Will the Apple Watch SE 3 drop on Black Friday 2026?
A fifth off last year. Still Apple's entry watch, so expect a similar cut.
HappenedBlack Friday 2025
A fair cut at Amazon, reported on 25 November.
ForecastBlack Friday 2026
Likely a moderate drop
- Apple kept the SE 3 in its range when the Series 12 arrived, so no clear-out
- Last year's cut came in its first Black Friday
Should you wait for Black Friday?
Wait a few weeks, but don't expect miracles. Apple watches tend to repeat last year's discount rather than beat it. If it already sits near that level, buying now costs you little.
The cheaper picks: what they really did
The percentages are real Black Friday 2025 cuts, as reported that week. The right column is our 2026 forecast.
Fitbit Versa 4
Out since 2022
−40%Likely a big drop
Works with iPhone too, and lasts days per charge. Fell 40%.
Fitbit Inspire 3
Out since 2022
−30%Likely a moderate drop
A simple band for steps and sleep, if you skip the apps.
What this means: The SE 3 is the one for iPhone apps and payments. The Fitbits fell further and last longer per charge.
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Questions people ask
Is the Apple Watch SE 3 worth it over the Series 12?
For most first-time owners, yes. It has the always-on screen, crash detection and sleep score, and lacks a few health sensors.
Does the Apple Watch SE 3 work with Android?
No, it needs an iPhone.
40 mm or 44 mm Apple Watch SE 3?
The 44 mm has a bigger screen and slightly longer battery. Last year's Black Friday deal was on the 40 mm GPS model.
How we reached this
Last year's cuts are the ones named outlets reported during Black Friday week 2025, against the regular price they quoted. The forecast is our reading of each model's age, its successors and last year's cuts. We never show prices.
We haven't tested these products ourselves. Our picks weigh independent expert reviews against each maker's published specs and the prices we checked. Opinions are ours; facts link to where they come from. How we choose.
Sources: T3: Apple Watch SE 3 Black Friday deal, Tom's Guide: Black Friday smartwatch deals (live), TechRadar: Fitbit Inspire 3 Black Friday deal at Best Buy, Apple Newsroom: Apple Watch Series 12 announced.