Apple Watch Series 11 Hits Record-Low $299: Buy Now or Wait for Series 12? (2026)
The Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, Jet Black Aluminum) just dropped to $299 on Amazon — $100 off its $399 list price and the lowest price ever recorded outside of Prime Day. The deal appeared within hours of Samsung launching the Galaxy Watch 9 at $379.99, and it puts Apple's current flagship watch at an exceptional value. But with the Apple Watch Series 12 expected in just seven weeks, should you buy now or hold out?
Series 11 Deal
$299 on Amazon — record-low, $100 off. Buy now before it expires.
Series 12 (Sep 2026)
Rumored: blood pressure, sensor band, new chip. Expected $399–$429 at launch.
Our Take
$299 is a buy-it-now price. Series 12 won't be this cheap until Black Friday at the earliest.
Why Did the Price Drop to $299?
The timing is not coincidental. Samsung launched the Galaxy Watch 9 at $379.99 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 at $699 at Unpacked just two days ago. Amazon routinely drops Apple Watch prices in response to major Samsung launches. At $299, the Series 11 undercuts the Galaxy Watch 9 by $80— a compelling counter-argument for iPhone users considering a switch to Samsung's ecosystem.
This matches the absolute lowest price from Prime Day 2026, making it the best non-holiday deal we've tracked. Note that the Open Box option on eBay starts at $267 if you want to save even more.
What Does the Series 11 Offer at $299?
Even though it's about to be superseded, the Series 11 remains an excellent smartwatch:
- FDA-cleared hypertension detection — analyzes blood vessel response to flag chronic high blood pressure
- 2,000-nit always-on Retina display — brighter than Series 10, excellent outdoor readability
- All-day battery life — 24+ hours under normal use, enough for sleep tracking
- Crash and fall detection — with emergency SOS
- watchOS 27 support — all the latest software features including on-device Siri improvements
- ECG, blood oxygen, skin temperature — comprehensive health sensor suite
What Will the Series 12 Add?
Based on credible leaks and reports from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the Apple Watch Series 12 is expected to bring:
- Blood pressure monitoring — wrist-based, a first for Apple Watch
- Sensor-in-band design — a health sensor embedded in the silicone band itself
- New chip — leaked Apple code confirms a new processor after the Series 11 reused the S9 chip
- Improved battery life — a known leaker says battery is a key focus area
- Expected price: $399–$429 at launch
- Expected timeline: Announce early September, ship mid-to-late September
The Series 12 will likely not reach $299 until Black Friday 2026 at the earliest — and more realistically, not until Prime Day 2027. That's a 6–12 month wait for the same price you can get today on the Series 11.
How Does It Compare to the Galaxy Watch 9?
At $299, the Series 11 is $80 cheaper than Samsung's new Galaxy Watch 9 at $379.99. The Galaxy Watch 9 has a brighter 3,000-nit display and the newer Snapdragon Wear Elite processor. The Series 11 has FDA-cleared hypertension detection and tighter integration with iPhone, AirPods, and Mac. The choice is straightforward: buy for your phone ecosystem. iPhone users should get the Series 11; Samsung/Android users should consider the Galaxy Watch 9 or wait for the Pixel Watch 5 on August 12.
Should You Buy Now at $299 or Wait for Series 12?
Buy the Series 11 at $299 if:You need an Apple Watch now, you want to save $100+ compared to launch pricing, you don't specifically need blood pressure monitoring, or you prefer proven hardware over first-generation features. The Series 11 will continue to receive watchOS updates for at least 4–5 years.
Wait for the Series 12 if:Blood pressure monitoring is your primary motivation for buying a smartwatch, you want the latest chip for maximum longevity, or you're comfortable paying $399–$429 at launch and waiting months for a deal.
Our recommendation: Buy the Series 11 at $299. This is a buy-it-now price. The Series 12's headline feature — blood pressure — will be a first-generation implementation, and first-gen Apple health features historically take 6–12 months of software updates to reach their full potential. You'll get a proven, fully mature smartwatch at a price the Series 12 won't match for nearly a year. The $100 you save today can go toward upgrading later if the Series 12 delivers. Browse all options in our smartwatch guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the Apple Watch Series 11 $299 deal last?
It's unclear. Amazon's competitive pricing often fluctuates within days, and this price drop appears to be a response to Samsung's Galaxy Watch 9 launch. The deal could disappear at any time. If you want the Series 11 at this price, buying sooner is safer than waiting.
What new features will Apple Watch Series 12 have?
Rumors point to blood pressure monitoring, improved battery life, a new chip, and a novel health sensor built directly into the band. The Series 12 is expected to launch in the second week of September 2026 at $399–$429. Touch ID has been rumored but appears unlikely due to battery impact concerns.
Is the Apple Watch Series 11 still worth buying in 2026?
Absolutely. The Series 11 has FDA-cleared hypertension detection, a 2,000-nit always-on display, all-day battery life, crash detection, and the full suite of watchOS 27 features. At $299, it's $100 less than the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and one of the best smartwatch values available.
How does the Apple Watch Series 11 compare to Galaxy Watch 9?
The Series 11 ($299 on deal) undercuts the Galaxy Watch 9 ($379.99) by $80. The Galaxy Watch 9 has a brighter 3,000-nit display and the newer Snapdragon Wear Elite chip. The Series 11 has FDA-cleared hypertension detection and tighter integration with iPhone. Choose based on your phone ecosystem.