If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to buy an Apple Watch, your patience just paid off. December 1, 2025 marks the day Apple’s Black Friday deals officially dropped, and the pricing is genuinely unprecedented.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Apple Watch prices start at just $129 – the lowest we’ve ever seen
- The premium Apple Watch Ultra 3 is finally on sale with $100 off
- Some retailers are bundling a $50 Apple Gift Card with Series purchases
- These deals are part of Apple’s official holiday shopping event
Why These Prices Matter Now
Apple has historically been conservative with discounts, especially on newly released models. The fact that we’re seeing the Ultra 3 discounted by $100 so soon after launch signals something significant. According to Apple’s official shopping event page, this represents their most aggressive holiday pricing strategy to date.
What’s really interesting is the timing. December deals typically aren’t as deep as early Black Friday discounts, yet Apple is breaking that pattern. This suggests the smartwatch market might be more competitive than we realized.
How Apple Stacks Against Competitors
At $129 for entry-level models, Apple is now directly competing with budget smartwatches from Fitbit and Samsung’s more affordable Galaxy Watch models. The pricing gap has never been smaller.
But here’s the catch: while the upfront cost is comparable, you’re still buying into Apple’s ecosystem. That means future accessories, services, and compatibility requirements all lean toward Apple products. As Best Buy’s Apple deals page shows, the value proposition extends beyond the initial purchase.
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch typically retails around $200-$300, while Fitbit’s premium models hover in the $150-$250 range. Apple’s new pricing puts their entry-level watches squarely in the budget category while maintaining their premium positioning with the Ultra 3.
Smart Shopping Strategies
If you’re considering jumping on these deals, think about your long-term needs. The $129 Apple Watch is perfect for someone who wants basic fitness tracking and notifications without breaking the bank.
But if you’re an avid athlete or outdoor enthusiast, the Ultra 3 at $100 off might be the smarter investment. You’re getting premium features like enhanced GPS, longer battery life, and advanced health monitoring that cheaper competitors simply can’t match.
Another consideration: Apple’s watchOS updates typically support older models for years, meaning even an entry-level Apple Watch will likely receive software updates long after budget competitors stop supporting their devices.
The bottom line:
Apple’s Black Friday pricing represents a strategic shift in the smartwatch wars. By making entry-level models more accessible while still offering premium options, they’re attacking the market from both ends. For shoppers, this means unprecedented value whether you’re budget-conscious or seeking high-end features. The real question isn’t whether these are good deals – it’s which Apple Watch model fits your lifestyle and budget best.
If you’re interested in related developments, explore our articles on Why Best Buy’s Early Black Friday Deals Just Changed Holiday Shopping and Why This Year’s Black Friday TV Deals Are Different.
