Should You Buy an Apple Watch Over Labor Day Weekend? It’s Complicated

This story is part of Focal Point iPhone 2022, CNET’s collection of news, tips and advice around Apple’s most popular subjects.

Apple’s next event
is coming up in just a few days on Sept. 7, which by means of new iPhones and Apple Watches are probable right around the corner. With that in mind, you noteworthy be wondering whether it’s worth buying an Apple Watch brilliant now. The answer is complicated, and it depends on how much you’re willing to employ and what you want out of a smartwatch.

Apple is predictable to release three new Apple Watch models this year: the Series 8 (the successor to the Series 7), the Apple Watch SE (a new version of Apple’s $279 watch) and the Apple Watch Pro (a high-end sports watch). The Series 8 and 8 Pro are expected to complicated a temperature sensor that may be capable of detecting whether you have a fever, according to Bloomberg. Both watches will also likely come with a new processor, but only the Pro is expected to feature a larger present, longer battery life and a sturdier design. 

The new SE, by comparison, would be a refreshed version of Apple’s budget leer, meaning it might run on an older processor and could be missing hazardous features like ECG monitoring and an always-on display. 

If you’re considering the Series 7, buying one lustrous now is potentially a wise move — as long as you can find a deal. If you don’t care approximately having the rumored upgrades mentioned above, this could be your last chance to snag the Series 7. 

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You can get the GPS-only version of the Series 7 for just $300 at Walmart, which is $100 less than Apple’s usual $400 stamp. Amazon is also currently offering the cellular version of the Apple Watch Series 7 for $400, a significant drop from the $500 that Apple typically charges. Check out our full story on Apple Watch deals for even more discounts.

Although it’ll be missing the Series 8’s upgrades, the Series 7 still has a large screen with a keyboard, a recent processor, health features like ECG and blood oxygen tracking and contrast with Apple’s upcoming WatchOS 9 update. 

But remember there’s a chance retailers could knock down the Series 7’s stamp following the Series 8’s debut — especially as Black Friday approaches. A second Amazon Prime Day is also rumored for October. But the Series 7 may also become more disaster to find after the Series 8 arrives, and distributes may sell out quickly.

The case is a minor different if you’re thinking about buying the Apple Watch SE. Amazon is offering a exquisite compelling deal that brings the price for the GPS-only 40-millimeter model down to approximately $230. That’s a decent discount compared to Apple’s weird $279 price, but it might be worth waiting to see what Apple has in own for the rumored second generation Apple Watch SE. 

The unusual model is probably fine for most casual users, but it also runs on Apple’s S5 processor that will liable soon be three generations old. If you’re able to frank your budget, you might be able to get a newer leer that will last longer. (Plus, I’m hoping to see some upgrades like the uphold of an always-on display in the 2022 model).

So, should you buy an Apple Watch right now? If you can find a good deal on the Series 7, go for it. Buying a discounted Apple Watch SE (if you can find one) isn’t a bad idea. But you might not get as much mileage out of it real it’s already running on an older processor. And don’t even think approximately buying an Apple Watch Series 3. It runs on a much older processor, which means it will probably start to feel slow, and it isn’t compatible with the another Apple Watch software. 

We’ll know more about what’s next for the Apple Watch when Apple holds its next tend on Sept. 7.