Apple Watch Series 11 Drops $70 at Walmart and Amazon as Deal Scarcity Persists

Q: Is the current $70 discount on the Apple Watch 11 a smart buy, or a trap before the new model launches?

For most buyers, the $70 discount on the Apple Watch Series 11 is decent, but waiting is the smarter move unless you need a watch now. The main reason is timing. Apple’s standard pattern points to a Series 12 launch in September 2026, only a couple of months away. Reports indicate the next model should bring a new S12 chip and likely launch at a higher starting price, around $429. Even if you do not want the new model, the Series 11 is likely to get cheaper once Apple announces its replacement. That makes the current deal less compelling than it looks. A $70 cut on a $399 watch is meaningful, especially because Apple discounts are relatively rare, and the Series 11 remains one of the best smartwatches for iPhone users. It offers strong battery life, fast charging, solid health tracking, and 5G RedCap support. If your current watch is broken, or you want the latest model immediately without paying full price, this is a reasonable buy. But it is not a clear bargain. The Series 11 already uses the same S10 chip generation as the prior model, so it is not a major future-proof leap. With a new generation close, this sale looks partly like a pre-launch inventory move. If value matters most, waiting until September is the better strategy. If you need an Apple Watch right now and want a current-generation model from a major retailer, the $70 discount is safe, just not optimal.

Q: Can a cheap refurbished older model truly offer better value than the brand-new budget Apple Watch SE 3?

Yes—sometimes, but only if the refurbished watch is recent enough and meaningfully cheaper. The strongest case is a refurbished Series 9. At about $187 from sellers such as Back Market, it undercuts the new SE 3’s $249 starting price while offering higher-end hardware, including ECG and a more advanced health sensor set than the SE 3, which lacks ECG and uses a second-generation optical heart sensor. If battery condition is solid and the seller includes at least a one-year warranty, that can be the better buy. The SE 3 still has a clear value advantage for buyers who want certainty. It is new, carries full warranty coverage, uses the current S10 chip and 64GB storage, and should get the longest software support. It also avoids the biggest refurbished risk: battery wear. That matters because Apple Watch battery life is already limited, and older cells degrade. Very old refurbished models are harder to recommend as better value, even at low prices. Supply of older new units is drying up, and software support is becoming a dividing line. WatchOS 27 support is focused on newer watches, while several older generations are being left behind. A bargain Series 6, 7 or 8 may look cheap, but shorter update life and weaker resale value can erase the savings. For most shoppers, a refurbished Series 9 is the sweet spot if priced well below the SE 3. If the price gap is small, the brand-new SE 3 is the safer long-term value.

3 articles · Updated · CNET · Jul 9

$70 discounts on the Apple Watch Series 11 are now available at both Walmart and Amazon, marking one of the clearest direct price cuts on Apple's current smartwatch lineup.
The deal stands out because the Series 11 remains CNET's top smartwatch pick for 2026 and is among the few Apple devices to avoid the company's recent price hike.
Older models are harder to find: the Series 10 is largely out of stock, while the Series 9 is mostly limited to refurbished units, including a $187 option at Back Market.
Prices and availability are shifting quickly across major retailers, underscoring tight smartwatch inventory even as shoppers look for broader Apple deals.