It’s above even the first meaningful Black Friday price cut, with the hefty $799 list price dropped to about $699 at leading retailers — a savings of around $100. On Apple’s toughest smartwatch, such a three‑figure savings are rare and put the Ultra 3 straight back onto deal-watchers’ shopping lists as one of the season’s top premium wearable buys.
Why This Black Friday Deal Is So Good Right Now
Apple gear isn’t deeply discounted often, and particularly not so soon after it’s been released. A $100 discount is about 12% off, and that’s sizable for a model that generally adheres to MSRP outside of short promotion windows. And price trackers like Camelcamelcamel and Keepa have typically alerted on sub‑$700 Ultra prices as noteworthy lows, which are in turn temporary or repeatable only for select band colors.
The broader context also matters. In Adobe’s holiday retail reports, electronics are consistently at the top of the Black Friday list in terms of demand, and retailers leverage tier‑one brands to draw traffic. In most cases, that means the best Apple Watch deals tend to sell out first or go in and out of stock during the weekend.
What the Ultra 3 Does for Athletes and Adventurers
Ultra is still the “go anywhere” Apple Watch: a 49‑millimeter titanium case, sapphire front crystal, and a display that is as vivid as on any smartwatch. The customizable Action button lets you prioritize a four‑button feature set to make for easy control even with gloves or wet hands, with the 86‑decibel emergency siren.
Dual‑frequency GPS (L1+L5) offers better signal accuracy in urban canyons and dense cover, plus navigation sensors including a three‑axis compass, gyroscope, and barometric altimeter; features such as Backtrack help guide you back.
The Ultra line is rated to WR100 with EN13319 certification and can also be used as a recreational dive companion when in sync with dive apps.
Battery life is one major reason athletes move up. The Ultra family is designed for all‑day training and multi‑day adventures with Low Power Mode, and the Ultra 3 introduces efficiency gains in addition to watchOS optimizations. On‑device Siri for health information, Precision Finding with the latest Ultra Wideband chip, and watchOS 11 tools such as Training Load and the Vitals app complete a performance‑oriented collection.
How It Compares to Ultra 2 and Series Models
If you’re moving up from an Ultra 1 or a more common Series model, the Ultra 3 feels significantly more capable in rough environments: a stronger GPS lock, a bigger and brighter screen, longer battery stamina, and tougher materials.
Against the Ultra 2, the Ultra 3 is an incremental evolution — this is more a case of making tweaks to ensure that things are running efficiently and responsively, rather than rebuilding from the ground up.
For everyday users who aren’t training for hours in uncharted territory, the newest Series models — thinner and lighter — are perfectly adequate. But for marathoners, trail runners, open‑water swimmers, denizens of the mountains, and anyone who demands extended battery plus robust navigation, Apple’s Ultra 3 is the most reliable option.
Price History and Inventory Outlook This Season
Ultra‑class discounts historically are concentrated near marquee retail events, and then dissipate. Stock is frequently dictated by band and colorway combinations; the Alpine Loop and Ocean Band options will be among those to most often swing in and out of availability. You can bet if it’s at one store, the others will match it with their own offer regardless of what is advertised. Price‑match deals should be widely available from the major chains, but will close quickly once they’re out.
Market trackers like Counterpoint Research have had Apple consistently atop global smartwatch shipments with about a third share, so that’s why the full‑court‑press holiday discounting scheme clears inventory quickly. Translation: Don’t wait if you see your favorite band size and color in stock at the $100‑off price.
Who Should Buy It Now and Who Can Safely Wait
Get the Ultra 3 at this price if you log extended workouts, travel off‑grid, or need the sturdiest Apple Watch for work in extreme settings. Its dual‑frequency GPS and multi‑day endurance in power‑saving modes are particularly reliable features for long‑distance events and backcountry days.
If the Ultra 2 is already in your stable and you’re happy with battery life and performance, you can wait for more cycle changes. But if you’re coming from a Series watch (not including the original) or the old Ultra — and you’ve been lusting after a ruggedized Apple Watch — this Black Friday drop is the value sweet spot.
Before You Check Out: Key Tips When Buying Ultra 3
- Make sure you’re getting the most recent model and your favorite band.
- The Ultra line is cellular‑enabled out of the box, so check for carrier compatibility if you intend to activate.
- Review extended holiday return windows and consider AppleCare+ if you’ll be rough on the watch.
- Trade‑in credits for older Apple Watches can bring down the effective price, and some retailers offer additional bands or chargers in bundles — extras to factor into the overall value.
Bottom line: A $100 Black Friday discount on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a standout deal on a product that seldom moves. If rugged construction, accurate GPS, and long battery life are on your list of priorities, then it’s time to take the plunge.