Black Friday 2025 is over. Apple’s own four-day shopping event ran from November 28 through December 1, 2025, offering a $50 Apple Gift Card with eligible Apple Watch Series 11 and SE 3 purchases. Retailers started earlier and often used direct markdowns instead, making the exact configuration more important than the headline discount.
Black Friday 2025 is over. Apple’s own four-day shopping event ran from Friday, November 28 through Monday, December 1, 2025, and the reported offer was a $50 Apple Gift Card with eligible Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch SE 3 purchases—not a universal $50 price cut. Retailers started earlier and were more likely to offer immediate markdowns.
Target’s holiday activity began in early November, Amazon’s official Black Friday Week ran through November 28, and retailers including Target, Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart competed with discounts on selected Apple Watch configurations. The best deal depended on the exact model, case size, GPS or cellular connectivity, band, seller, and whether you preferred cash off at checkout or Apple credit for a future purchase.
When did Apple Watch Black Friday deals start in 2025?
| Retailer or event | 2025 timing | What shoppers could expect |
|---|---|---|
| Target holiday deals | Daily deals began November 1; weekly holiday deals began November 2 | Early Apple promotions, followed by an Early Black Friday Sale from November 6–8 |
| Amazon Black Friday Week | Ran through November 28 | Apple products featured in the retailer’s official Black Friday promotion, with reported discounts on selected Apple Watch models |
| Apple Shopping Event | November 28–December 1 | $50 Apple Gift Card with eligible Series 11 and SE 3 purchases |
| Black Friday | November 28 | Retailer markdowns and the start of Apple’s shopping event |
| Cyber Monday | December 1 | Final day of Apple’s four-day event and continuing retailer promotions |
The practical lesson was that shoppers who waited until November 28 were not necessarily seeing the first or best Apple Watch offers. Retailers launched promotions weeks earlier, and specific colors, case sizes, and cellular models could sell through before the main Black Friday date.
What was Apple’s Black Friday Apple Watch offer?
Apple’s reported 2025 offer was a $50 Apple Gift Card with an eligible Apple Watch Series 11 or Apple Watch SE 3 purchase during the November 28–December 1 Apple Store Shopping Event.
That distinction matters. Apple did not simply reduce the checkout price of every Apple Watch by $50. The benefit was future-use credit. Apple Gift Cards can be used for eligible Apple purchases, so the offer had more practical value for someone who already expected to buy an Apple accessory, another Apple product, an app, or a service. It was less attractive to a shopper who wanted the lowest immediate price or did not intend to spend more within Apple’s ecosystem.
#1 Best Overall
![Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/416RQ0rtsUL._SL160_.jpg)
- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
- KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
- GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
- SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.
Eligibility and terms applied to the specific products and region. For a historical deal roundup, the event should therefore be described as a gift-card promotion rather than a blanket discount, and archived terms should be checked before quoting any additional conditions.
Where were the direct Apple Watch discounts?
Target
Target was one of the clearest examples of a retailer offering an immediate price reduction rather than Apple credit. A recorded Target listing showed an Apple Watch Series 11 GPS 42mm at $299.99, down from a displayed regular price of $399.99—a $100, or 25%, reduction for that particular configuration.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThat was not the universal price of the Series 11. Case size and connectivity matter, and the listing should not be used to describe every Series 11 model. Target also listed reduced Apple Watch SE 3 prices and clearance pricing on selected bands.
For future comparison shopping, Target Apple Watch deals are worth checking early, but a historical 2025 markdown should not be presented as a current price or a promise that the same promotion will return.
Amazon
Amazon’s official 2025 Black Friday Week included Apple products. Deal coverage reported a $50 reduction on the new Apple Watch Series 11 during an early Black Friday sale, as well as a larger $120 reduction on a selected Series 10 configuration.
Rank #2
![Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 42mm] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Light Blush Sport Band - S/M. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31caPPnRysL._SL160_.jpg)
- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
- KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
- GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
- SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.
These examples highlight an important comparison: Series 10 was the previous generation after Series 11 launched. A larger discount on an older model does not automatically make it a better buy than a smaller discount on the current generation. Check the model year, included features, case size, connectivity, seller, warranty, and return terms before comparing prices. You can use Apple Watch Series 11 as the starting point when checking Amazon’s current or future listings, but prices and stock change quickly.
Best Buy
Best Buy maintained an Apple Shopping Event destination, and 2025 deal coverage identified it as one of the major retailers reducing Apple Watch prices. The important qualification is that the promotion applied to particular listings, not necessarily every model.
When checking Best Buy Apple Watch deals, compare the case size, GPS or GPS + Cellular configuration, band, and whether the watch is sold directly by Best Buy or by a marketplace seller. A headline discount is not useful if it applies to a different configuration from the one you actually want.
Walmart
Walmart was also reported as a source of Apple Watch reductions in 2025, including discounts on Series 10 and other models. Because Walmart listings can vary by seller and inventory, it is best treated as a comparison destination rather than a source of one guaranteed price.
Before buying through a Walmart Apple Watch deal, confirm whether the watch is new or refurbished, who is selling and fulfilling it, what warranty applies, and how returns work. Those details can materially change the value of an apparent bargain.
Rank #3
![Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band - S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor, Always-On Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31YiTby0pOL._SL160_.jpg)
- GET SMARTER HEALTH INSIGHTS—Apple Watch SE 3 is an advanced health tracker that helps you better understand your body. The smartwatch sends alerts for an irregular heart rhythm, or an unusually high or low heart rate.* You can view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app,* track your sleep score, and get sleep apnea notifications.*
- A GREAT FITNESS TRACKER—SE 3 can track your workouts in a healthy number of ways—from running and strength training to simply achieving your 10K steps a day. With real-time metrics and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone,* you’ll hit your goals like never before.
- KEEP HELP CLOSE AT HAND—SE 3 is a smartwatch that can detect a hard fall or severe car crash and automatically help connect you to emergency services and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- WOMEN’S HEALTH INSIGHTS—SE 3 has advanced sensors that track your wrist temperature while you sleep. With this smartwatch, you can log your periods and symptoms, get period predictions, and get notified of cycle deviations.*
- GREAT BATTERY LIFE AND FASTER CHARGING—Enjoy a smartwatch with all-day, 18-hour battery life* from sunup to sundown. Then charge up to twice as fast as SE 2* and get up to 8 hours of battery in just 15 minutes.*
Apple Watch models shoppers compared in 2025
Apple introduced the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 3 in September 2025, with availability beginning September 19. They occupied different positions in the range:
| Model | Position in the 2025 lineup | Best comparison question |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 11 | Mainstream model | Is the current-generation feature set worth paying more for than an outgoing Series 10? |
| Apple Watch SE 3 | Value-oriented model | Does it provide the functions you need at a lower starting price? |
| Apple Watch Ultra 3 | Premium and outdoor-focused model | Do you need its premium design and outdoor-oriented positioning, or would a standard model be sufficient? |
Apple’s current shop page, accessed after the 2025 event, listed the Series 11 from $399. That is a current-page reference, not a 2025 Black Friday price and should not be back-projected into the historical sale.
Ultra 3 shoppers should be especially careful. The Series 11 and SE 3 gift-card offer should not be assumed to apply to Ultra 3, and no specific Ultra 3 Black Friday discount should be quoted without a model-specific promotion or product page confirming it.
How to compare Apple Watch Black Friday prices correctly
Apple Watch prices can look dramatically different even when the listings appear similar. Use this checklist before deciding that one deal is better:
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- Case size: Do not compare a 42mm watch with a 46mm watch as if they were identical. The case size can change the price.
- Connectivity: GPS and GPS + Cellular are separate configurations. Cellular models can cost more and may involve carrier activation or ongoing service costs.
- Case material and glass: Aluminum and titanium configurations are not equivalent. Display glass and case materials can affect both price and durability.
- Band: Check the band style and size included in the box. A low headline price may reflect a less expensive band configuration.
- Condition: Confirm that the watch is new rather than refurbished, used, or open-box.
- Seller: Check who sells and fulfills the item, particularly on marketplace listings.
- Promotion type: Separate an immediate price cut from an Apple Gift Card, retailer gift card, carrier bill credit, or trade-in requirement.
- Stock and delivery: Verify the selected color, size, and connectivity option. Black Friday stock can disappear while the general product page remains live.
- Returns and warranty: Read the retailer’s return window and confirm the applicable manufacturer or seller warranty.
Which 2025 offer was better: Apple’s gift card or a retailer discount?
For the lowest immediate checkout price, a direct retailer markdown was usually easier to value. Target’s recorded $100 reduction on one Series 11 GPS 42mm configuration, for example, was worth more at checkout than Apple’s $50 future-use gift card—assuming the products were otherwise equivalent.
Apple’s offer could still be preferable in several situations:
Rank #4
![Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band - S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor, Always-On Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Gq8SToFJL._SL160_.jpg)
- GET SMARTER HEALTH INSIGHTS—Apple Watch SE 3 is an advanced health tracker that helps you better understand your body. The smartwatch sends alerts for an irregular heart rhythm, or an unusually high or low heart rate.* You can view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app,* track your sleep score, and get sleep apnea notifications.*
- A GREAT FITNESS TRACKER—SE 3 can track your workouts in a healthy number of ways—from running and strength training to simply achieving your 10K steps a day. With real-time metrics and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone,* you’ll hit your goals like never before.
- KEEP HELP CLOSE AT HAND—SE 3 is a smartwatch that can detect a hard fall or severe car crash and automatically help connect you to emergency services and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- WOMEN’S HEALTH INSIGHTS—SE 3 has advanced sensors that track your wrist temperature while you sleep. With this smartwatch, you can log your periods and symptoms, get period predictions, and get notified of cycle deviations.*
- GREAT BATTERY LIFE AND FASTER CHARGING—Enjoy a smartwatch with all-day, 18-hour battery life* from sunup to sundown. Then charge up to twice as fast as SE 2* and get up to 8 hours of battery in just 15 minutes.*
- You wanted to buy directly from Apple.
- You already expected to spend at least $50 on Apple products, accessories, apps, or services.
- You preferred Apple’s direct sales and support experience.
- The retailer’s discounted listing had an unwanted case size, band, connectivity option, seller, or condition.
A $100 discount on a different configuration is not necessarily better than a $50 gift card on the exact watch you want. Compare the final price and the product—not just the promotional number.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.A sensible Apple Watch Black Friday buying strategy
If you want the lowest immediate price
Start with retailer markdowns, especially on the standard Series 11 and the outgoing Series 10. Compare Target, Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, then filter the results by the exact case size and connectivity you need. An older Series 10 may offer greater savings, but make sure its remaining support, features, and condition meet your expectations.
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Use Apple’s event terms to determine whether the product qualifies for the gift card. In 2025, the relevant Apple Watch offer covered eligible Series 11 and SE 3 purchases during November 28–December 1. Treat the $50 as Apple-account credit rather than an instant reduction, and value it according to whether you will actually use it.
If you want an Apple Watch Ultra
Look for a promotion specifically naming the Ultra model and exact configuration. Do not assume that an offer on Series 11 or SE 3 extends to Ultra 3. Premium models can have different inventory and promotional treatment, and a large apparent discount may reflect an older generation, an open-box unit, or a different seller.
If you are willing to buy an accessory instead
Check the watch deal first. A replacement Apple Watch Sport Band or another compatible band can be a useful secondary purchase, but it should not obscure the core comparison: the watch’s model, configuration, seller, warranty, and final cost. Band pricing and compatibility also vary by case size and generation.
What to expect from future Black Friday Apple Watch sales
The completed 2025 event suggests a useful pattern, not a guarantee. Apple used a gift-card incentive, while retailers competed with direct markdowns and launched their promotions before Black Friday itself. Future events may follow a similar split, but no retailer is obligated to repeat the same model, price, date, or promotion.
Best Value
![Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 42mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - S/M. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41s72HIk5TL._SL160_.jpg)
- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
- KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
- GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
- SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.
For a future sale, begin monitoring retailer listings in early November rather than waiting for Black Friday. Set a target price for the exact configuration you want, keep the regular price and promotion type separate, and be ready to compare the same model across several sellers. If a deal requires a trade-in, carrier plan, gift-card redemption, or marketplace purchase, include those conditions in the calculation.
Prices, availability, sellers, delivery dates, and promotion terms change. The 2025 Black Friday and Apple Shopping Event promotions have ended; references to retailer discounts above describe reported 2025 offers and are not live-price claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Apple Watch Black Friday deals start in 2025?
Black Friday 2025 was November 28. Apple’s own shopping event ran from November 28 through December 1, while Target and Amazon began holiday promotions earlier in November.
What was Apple’s 2025 Black Friday Apple Watch deal?
Apple offered a $50 Apple Gift Card with eligible Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch SE 3 purchases during its November 28–December 1, 2025, shopping event. It was not a universal $50 reduction at checkout.
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Was Apple’s gift card better than a retailer discount?
Retailers generally offered direct price reductions, while Apple offered future-use Apple credit. A direct discount is usually better for the lowest immediate price; the gift card can be worthwhile if you already plan to buy other Apple products or services.
Was every Apple Watch Series 11 $299.99 at Target?
No. The reported $299.99 Target price applied to a specific 42mm GPS Series 11 configuration. Case size, connectivity, band, material, seller, and condition can all change the price.
How should I compare Apple Watch deals?
Check the exact model, case size, GPS or GPS + Cellular connectivity, case material, included band, condition, seller, return policy, warranty, and promotion requirements before comparing prices.
The Bottom Line
The 2025 Apple Watch Black Friday window started well before November 28. Target and Amazon launched holiday activity early, while Apple’s November 28–December 1 event offered a $50 Apple Gift Card with eligible Series 11 and SE 3 purchases. Retailers were the better place to look for immediate markdowns, but the right choice depended on the exact model, case size, connectivity, band, seller, and whether future Apple credit was useful to you.
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