For those in the market for a new smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 10 is currently available at its lowest price as its release. Both the 42mm and 46mm models are being offered at a significant discount across major retailers.

Specifically, the 42mm Apple Watch Series 10 is on sale for $299, while the larger 46mm model is available for $329. This $100 reduction is a notable departure from previous discounts.

The current $100 discount is notably noteworthy as it surpasses previous offers.As the analyst states, it directly “edges out the $70-off savings I saw during the 2024 Black Friday sales.” This suggests a strategic pricing move, potentially to clear inventory or compete more aggressively in the smartwatch market.

For U.S. consumers, this price drop makes the Apple Watch Series 10 more accessible, especially for those who have been hesitant due to the higher price point. Given the relatively short lifespan of tech gadgets, waiting for deeper discounts later in the year carries the risk of the product becoming outdated more quickly.

The Series 10 marks the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch, featuring several key improvements. the watch boasts a larger screen size and a thinner design. It also incorporates a new sleep apnea detection feature, a significant improvement for user health monitoring.

Matthew Miller tested the Watch Series 10 in October and was impressed with its latest features. According to Miller, “After trying the new Jet Black 46mm Apple Watch Series 10, I wouldn’t go as far as to say it beats the Watch Ultra 2, but the newer model certainly offers compelling features that will likely appeal to most users. here’s what I liked about the latest Apple Watch and what could be done better going into next year,”

Some of the key highlights include:

For owners of the Apple Watch series 9, the question of upgrading to the Series 10 is a valid one. While the Series 9 remains a capable device, the Series 10 introduces key improvements. the sleep apnea detection feature alone could be a compelling reason for some users, particularly those with risk factors for the condition.

Though, if you primarily use your Apple Watch for basic fitness tracking and notifications, the Series 9 may still suffice. Consider whether the new features align with your specific needs and usage patterns.

While the $100 discount is attractive, it’s crucial to consider potential drawbacks. Apple is known for announcing new products in the fall, so there’s a chance that the Series 11 could be unveiled in September, potentially impacting the resale value of the series 10.

Additionally, battery life on Apple Watches remains a concern for some users. If you’re a heavy user and require multi-day battery life, you might want to explore alternatives like the Apple Watch Ultra 2, though it comes at a higher price point.

The analyst has been diligently covering Apple Watch sales for a considerable period of time, including during major events such as Black Friday and prime Day. This extensive experience lends credibility to the assessment of this particular deal.

“These $100 savings are a first-time-ever offer, and drop the watch to its new lowest-price-ever. I popped this deal up to a 4/5 Editor’s deal rating. It’s genuinely a great offer and one of the best I expect to see until we inch closer to summer sales.”

This rating reflects a combination of factors, including the magnitude of the discount, the product’s popularity, and the analyst’s expectations for future price drops.

While the $100 discount is a positive sign for consumers, it’s vital to act quickly. the deal is especially timed with Best Buy’s Tech fest sale and through the Amazon’s Big Spring Sale.

“Though, deals are subject to sell out or expire anytime, though ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best product deals for you to score the best savings. Keep in mind this Apple Watch Series 10 deal has the potential to sell out fast.”

Given the popularity of Apple products, it’s likely that supplies will be limited, and the deal may not last for an extended period.

We aim to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter. ZDNET offers 33 years of experience, 30 hands-on product reviewers, and 10,000 square feet of lab space to ensure we bring you the best of tech.

In 2025, we refined our approach to deals, developing a measurable system for sharing savings with readers like you. Our editor’s deal rating badges are affixed to most of our deal content, making it easy to interpret our expertise to help you make the best purchase decision.

At the core of this approach is a percentage-off-based system to classify savings offered on top-tech products, combined with a sliding-scale system based on our team members’ expertise and several factors like frequency, brand or product recognition, and more. The result? Hand-crafted deals chosen specifically for ZDNET readers like you, fully backed by our experts.