwatch a big redesign this year, launching it with a totally new look.

What to expect from Apple Watch in 2025

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Product shot of Apple Watch Ultra 2 with blue background and the words
Apple Watch could have an Ultra-good year in 2025.
Image: Cult of Mac

 2025 should be an Ultra year for the Apple Watch. In an unusual move, Apple only launched the Apple Watch Series 10 this year. It kept the Ultra 2 around, only releasing a new black titanium colorway. If you’re curious about the latest Apple Watch rumors, there’s plenty of speculation about what’s coming next.

But next year won’t be all about Apple’s most expensive smartwatch. For more budget-conscious customers, the third-gen Apple Watch SE should arrive in 2025.

iPhone 16 Pro unboxing reveals the sad truth about desert titanium [The CultCast]

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iPhone 16 Pro unboxing photo from The CultCast podcast
The iPhone 16 Pro's new desert titanium finish looks disappointingly demure.
Photo: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Griffin takes the wraps off his new iPhone 16 Pro in desert titanium — and he doesn’t like what he sees. The new “color” revealed in his iPhone 16 Pro unboxing fails to knock our socks off.

Still, there’s plenty to talk about, though, including the new Camera Control and how third-party case manufacturers are coping with it.

Also on The CultCast:

  • The new satin black titanium Apple Watch Ultra 2 on the other hand … smokin’! It’s enough to make a guy upgrade for the color alone.
  • The first AirPods 4 reviews say the active noise cancellation works surprisingly well. They’re on Erfon’s list.
  • New delays hit the rumored plastic Apple Watch SE and the first MacBook Pros with OLED screens.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Apple Watch SE 3 now expected in 2025

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Apple Watch SE 3 rumors
Take heart: Apple Watch SE 3 is still on the way.
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The wait for Apple Watch SE 3 goes on, though a new version of the low-cost wearable supposedly won’t be out this year.

The next model is still expected to move to a plastic casing, and offer better performance, too.

Rumor: Apple Watch Ultra 3 will not launch this year

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Apple Watch Ultra will stick with OLED and not move to micro LED.
But the Apple Watch Ultra lineup could finally get a black titanium shade.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple might not launch the Apple Watch Ultra 3 at its iPhone 16 event Monday. Instead, the company supposedly will simply refresh the Apple Watch Ultra 2 with a new black color option.

The second-gen Apple Watch Ultra packed modest upgrades over its predecessor. But this year, Apple will take an odd approach and not update its Ultra smartwatch at all.

Apple Watch rumors: Series 10, SE 3, Ultra 3 are on the way

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Apple Watch Series 10 rumors
A slimmer Apple Watch Series 10 could be one of the wearables revealed September 9.
Image: concept_central/Cult of Mac

Both Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch SE 3 could be among the many products on the agenda for Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event on September 9. The situation with Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a bit more murky, however.

And speaking of murky, we don’t know whether any of these will offer blood oxygen monitoring in units sold in the United States.

Why buy Apple Watch SE when you can score killer deals on Series 6, 7 and 8?

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refurbished apple watches
If you're on a budget and new to Apple Watch or upgrading from a really old one, Series 6 is a keeper.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple Watch SE and SE2 are great, affordable smart watches. But with the killer deals on grade A refurbished Apple Watches like Series 6,7 and 8 that Amazon bargain site Woot! offers this week, why not go for a wearable with more features than the budget models?

Act fast, though — the deals, which also include Apple Watch SE plus Series 4 and 5 — and and appealing variety of choices of models and colors — end Tuesday, August 27, at 10 p.m. Pacific.

Get ready for ‘kid-friendly’ Apple Watch SE

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Get ready for a 'kid-friendly' Apple Watch SE 3
Boring colors might be thing of the past with Apple Watch SE 3.
Concept graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Apple Watch SE 3 will come in a plastic casing, if a noted source of Apple insider info is correct. Skipping the usual aluminum case will allow the wearable to come in a broad array of colors, potentially making it more appealing to younger buyers.

It’ll also likely be cheaper to make, which is important for Apple’s budget wearable.

Best Apple Watch: Choose the right model and best accessories

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Apple Watch buying guide: Choose the best models and accessories
Gifting an Apple Watch for the holidays? We'll help you find the perfect pick.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Apple Watch is almost an essential for any iPhone owner these days, so it makes the perfect gift for anyone who doesn’t already own one. It’s also one of the more affordable Apple devices you can buy with a range of options to choose from that start at just $249 (or even less if you shop around).

In this buying guide, we’ll help you choose the right Apple Watch for you or for someone else, help you find the best prices, and highlight some of the best Apple Watch accessories you can get.

What to expect from Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 [Updated]

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What to expect from Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2
We already know quite a bit about What to expect from Apple Watch Series 9. And Apple Watch Ultra 2 as well.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Wonderlust 2023

Apple will unveil the next generation of Apple Watch on Tuesday at its Wonderlust event, but you don’t have to wait to find out what the new wearables will offer: Many of the details have leaked out already.

Here’s what we know about Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the next Apple Watch SE.

Apple Watch SE review roundup: Amazing value

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Apple Watch SE 2022
Apple Watch SE 2022 is an outstanding value at $250.
Photo: Apple

The first reviews of the new 2022 version of Apple Watch SE highlight was a value the device is. Engadget calls it “a $400 smartwatch for $250.”

Considering your first model? Or an upgrade from an older one? Read on to see if the revamped Apple Watch SE is right for you.

Apple’s Far Out event packs plenty of surprises

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Apple's Far Out Event delivered plenty of hardware and some solid surprises.
Apple's Far Out Event delivered plenty of hardware and some solid surprises.
Image: Cult of Mac/Apple

Apple definitely over-delivered with Wednesday’s Far Out event. The rumor mill’s constant churn of leaks and speculation gave us a solid framework for our expectations, but Cupertino’s hardware and software wizards still whipped out a few surprises.

Here’s everything you need to know about the iPhone 14 lineup, second-gen AirPods Pro and the 2022 Apple Watch models — including that hot new Ultra version for extreme athletes (and couch potatoes with solid credit ratings).

BAM! Crash detection smashes into iPhone 14

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BAM! Crash detection smashes into iPhone 14
Both iPhone 14 series and the new Apple Watch models will call for help if you've been in a car wreck.
Photo: Apple

If you’re in a severe car accident, your iPhone 14 will be able to tell and it can contact emergency services if you’re unconscious.

The feature will also be incorporated into the most recent Apple Watch models.

Apple Watch SE 2 packs all the features you’d want from a budget smartwatch

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2022 Apple Watch SE features overview
The new Apple Watch SE is faster...and cheaper!
Photo: Apple

At its Far Out event, Apple announced the updated Apple Watch SE 2. The new model shares some of the core features of the Apple Watch Series 8, including the S8 SiP.

Despite the upgrades, the 2022 Apple Watch SE is cheaper than the model it replaces.

What we already know about Apple Watch Series 8

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Apple Watch Pro with flash screen
A new top-of-the-line Apple Watch Pro allegedly coming in 2022 will have a flat screen and a titanium body.
Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

You don’t have to wait until September to get the details on the next-gen Apple Watch. Many of them leaked out already.

Here’s what to expect out of the upcoming Series 8, and a new “extreme sports” Apple Watch. An updated Apple Watch SE is also supposedly in the offing.

Apple Watch 7 and SE hit all-time low prices

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You can get great deals right now on Apple Watch 7 and SE.
You can get great deals right now on Apple Watch 7 and SE.
Photo: Apple

Various discounts across the Apple Watch lineup appeared Thursday, including Apple Watch SE hitting an all-time low price on Amazon for the first time and models of Apple Watch Series 7 reaching or returning to all-time low prices.

Act fast, though — these deals often don’t last long.

Why you shouldn’t buy an Apple Watch Series 3

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Apple Watch Music
Apple Watch Series 3 was a great smartwatch in its day. But that day was in 2017.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple Watch Series 3 is still in Apple’s product lineup but you should avoid it. It’s so near the end of its product life that it’s not a good value even at $199.

There’s another Apple wearable that costs just a bit more and isn’t about to ride off into the sunset.