Will Apple Watches Be Discounted on Prime Day?

Imagine this: Prime Day is just around the corner, and you're eyeing that sleek Apple Watch you've been dreaming of. The question gnaws at you: Will the Apple Watch be discounted on Prime Day? After all, this annual shopping event is a treasure trove for tech deals, but will the coveted Apple Watch be part of the madness? The answer isn't as straightforward as you'd think, and there's a lot at play when it comes to pricing during Prime Day. Let’s dive deep into the world of Prime Day discounts, how Apple operates during such events, and what you can expect this year.

Apple's Pricing Strategy and Prime Day

When you think of Apple, the first thing that might come to mind is their famously premium pricing strategy. Apple isn’t exactly known for throwing out deep discounts on its products, especially not the latest models. So, why is Prime Day any different?

The truth is, Apple products, including the Apple Watch, do get discounts during Prime Day, but there's a catch. Unlike other brands that often directly participate in discounting their products, Apple rarely lowers the prices of its devices directly. Instead, third-party retailers like Amazon are more likely to offer discounts on Apple products, including the Apple Watch. These discounts may not be as steep as those for non-Apple tech, but they can still provide meaningful savings—especially if you're looking at slightly older models.

The level of discount can depend on several factors, including the model, storage size, and availability. The newer the Apple Watch, the smaller the discount is likely to be. However, if you're eyeing a previous generation, such as the Apple Watch Series 7 or 8, you're in a much better position to score a deal.

Model	Expected Discount Range	Comments
Apple Watch Series 9	5% to 10%	Limited stock, smaller discounts for newer models
Apple Watch Series 8	15% to 20%	Decent discount for last year's model
Apple Watch SE	20% to 25%	Best value for those on a budget
Older Series (5 or 6)	25% to 35%	Biggest savings, but fewer features and older tech

As you can see, your best chance for a meaningful discount lies with older models or the Apple Watch SE, which is already positioned as a more budget-friendly option. If you're hoping to grab the latest Apple Watch model, you may not see much more than a 5-10% reduction in price. The older models, though, are where the real bargains lie.

Prime Day Patterns: What We’ve Seen Before

Prime Day isn’t a new phenomenon, and if past years are any indication, Apple Watches tend to be among the most popular tech items discounted during the event. But here's the kicker: the discounts aren’t always available at the very start of Prime Day. In some cases, the biggest Apple Watch deals are held back for a few hours—or even for the second day of the sale.

In 2023, for instance, the Apple Watch Series 8 saw a 15% discount mid-way through Prime Day, whereas the Apple Watch SE had consistent deals throughout the event. So, timing is key. If you're gunning for a specific model, it pays to monitor prices throughout Prime Day and not pull the trigger too early. Waiting might save you an extra $50 or $100.

It’s also worth noting that Prime Day deals on Apple Watches sometimes sell out fast, especially for the most popular colors and sizes. If you see a discount on the model you want, it’s often wise to grab it while you can. Amazon may restock, but there's no guarantee.

Should You Wait for Black Friday Instead?

Many shoppers often wonder if they should wait for Black Friday to snag an Apple Watch deal instead of Prime Day. While it's true that Black Friday can offer deeper discounts on a broader range of products, there are a few things to consider:

1. Product Availability: As the year progresses, Apple tends to phase out older models, which means the stock of discounted watches could be much lower by Black Friday.
2. Time to Enjoy Your Purchase: If you wait until November to buy your Apple Watch, you're essentially delaying several months of use. Is waiting for a possible extra 5-10% discount really worth it? That’s for you to decide.
3. Model Upgrades: Black Friday might coincide with Apple’s newer product releases, so if you're eyeing an older model, waiting too long could mean missing out entirely if it’s discontinued.

In summary, while Black Friday may offer better deals on some products, Prime Day is no slouch when it comes to Apple Watch discounts—especially if you’re willing to pounce early.

Additional Factors to Consider

Beyond timing and price, there are a few additional factors that could influence your Prime Day purchase decision:

• Refurbished Models: Don't overlook the potential savings from buying a refurbished Apple Watch on Prime Day. These watches often come with a warranty and can offer steep discounts compared to new models.
• Bundle Deals: Some third-party retailers may bundle the Apple Watch with accessories like bands, chargers, or even other tech products. These bundles can offer great value if you're planning to purchase those extras anyway.
• Financing Options: Amazon often provides 0% financing deals for Prime Day purchases. This could make buying a higher-end Apple Watch more palatable if you're looking to spread the cost over several months.

Final Thoughts: What to Expect for 2024

So, what can we expect from Prime Day 2024 when it comes to Apple Watches? The trends suggest that Apple Watches will indeed be discounted, but the level of discount will depend largely on the model you're interested in. The newer models will have smaller discounts, while older models and the SE will likely see more substantial price cuts.

Be prepared to act quickly, monitor the deals as they roll out, and don’t hesitate too long if you see a discount that appeals to you. With Apple Watches being one of the most sought-after tech items during Prime Day, you can expect some competition for the best deals.

Will you find your dream Apple Watch deal on Prime Day? The odds are in your favor, but only if you're ready to seize the opportunity when it appears.