Apple Watch Deals: Your Presidents' Day Shopping Guide
President's Day might be about honoring American history, but let's be honest—what most of us are really thinking about is the sales. And if you've been eyeing an Apple Watch, this weekend is genuinely one of the best times of the year to pull the trigger.
Here's the thing: Apple rarely discounts its own watches directly. The company's ecosystem is built on premium pricing and brand loyalty. So when third-party retailers start slashing prices during major shopping events, it's actually noteworthy. We're talking about deals that rival, or in some cases beat, what we saw during Black Friday, as highlighted by Good Housekeeping.
I've been tracking Apple Watch pricing for months, and the Presidents' Day deals hitting right now are legitimately exceptional. The Ultra 2, which normally sits at $799, is dropping to prices we haven't seen since the early Black Friday madness. The Series 9 is getting meaningful discounts too. Even the budget-friendly SE model is worth reconsidering at these price points.
The trick is knowing which deals are actually worth your money and which ones are just clever marketing. Spoiler alert: not all Apple Watches are created equal, and the best deal isn't always the biggest discount. Sometimes it's the watch that fits your actual needs at a price that finally makes sense.
Let's break down what's happening with Apple Watch pricing right now, what you're actually getting with each model, and whether this is the moment you've been waiting for to upgrade.
Why Presidents' Day Matters for Apple Watch Shopping
President's Day sales happen in February, right when retailers are clearing winter inventory and preparing for spring releases. Apple Watch models don't typically get yearly refreshes like iPhones do, which means the current lineup—the Ultra 2, Series 9, and SE—have been available for several months, as noted by MacRumors.
Retailers use President's Day as an opportunity to move stock. They're not losing money on these deals, but they're definitely trading margin for volume. From a consumer standpoint, this creates a window where you get legitimate savings without waiting for the next major holiday.
The other reason Presidents' Day matters is timing. By February, most people have broken their New Year's resolutions about fitness. Those gym memberships? Gathering dust. But the idea of a smartwatch that tracks workouts, shows notifications, and looks decent on your wrist? That still sounds appealing. Retailers know this, and they price accordingly, as discussed in Athletech News.
Compare this to summer, when Apple Watch pricing is relatively flat. Or to October, when everyone's focused on new iPhone releases. Presidents' Day sits in this sweet spot where Apple Watch deals are genuinely competitive.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers the most features and longest battery life but at a higher price. The Series 9 provides nearly the same functionality at a lower cost, while the SE is the most budget-friendly option.
Understanding the Apple Watch Lineup
Before we talk pricing, you need to understand what you're actually buying. Apple offers three main watch lines right now, and they're designed for very different people.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the premium option. It's built for athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and people who want the absolute best Apple Watch experience. The Ultra 2 features a larger display, more powerful processor, better speakers, and exclusive features like the emergency siren and dual frequency GPS. The battery lasts longer than other models—up to 36 hours in normal use, with multi-day battery in low-power mode, as detailed by Tom's Guide.
If you're doing serious trail running, mountaineering, or water sports, the Ultra 2's durability and features justify the premium price. The titanium construction is genuinely tougher than aluminum. The action button (a customizable side button) is genuinely useful when you're wearing gloves. The extra speaker volume matters when you're outdoors.
The Apple Watch Series 9 is the mainstream option. It's the sweet spot for most people. You get basically all the features that make Apple Watch useful: ECG monitoring, blood oxygen tracking, fall detection, temperature sensing, and all the standard fitness tracking. The Series 9 comes in 41mm and 45mm sizes. Battery life is around 18 hours, which means daily charging. The display is bright and responsive, as highlighted by PCMag.
The Series 9 is what most people should buy if they want a capable smartwatch without paying for features they won't use.
The Apple Watch SE is the budget option. It's the entry point to the Apple Watch ecosystem. You're getting the core features—fitness tracking, notifications, music control, Apple Pay. But you're missing some of the health features like ECG and blood oxygen monitoring. The battery lasts about 18 hours. The display is smaller and slightly less bright than pricier models.
The SE makes sense if you want an Apple Watch primarily for fitness tracking and smart notifications, and you're okay with a smaller screen.
The Ultra 2: Where the Real Deal Is
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 normally costs
This is genuinely one of the best deals on the Ultra 2 since its launch. We're talking about $100-150 off the regular price. For context, Black Friday 2024 saw similar discounts, but they were harder to find and required more hunting across different retailers.
Who should buy the Ultra 2 at this price? Serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, primarily. If you're running marathons, hiking frequently, or doing water sports, the Ultra 2's durability and features pay for themselves. The GPS accuracy is better. The battery lasts longer. The emergency siren could legitimately save your life if you're lost or injured.
But here's my honest take: if you're buying an Ultra 2 just because it's on sale, you're making a mistake. The Ultra 2 is genuinely better than the Series 9 for specific use cases, but those use cases are more niche than Apple's marketing suggests. Most people will be perfectly happy with a Series 9 at half the price.
The ultra 2 shines when you actually need its capabilities. The larger screen is useful when you're outside and it's bright. The extra battery is genuinely helpful for multi-day trips. The durability features matter if you're putting your watch through real stress.
The Series 9 offers the highest discount percentage at 25%, making it the best deal during Presidents' Day. Estimated data based on typical pricing.
The Series 9: The Smart Buy for Most People
The Series 9 is probably what you should buy. It's getting solid discounts during Presidents' Day—typically around
Here's why the Series 9 makes sense: it does 95% of what the Ultra 2 does for 60% of the price. You get accurate fitness tracking. The ECG app works perfectly. Blood oxygen monitoring is there. Temperature sensing helps with fertility tracking if that matters to you. The display is bright and responsive.
The trade-off is battery life. You're charging daily instead of every few days. And you're missing some durability features. But for most people, these trade-offs are totally worth the price savings.
The Series 9 comes in 41mm and 45mm sizes. The larger size is better if you have a bigger wrist or want more screen real estate for reading notifications. The smaller size is lighter and more comfortable for all-day wear if you have a delicate wrist.
One thing I'd point out: the Series 9 comes in aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium options. The titanium Series 9 is almost as expensive as the Ultra 2, so don't bother. The aluminum version is plenty durable for normal use. It scratches more visibly than stainless steel, but it's also $100 cheaper. Stainless steel is the middle ground—nicer looking than aluminum, not as expensive as titanium.
The Series 9 is where most people should focus their Presidents' Day shopping. It's the watch that offers real capability at a reasonable price point.
The SE: Surprising Value at the Right Price
The Apple Watch SE is the watch people dismiss too quickly. Yes, it's missing some features. But at Presidents' Day prices—dropping to around
Let's be clear about what you're losing with the SE: no ECG monitoring, no blood oxygen tracking, no temperature sensing, no always-on display. The screen is smaller. Battery life is the same as the Series 9 (around 18 hours). The processor is older.
But what you're getting is solid. The fitness tracking is accurate. Notifications work perfectly. You can make and receive calls. Music control works. Apple Pay is there. The watch face customization is the same as pricier models.
The SE makes sense for specific people: kids who want an Apple Watch but don't need all the health features, people who want a backup watch, fitness trackers who primarily care about step count and heart rate, people switching from Android who want to try Apple Watch without a huge investment.
At the current Presidents' Day prices, the SE is actually a decent value. You're getting a functional smartwatch for under $250. It does what a smartwatch should do. It looks like an Apple Watch. It integrates with the ecosystem.
My concern with the SE at full price is that the Series 9 discount brings them too close together. Why spend
Feature Comparison: What Actually Matters
Let's break down the features you're getting with each model, because marketing speak doesn't always translate to real-world usefulness.
Fitness Tracking: All three watches track steps, distance, active calories, and workout types accurately. The accuracy difference between them is negligible. If fitness tracking is your primary concern, even the SE does this well.
Health Monitoring: This is where the Series 9 and Ultra 2 pull ahead. The ECG app, blood oxygen monitoring, and temperature sensing are useful for specific health situations—pregnancy tracking, detecting cardiac issues, monitoring sleep quality. If you have health concerns or you're interested in quantifying your health metrics, the Series 9 is worth the upgrade. If you're healthy and just want fitness tracking, the SE is fine.
GPS Accuracy: The Ultra 2 has dual-frequency GPS, which is more accurate than the single-frequency GPS on the Series 9 and SE. In normal conditions, you won't notice the difference. In urban canyons or dense forests, the Ultra 2 is noticeably better. If you're running trails or doing serious navigation, this matters. For casual joggers, it doesn't.
Battery Life: Ultra 2 gets 36 hours. Series 9 and SE get 18 hours. The practical implication: Ultra 2 users charge less frequently. Everyone else charges daily. This is a real difference but not a deal-breaker.
Durability: Ultra 2 is titanium with Sapphire crystal. Series 9 comes in aluminum or stainless with standard glass. SE is aluminum with standard glass. The Ultra 2 scratches less visibly and handles impacts better. For normal wear, this is overkill. For intense outdoor activities, it matters.
Display Size: Ultra 2 and Series 9 have larger screens than SE. This affects how easy it is to read notifications and interact with the watch. Bigger is better for readability, but it also makes the watch bulkier.
Cellular smartwatches cost approximately
Price Analysis: Are These Actually Good Deals?
Let's do the math. The Series 9 normally costs
For context, this matches or beats the Black Friday discount from four months ago. Summer retail pricing on the Series 9 is typically around $350-375. So the Presidents' Day price is genuinely good—better than what you'd typically get in July.
The Ultra 2 is moving from
The SE is moving from
Here's my assessment: the Series 9 discount is the most impressive percentage-wise. The Ultra 2 discount is meaningful but smaller percentage-wise. The SE discount is modest.
If you're looking for the best value, the Series 9 at Presidents' Day prices is genuinely competitive. You're getting a capable smartwatch with solid health features for under $300. That's a good price for what you're getting.
Where to Find the Best Deals
Apple doesn't discount heavily on its own website, so you need to know where to look. Here's where the real deals are happening:
Amazon is running significant discounts on all three models. They're typically one of the first retailers to drop prices during major sales events, and they maintain competitive pricing throughout the sale period.
Best Buy is another solid option. They match Amazon prices and sometimes run exclusive trade-in offers where you can get an extra discount if you turn in an old watch.
Target is running aggressive Presidents' Day deals. They're offering percentage discounts that sometimes exceed other retailers, plus you can use your Target Red Card for an additional 5% off.
Walmart is price-matching aggressively this Presidents' Day. If you find a lower price elsewhere, Walmart will match it.
Costco might have limited inventory but their return policy is legendary. If you buy a watch at Costco and don't like it, you can return it within 90 days with no questions asked.
The key is comparing across multiple retailers before buying. Pricing can vary by $20-30 depending on which retailer you choose. That's real money worth a few minutes of research.
Band Considerations: The Hidden Cost
Here's something people don't think about until they get their Apple Watch: you'll want multiple bands.
Apple charges premium prices for bands. A sport band costs
There are third-party band options that are significantly cheaper—Amazon has quality alternatives for $10-20. They work fine and fit properly. You don't need to buy Apple-branded bands, though the official ones are admittedly nicer.
The point is: when you're calculating whether a watch deal is actually a good deal, factor in that you'll want to buy at least one extra band. The watch on sale might seem inexpensive until you realize you want a dress band and a sport band, and now you're another $100 in.
Estimated data shows significant discounts on Apple Watch models during Presidents' Day, with the Ultra 2 seeing a $100 reduction.
The Cell Connectivity Question
One decision point worth mentioning: should you buy the cellular version?
Cellular versions cost
Cellular makes sense if you run without your phone often, you want to take calls from your wrist, or you do outdoor activities where you want connectivity without carrying your phone.
For most people, GPS is fine. Your phone is with you 95% of the time anyway. Cellular is a convenience, not a necessity.
During Presidents' Day sales, the cellular models are also discounted, so if you've been considering it, the pricing is reasonable. But don't add $100+ to your watch cost just because it's on sale. Buy cellular if you actually need it.
Apple Watch Compatibility: Make Sure You're Actually Compatible
This is important: Apple Watches only work with iPhones. Not Android. Not Windows. iPhone only.
If you have an Android phone, stop reading and go buy a Wear OS watch instead. A Garmin, Samsung Galaxy Watch, or Google Pixel Watch will work with your phone. An Apple Watch will not pair with your Android phone, period.
If you have an iPhone, you're good. Any Apple Watch works with any recent iPhone. The Series 9, Ultra 2, and SE all work with iPhone 12 and newer. If you have an older iPhone, check compatibility before buying.
Warranty and Returns: Know Your Rights
When you buy during Presidents' Day sales, make sure you understand the return policy. Most retailers are offering standard 14-30 day returns on electronics, which is reasonable time to test whether a watch is right for you.
Apple's warranty covers manufacturing defects for one year. Water damage, screen damage, and normal wear are not covered. Apple Care+ adds accidental damage protection for around $100, which is worth considering if you're active and your watch will take impacts.
Return policies vary by retailer, so check before you buy. Amazon and Costco have generous policies. Target is 30 days. Best Buy is 15 days. Knowing this beforehand prevents frustration later.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 sees a significant discount of up to 15% during President's Day sales, which is rare compared to typical Apple Watch discounts of 5-10%.
Resale Value: What's This Thing Worth Later?
Here's a practical consideration: Apple Watches hold resale value reasonably well.
A Series 9 from this year will probably sell for
Ultra 2 watches hold value better percentage-wise but take longer to sell because fewer people are hunting for a $700 watch on the secondhand market.
The point is: don't feel like buying on Presidents' Day locks you into keeping the watch forever. You can try it, and if you don't like it, you can sell it and recover most of your money. This is actually one of Apple's competitive advantages—their products have strong resale value.
The Verdict: Which Watch Should You Actually Buy?
Let's cut through everything and give you a simple decision framework.
Buy the Series 9 if: You want a capable, feature-rich smartwatch at a reasonable price. This is the smart choice for most people. You're getting health monitoring features, a great display, excellent software, and you're not paying for specialized durability you won't use. At Presidents' Day pricing, it's genuinely competitive with anything on the market.
Buy the Ultra 2 if: You're an athlete, outdoor enthusiast, or someone doing serious water sports and hiking. The extra durability, battery life, and specialized GPS actually provide value. You're also someone who upgrades every few years and wants the prestige of owning the top-tier Apple Watch. The discount makes it more palatable than usual.
Buy the SE if: You're new to Apple Watch and want to test the ecosystem without a huge investment. Or you want a backup watch for workouts when you don't want to risk damaging your main watch. Or you're buying for a teenager who wants an Apple Watch but doesn't need all the health features. The price is hard to argue with.
Don't buy if: You have an Android phone. Seriously. Apple Watch doesn't work with Android. A Garmin or Samsung Galaxy Watch will make you happier.
Future Considerations: Is an Apple Watch Update Coming?
Apple typically releases new Apple Watch models in September during the iPhone announcement event. We're currently in February, which means we're about 7 months away from new models, as noted by 9to5Mac.
If you can wait 7 months, new watches will probably offer incremental improvements—faster processor, better battery, new health features. But here's the reality: Apple Watch updates are usually incremental, not revolutionary. The Series 9 from 2023 is still perfectly good in 2025.
The question is whether you want to wear a capable smartwatch for the next 7 months or wait and buy a new model. If fitness tracking and notifications are important to your routine, waiting seems silly. You'd be depriving yourself of functionality for months just to own something slightly newer.
For most people, buying at Presidents' Day pricing makes more sense than waiting.
Beyond Presidents' Day: When Are the Next Sales?
If you miss the Presidents' Day deals, when should you expect the next sales?
Spring sales typically happen in April-May, but they're usually smaller than Presidents' Day.
Amazon Prime Day happens in mid-July and includes reasonable Apple Watch discounts.
Back to School sales in August often include smartwatch deals.
Black Friday in November is the biggest sale event, with discounts similar to Presidents' Day.
So Presidents' Day is genuinely one of the best times to buy, but it's not the only opportunity. If you miss it, you'll get another chance in a few months.
Final Thoughts: The Watch That Fits Your Life
Here's the thing about smartwatches: the best one is the one you'll actually wear.
All three Apple Watch models are genuinely good. They're reliable, useful, and well-integrated with the iPhone ecosystem. The question isn't whether any of them are good—they all are. The question is which one matches your actual usage pattern and budget.
President's Day pricing makes all three options more attractive. The Series 9 becomes genuinely affordable. The Ultra 2 becomes less of a luxury purchase. The SE becomes a reasonable entry point.
If you've been thinking about getting into Apple Watch, this is legitimately a good time to pull the trigger. Prices won't be significantly lower until Black Friday in November. The current lineup is mature and reliable—no major issues or recalls. The deals are meaningful without being insane.
The only reason not to buy is if you're not sure you want an Apple Watch. If you've been curious, if you want to track fitness more seriously, if you want better iPhone integration—these Presidents' Day deals make the decision easier. You're getting a genuinely good product at a genuinely good price.
That's worth acting on.
TL; DR
- Series 9 is the smart buy: Discounted to $299-349, it's 25% off and offers excellent features for the price
- Ultra 2 for serious athletes: Dropping to $650-700, it's the best deal on the premium model, but only buy if you need the durability and battery life
- SE for budget shoppers: Down to $199-229, it's a solid entry point if you don't need health monitoring features
- Prices are genuinely competitive: Presidents' Day discounts rival Black Friday, and new models won't arrive until September
- Shop across retailers: Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart have slightly different pricing—worth comparing before buying
FAQ
What is the Apple Watch Ultra 2?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is Apple's premium smartwatch designed for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. It features a titanium case, larger display, dual-frequency GPS, improved speaker, emergency siren, and longer battery life (36 hours) compared to other Apple Watch models. The Ultra 2 costs
Should I buy the Apple Watch Series 9 or Ultra 2?
Most people should buy the Series 9, which offers 95% of the functionality of the Ultra 2 at 60% of the price. The Ultra 2 is specifically designed for serious athletes and outdoor adventurers who benefit from superior GPS accuracy, extended battery life, and enhanced durability. If you just want notifications, fitness tracking, and health monitoring, the Series 9 is the smarter purchase at current Presidents' Day pricing.
Is the Apple Watch SE worth buying in 2025?
The Apple Watch SE is worth buying if you're new to the Apple Watch ecosystem, want a budget-friendly option, or are buying for a teenager. At Presidents' Day pricing below
Do I need cellular connectivity on an Apple Watch?
Cellular connectivity costs an additional
How long will an Apple Watch last before needing replacement?
Apple Watches typically last 3-4 years of daily use before the battery degrades significantly or performance slows noticeably. However, many people keep their watches longer, especially if they don't mind reduced battery life. The good news is Apple Watches hold resale value well, so you can sell your used watch and recover 50-70% of your original cost when upgrading.
Can I use an Apple Watch with an Android phone?
No. Apple Watches only work with iPhones. If you have an Android phone, you cannot pair an Apple Watch, period. You would need a Wear OS watch like a Samsung Galaxy Watch, Google Pixel Watch, or Garmin. This is a hard compatibility requirement, not a limitation you can work around.
What's the difference between Apple Watch bands, and do I need to buy extras?
Apple Watch bands are interchangeable across all sizes (each watch size has standard lug widths). You don't need Apple-branded bands—third-party alternatives from Amazon work fine and cost
Are Presidents' Day deals better than Black Friday for Apple Watches?
President's Day deals are genuinely competitive with Black Friday. Percentage discounts are often similar or better, and selection is typically wider since Black Friday deals sell out quickly. If you're ready to buy now, you shouldn't feel pressured to wait until November. The next major sale after Presidents' Day is Amazon Prime Day in July.
Should I buy Apple Care+ for my new Apple Watch?
Apple Care+ costs around $100 and covers accidental damage, water damage, and screen cracks that Apple's standard warranty doesn't cover. If you're active, exercise frequently, or are prone to dropping things, it's worth considering. For casual daily wearers who treat their watch carefully, standard warranty is probably sufficient.
What features will the next Apple Watch have that current models don't?
New Apple Watches typically arrive in September with incremental improvements like faster processors, new health sensors, and improved battery life. However, upgrades are usually modest—the Series 9 from 2023 is still very capable in 2025. Unless you're specifically waiting for a new feature you know is coming, the current lineup is excellent, and waiting 7 months to miss out on Presidents' Day pricing doesn't make financial sense for most buyers.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Watch Series 9 is the smartest choice for most buyers at 25% off during Presidents' Day sales, providing 95% of Ultra 2 capabilities at significantly lower cost
- Ultra 2 discounts to $650-700 offer genuine value for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, but only if you need the durability and extended battery life
- Presidents' Day pricing is competitive with Black Friday and better than summer retail pricing—waiting 7 months for September releases doesn't make financial sense
- Apple Watches require iPhones for compatibility; Android users cannot use Apple Watch and must choose alternatives like Galaxy Watch or Pixel Watch
- Budget an additional $50-150 for extra bands when calculating total purchase cost, as most users want multiple band options for different occasions
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