Latest Intelligence

Quick Answer: As of December 10, 2025, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm, GPS + Cellular) is on sale for a record-low $549 at Amazon. This $250 discount makes it significantly cheaper than the newly released Ultra 3 while offering nearly identical rugged features and durability.

• Record-Breaking Discount: The $549 price tag represents a 31% saving from the original $799 list price. This is $50 cheaper than the previous best price seen during Black Friday 2025.
• Value Comparison: Choosing the Ultra 2 over the Ultra 3 saves users $250. The primary technical difference between the two generations is a roughly six-hour battery life improvement on the newer model; otherwise, the hardware remains highly similar.
• Pro Features for Less: The Ultra 2 continues to offer premium features absent from the standard Series 11, including the aerospace-grade titanium case, programmable Action Button, dual-frequency GPS, and up to 3000 nits of display brightness.
• Outdoor & Dive Ready: The watch includes a built-in 86-decibel siren for emergencies, a depth gauge, and a water temperature sensor, making it a robust tool for hikers, runners, and divers.
• Battery Performance: The Ultra 2 provides up to 36 hours of battery life under normal use and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode, outperforming the standard Apple Watch models by nearly double.
• Iterative Innovation: Experts suggest the transition to the Ultra 3 was an iterative "minor" update, making the deeply discounted Ultra 2 the "best-buy" high-end wearable in the current Apple lineup.

Quick Answer: The Apple Watch Ultra 3 retails for $799, but current December 2025 deals include a modest $19 direct discount at Amazon ($780) and up to $335 off via Apple’s trade-in program. Carrier incentives at AT&T also offer $100 off when adding a new watch line.

• Direct Discounts: Amazon is currently leading with the best direct price, offering select Apple Watch Ultra 3 configurations for $780. While the $19 saving is modest, it is one of the few "no-strings-attached" discounts available since its September launch.
• Trade-In Power: Apple’s official trade-in program remains the most effective way to lower the cost, offering up to $335 in credit for eligible older wearables, potentially bringing the out-of-pocket cost down to $464.
• Carrier Incentives: AT&T is offering a $100 discount applied via 36 monthly bill credits when users add a new service line. Best Buy also provides trade-in credits up to $250 for those looking for an immediate in-store upgrade.
• Ecosystem Perks: New and returning subscribers who purchase the Ultra 3 can claim up to four months of Apple Fitness+ and three months of Apple Music for free. Apple Card users also receive 3% Daily Cash back on the full purchase price.
• Rugged Specs & WatchOS: The Ultra 3 features a 49mm titanium case, a 3,000-nit display, and new 5G/Satellite connectivity. It runs watchos 26, which introduces AI-driven "Workout Buddy" features and seamless ios integration for precision finding.
• Endurance & Health: Rated for up to 42 hours of normal use (72 hours in Low Power Mode), the device now includes FDA-cleared hypertension notifications and advanced vitals tracking, making it a comprehensive health and adventure companion.
• Refurbished Alternatives: While the Ultra 3 is too new for Apple's official refurbished store, previous-gen Ultra 2 models are appearing on sites like Back Market for under $400, serving as a high-value alternative for budget-conscious buyers.

• Apple Watch SE 3 Under $300: The Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS 40mm) is featured as a top deal, currently priced at $299 (down from $329) on Amazon Canada.
• iPad Discounts: The 11-inch iPad with the A16 chip is seeing significant price cuts, with the 128GB model down to $389 (save $110) and the 256GB model at $549 (save $100).
• AirPods Sales: Multiple AirPods models are on sale, including the 3rd Gen AirPods with MagSafe for $178 and the premium AirPods Max for $648 (save $131).
• MacBook Air 2025 Deals: The latest 13-inch MacBook Air is discounted to $1,180, while the 15-inch model is available for $1,689, offering savings of up to $309.
• iPad Air & Mini Offers: The M3-powered 11-inch iPad Air is down to $799 (save $150), and the iPad mini (A17 Pro) 256GB is priced at $749.
• Essential Accessories: The Apple AirTag 4-pack is on sale for $99, and the Apple Pencil Pro has been reduced to $139 for Boxing Day.
• Limited Inventory: Tech writers warn that stock moves quickly during the Boxing Day period, especially for popular items like Apple Watches and entry-level iPads.
• Ecosystem Savings: Small add-ons like the Magic Keyboard Folio ($280) and Magic Mouse ($85) are also discounted, making it a good time to complete an Apple setup.

• Strategic Purge: Apple has quietly discontinued up to 25 devices and accessories in 2025 to streamline its lineup and prepare for the 2nm processor era of the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
• End of the Home Button: The discontinuation of the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) officially marks the end of the Home button and Touch ID era, with the iPhone 16e taking its place as the entry-level model.
• Non-AI Hardware Exit: Older models like the iPhone 14 and 15 are being phased out to ensure the current lineup meets the minimum performance baseline required for advanced Apple Intelligence features.
• iPad & Mac Refresh: Several M-series devices, including the iPad Pro (M4), iPad Air (M2), and Mac Studio (M2 Max/Ultra), have been retired to make way for newer M3 and M5 successors.
• Wearables Update: The Apple Watch Ultra 2, Series 10, and SE (2nd Gen) were discontinued as Apple moves toward a more clearly differentiated smartwatch lineup for 2026.
• Accessory Transition: Apple is retiring legacy standards, including Lightning adapters and older MagSafe chargers, in a final push toward total USB-C and Qi2 charging adoption.
• Titanium Focus: The product cleanup is seen as a move to highlight the rumored titanium chassis and next-gen hardware of the "iPhone 18" flagship series.
• Inventory Impact: While discontinued, these products remain software-supported, and users may find significant price drops at third-party retailers while supplies last.

• Pre-Setup Requirement: Ensure your iPhone is running the latest software (iOS 26) before beginning. The entire setup process typically takes about 30 minutes.
• Initial Power & Language: Unbox the watch, attach the strap, and place it on the magnetic charger. Select your language and region once the device powers on.
• Pro Pairing Tip: Open the Watch app on your iPhone and bring it close to the watch. Use the yellow square on the iPhone screen to perfectly frame the watch face to pair them.
• Configuration Choices: Decide whether you are setting the watch up for yourself or a family member, and sign in with your Apple ID to enable core ecosystem features.
• Health & Passcode: Verify your personal fitness details to improve monitoring accuracy and choose whether to set a passcode for added security.
• Syncing & Tutorials: Allow the devices to sync, then follow the quick tutorials for gesture controls (like the "Wrist Flick") and safety tools.
• Final Software Check: Once "Hello" appears, go to Settings > General > Software Update on the watch to ensure you are running the absolute latest version of watchOS.
• Pro Features to Try: Enable key tools like the AI-powered "Workout Buddy," sleep apnea detection, and automatic volume adjustments for a better experience.

• iPhone 18 Series & Foldable: The fall lineup will feature the iPhone 18 Pro with under-display Face ID and a dedicated "iPhone Fold/Ultra" featuring a book-style crease-free design.
• Budget MacBook & iPhone 17e: A new low-cost MacBook (starting at $599-$699) and the iPhone 17e with the A19 chip are expected in early 2026 to target the budget market.
• iPad OLED & Spec Bumps: The iPad mini is rumored to finally receive an OLED display and A20 Pro chip, while the iPad Air moves to the M4 and the base iPad gets Apple Intelligence support.
• Apple Home Expansion: A new "HomePod Touch" with a 7-inch screen and a first-party Apple security camera with HomeKit Secure Video integration are on the horizon.
• Next-Gen Mac Displays: Apple is reportedly prepping a Studio Display 2 with 120Hz ProMotion and a possible new Pro Display XDR refresh.
• M5 & M6 Mac Transitions: The year starts with M5 MacBook Air and Pro models, culminating in a major redesign for the MacBook Pro featuring M6 chips and OLED touch displays in the fall.
• Apple Watch Series 12 & Ultra 4: Expected updates include new "S-class" chips and the potential introduction of Touch ID or expanded health sensors across both models.
• AirPods Pro 3 with Cameras: Built-in cameras are rumored for the next AirPods Pro to power advanced AI and visual intelligence features.
• Apple Glasses Tease: While shipping might not occur until 2027, Apple may officially unveil its AR "Apple Glasses" during 2026.
• AirTag 2: An updated tracker with a new Ultra Wideband chip for improved range and security is slated for a spring release.

• End of an Era: With the discontinuation of the iPhone SE (3rd Gen), Apple no longer sells any iPhones with a Home button, Touch ID, LCD screen, or Lightning port.
• iPhone Lineup Changes: The iPhone Plus models are being phased out in favor of the upcoming iPhone Air, while the iPhone 16 Pro and 14/15 series models were cut to make room for newer generations.
• iPad Refresh: The iPad Pro (M4), iPad Air (M2), and iPad 10 were all discontinued and replaced by models featuring spec bumps to M5, M3, and A16 chips respectively.
• Apple Watch Updates: The Apple Watch Ultra 2, Series 10, and SE 2 were retired, succeeded by the Ultra 3, Series 11, and SE 3.
• Mac Hardware Transitions: Discontinued Macs include the Mac Studio (M2 Max/Ultra), the 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4), and several MacBook Air models (M2 and M3) as they transitioned to M4 and M5 chips.
• Accessories & Others: Apple also discontinued several high-profile accessories, including the AirPods Pro 2, the M2 Apple Vision Pro, and the 30W USB-C Power Adapter.