Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
It has been over six calendar month since theApple Watch Series 9andApple Watch Ultra 2launched , and they are still view two of the best smartwatches on the market . However , there are two significant cause why you might not want to purchase either of these good example .
Those reasons are theApple Watch Series 8and the first - generationApple Watch Ultra . That ’s correct — buying a 2022 Apple Watch over the unexampled modelling might be a better option for you .
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
Why now’s a great time to buy an old Apple Watch
Apple has made it received practice to release novel Apple Watches every fall , except for the less expensive Apple Watch SE series , which tends to get a refresh every two twelvemonth . When newfangled Apple Watches arrive , the sure-enough models are kip down . In the most late case , the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 substitute the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra , severally .
However , just because Apple retired these models does n’t think of you ca n’t buy them . For example , third - party retailers like Best Buy and Amazon still sell Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra models . Better still , they are uncommitted for immense deduction versus their original prices and when liken to the current models .
If you look hard enough , you might still be able-bodied to observe a new Apple Watch Series 8 or Apple Watch Ultra . However , finding “ renewed ” or “ certified refurbished ” products is much easier , and you ’ll retrieve the prominent discounts on these items .
Regarding renew Apple Watches on Amazon , it ’s best to go with those check as “ Renewed Premium . ” These are the best ones Amazon offer and come with a one - class Amazon Renewed Guarantee . Apple Watches marked simply as “ reincarnate ” are guarantee for 90 days .
At Best Buy , look for models marked as “ Geek Squad Certified Refurbished . ” These products include 90 Day of liberal protection ( you may pay extra to extend the protection ) .
The pricing and availability of refurbished Apple Watch Series 8 and first - contemporaries Apple Watch Ultra models can variegate depending on the retailer . Currently , a 41 mm Apple Watch Series 8 is useable on Amazon ata discounted price of about $ 248 , which is $ 150 less than the original price . The 45 mm model is also available on the websitefor around $ 300 , a savings of $ 130 . Originally priced at $ 799 , renewed models of the Apple Watch Ultraare usable on Amazon for $ 499 , saving you $ 300 .
Are there downsides to buying older models?
Apple furnish one yr of ironware protective cover on Modern Apple Watches . By buy Apple Care+ , this insurance coverage can be extended up to three years for as low as $ 79 . However , if you make up one’s mind to purchase a refurbished or renewed Apple Watch model through a third party , it wo n’t condition for these protections . This might be a concern for some possible buyers . Nevertheless , third - party guarantees and price discount can lessen this business organization .
Two other gunpoint to consider before purchase a refurbished model are hardware and software . Both of these mostly favor the erstwhile models .
In terms of hardware , there are few detectable differences between the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch Ultra compared to the new models . The Apple Watch Series 9 features an improved chip and a brighter display than the Apple Watch Series 8 . However , the sound scrap does not inevitably result in long battery living . However , it provide for slightly better public presentation and faster app loading times .
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 also proffer a proficient chip and brighter display than the former model . It also provides double the storage , which could be important for folks who care to store songs and podcasts on their wrists . Otherwise , more memory board believably is n’t a big deal . The down power modality on the newfangled modelling has skip from 60 minute to 72 hours , which is a nice increase , but , again , maybe not something you ’d care about .
On the package side , there are even fewer difference between the quondam and novel Apple Watch models . The new models , for example , proffer Modern gesture and , thanks to the S9 microchip , appropriate you to apply Siri on the equipment itself . The earlier models involve a Wi - Fi or cellular data connexion to apply the part assistant .
It should also be noted that the new and older models provide the same drill and wellness lineament .
If you ’re looking for a smartwatch that will provide software update for years , the Apple Watch is a great choice . Apple has been known for providing generous software package updates , and the Apple Watch is no exception .
Even older Apple Watch model dating back to 2018can have the belated watchOS 10 update , which intend you’re able to bask the latest feature film and melioration regardless of which role model you choose . This is splendid news for anyone who want to invest in an Apple Watch , as it intend you’re able to require at least five years of free computer software updates regardless of the model you choose .
Whether you ’re considering the Apple Watch Series 8 , Series 9 , or even the Apple Watch Ultra or Ultra 2 , you could rest assured that you ’ll receive the same backup and updates . And as applied science continues to acquire , you may even come up that you ’re ready to upgrade to a newer model before your current Apple Watch becomes out-of-date .
The bottom line
If you ’re in the grocery store for an Apple Watch , it ’s worth considering the Apple Watch Series 8 or Apple Watch Ultra , which are great options even if they are reincarnate or refurbish . Sure , you may not get thevery latestprocessor or display technical school , but does that really matter when you ’re saving as much as $ 300 and getting a intimately identical smartwatch ? I ’d argue that it does n’t .
If you ’re still not sold on purchase an senior Apple Watch , think that you could sometimes find the late good example at discounted cost , specially on Amazon . And with the expected launching of the Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 in about six calendar month , the prices of current framework may shake off even further in the upcoming months .
The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 rest incredible smartwatches — no doubt about that . However , for the savvy shopper out there , it can yield to notbuy the new example .
