Today in Apple history: Toy Story 2 arrives in theaters
On November 24, 1999, Steve Jobs got another feather in his cap when Pixar's "Toy Story 2" arrived in theaters and became a massive hit. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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iOS 27 could be Mac OS X Snow Leopard all over again
Macworld In various ways, this year’s Apple operating system updates (iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26 and so on) represented a major departure from the past, from the new version numbering system to the radical new Liquid Glass design language. But not everyone was convinced. Liquid Glass proved controversial, so much so that Apple was forced to add a toggle to let users tone down its showy visual effects. iOS 26 and its siblings were also beset by bugs, from keyboard typos to battery drain. And this all follows the heavily AI-focused launches in 2024, which promised numerous features that would end up heavily delayed or fail to appear at all. With this background, it’s perhaps not surprising to learn that 2026’s launches will reportedly take a different approach. In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg writer Mark Gurman reports that iOS 27 and the other OS updates next year will be what’s known as maintenance releases, focusing on improving stability and performance rather than new features. He doesn’t cite a source for this prediction, but usually bases his claims on anonymous reports from within the company. “For iOS 27 and next year’s other major operating system updates,” Gurman writes, “the company is focused on improving the software’s quality and underlying performance… Engineering teams are now combing through Apple’s operating systems, hunting for bloat to cut, bugs to eliminate, and any opportunity to meaningfully boost performance and overall quality.” As Gurman points out, this would be reminiscent of Mac OS X Snow Leopard, the Mac update released in 2009. Much like iOS 27, this followed a major and somewhat disruptive update, in the shape of 2007’s Mac OS X Leopard; rather than trying to pile on even more change, Apple chose to fix and optimize the raft of new features it already had. The slight problem is that these days, iPhone OS updates in particular are big news, generally forming the centerpiece of Apple’s publicly broadcast WWDC keynote in the summer. Having to get on (virtual) stage and spend more than an hour talking about bug fixes and bloat elimination may not be an appealing prospect for Craig Federighi, who will want at least a few tentpole features to discuss. And Gurman concedes that this will probably happen. The tentpole features, inevitably, will focus on AI. Gurman says we can expect Apple’s AI health agent to arrive next year, as well as AI-powered web search. With the new Siri finally expected to roll out in the spring, iOS 27 will be able to build on a firm AI foundation. Watching WWDC, one will no doubt be left with the impression that AI is the big news for 2026. But look more closely, and the evidence suggests that the real change will be more understated, and perhaps more valuable.

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New rumor makes ‘iPhone Ultra’ foldable next year seem more likely
After years in development, Apple’s first foldable iPhone is coming next year as a high-end new model. Today an analyst has shared a very high expected price for the new foldable that might, in my opinion, push Apple to call it ‘iPhone Ultra.’ more…

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French lawsuit again turns Apple's App Store fees into a high-stakes legal test
Spotify hasn't paid Apple a dime in fees since 2018, but a new lawsuit in France with the EU-dominant music streaming service at its center is challenging the payment rules that help power Apple's App Store.An EU flag with the App Store logoApple is facing a representative action from French consumer group Consommation, Logement et Cadre de Vie (CLCV) over higher prices paid by users who subscribed to music services through the App Store. The claim argues that people who signed up on an iPhone or iPad paid about $1 to $3 more per month than if they had subscribed on the web.The target is Apple's commission structure and the way it shapes pricing inside the ecosystem. The lawsuit applies to subscriptions purchased through the App Store between 2011 and 2025, a period that spans Apple's entire modern Services push. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple News just lost a major media partner after a decade
Apple News readers will see one less source in the app starting today. A major media partner has pulled its content from Apple’s News app after a decade. more…

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Manage files and record 4K ProRes RAW video on iPhone with new Lexar ES5 MagSafe-compatible SSD
Apple introduced the ability to record ProRes RAW at 4K 120FPS on iPhone when connected to an external SSD, and Lexar's ES5 Magnetic Portable SSD makes using this feature simple and convenient.Lexar ES5 MagSafe SSD can attach to your iPhoneExternal storage that is fast and reliable has become commonplace, with small-sized SSDs holding 2TB or more popping up everywhere. Though, when looking for one that's great for iPhone, they're harder to find and don't always have a good way to mount.The Lexar ES5 Magnetic SSD solves these problems in a small, lightweight SSD that can attach to an iPhone via magnets. A small clip keeps the needed USB-C cable always within reach when not in use. Continue Reading on AppleInsider

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Save hundreds as MacBook Air, Mac mini, and more hit new lows for Black Friday
The Black Friday deals have arrived for Apple’s latest and greatest lineup of Macs. We’re tracking solid deals across the board on the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini. Whether you’re tempted by the ultra-slim and cute design of the Mac mini, the portability of the MacBook Air, or the sheer power of the MacBook Pro, there’s something for everyone in this lineup of Mac Black Friday sales. more…

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I’d love to see Apple adopt a tick-tock approach to software releases
A Bloomberg report suggests that next year could be a Snow Leopard-style update for each of Apple’s operating systems. In other words, the company will prioritize working on bug fixes and reliability over new features. The timing of this claim seems dubious to me: as Gurman himself acknowledges, Apple absolutely has to introduce a lot of AI improvements next year, so I don’t see how it can possibly qualify as a bug-fix year. Timing aside, however, this is something I would love to see … more…

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Ugreen’s most affordable NAS units will solve your data storage problem [Review] ★★★★☆
We tested Ugreen’s DH2300 and 4300 Plus, which aim to offer large, reliable storage without the complexity of traditional NAS setups. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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CNN drops out of Apple News, for now
CNN has pulled its articles from Apple News, terminating its content-sharing partnership with the platform, according to… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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iPhone Fold nears mass production, screen crease issue rumored to be solved
Apple has reportedly solved the creasing problem of foldable displays, as the supply chain continues to prepare for the iPhone Fold's production in 2026.A render of what the iPhone Fold could look like - Image Credit: AppleInsiderThe iPhone Fold is anticipated to be launched sometime in 2026 or 2027, and have a book-like flexible screen as part of its design. If reports are right, Apple has managed to crack one of the biggest problems of foldable devices.According to supply chain sources of UDN, Apple has made a breakthrough to solve the crease problem. It's a solution that will make the iPhone the first with a true crease-free design. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iPad 11 hits all-time low for Black Friday — limited time deal!
An iPad Black Friday deal offers a big discount on Apple's most affordable tablet: the entry-level iPad 11. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Game development diary: Planning failures and the fyre festival of game expos
Development on iPhone game "Character Limit" continues apace, but I learned two lessons that stole valuable time: trade shows are dying, and feature creep is the main enemy fighting completion of a project.November had Malcolm struggle to add Welsh to the game, and be disappointed by an overhyped expo. When you're working on a difficult project on your own, it can get lonely and bewildering in equal parts. When it's game development and your first real attempt at making a product, it's also a process where you learn to regret your actions.AppleInsider readers will be familiar with my ongoing quest to make a game on my Mac, with the coding assistance of ChatGPT in Xcode. Character Limit is a simple word game, which I intend to bring out on Mac, iPhone, iPad, and PC, using both Steam and the App Store. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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AI-Powered Ways To Save on Christmas in a Post-Shutdown Season
Today’s consumer AI tools can help you stretch your budget without sacrificing meaning — from smarter price tracking and personalized gift ideas to creating custom AI art for family and friends. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.

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Apple promotes iPhone 17 Pro vapor chamber cooling in dynamic ad
Apple has promoted the vapor chamber of the A19 Pro in the iPhone 17 Pro in a new ad involving a runner supercharged by a drop of water.The multi-talented athlete in Apple's A19 Pro vapor chamber ad - Image Credit: Apple/YouTubeThe A19 Pro is the first iPhone chip to take advantage of vapor chamber cooling. To promote the thermal management element, Apple's latest commercial for the iPhone 17 Pro demonstrates its effectiveness by comparing it to an athlete.Monday's video posted to Apple's YouTube account shows a man running in a desert, who suddenly hears thunder from above. With dark clouds indicating it's about to rain, the clip zooms in on a single raindrop falling from the sky and landing on the runner's forehead. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Retail chain accidentally sold iPad Airs for $17 – and wants them back
A large retail chain offered 13-inch iPad Air models to loyalty card holders for $17, with both online orders and in-store collection sales processed and the iPads handed over to their new owners. It took the company 11 days to realize it had made a mistake, and it is now asking customers who bought the iPads to either return them or pay almost full price for them. Unfortunately for the retailer, the terms and conditions attached to the order did not exclude pricing errors … more…

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The myth of the Apple Tax is officially dead
Macworld By the time this article is published, there will only be four days to go until Black Friday, the most magical and beloved day of the year. I hope you’ve put up your decorations. At this time of year, tech fans can pick up bargains (while avoiding non-bargains) on products that would otherwise be outside their budget. But as an Apple fan, I always feel an inexplicable sense of second-hand embarrassment. “Will there be Apple Store discounts on iPhones?” friends ask me with naive optimism. No, I have to answer. There will just be gift cards. That’s not to say that you won’t see any discounts on Apple products: there are plenty to be had already. It’s just that the discounts will be offered by other retailers. Buy direct from Apple and you’ll pay not one cent less than MSRP, while receiving a moderately generous gift card you can use on your next purchase. It’s almost like the company wants to help out its reseller partners by pushing business their way. This lack of direct discounts shouldn’t come as a surprise, of course. Partly because Apple always does the gift card thing, but also because it doesn’t do bargains more generally. Certainly not in the sense of sudden, time-limited, slightly panicky price drops you have to pounce on before they’re gone. It simply doesn’t feel the need to compete, either on price or for attention; after years of nurturing a sense of community, even tribalism, Apple knows that customers will come to it, rather than the other way around. Apple doesn’t do out-and-out cheap products, either. These days, you can find a perfectly decent Android phone for less than $250, or even $200 if you’re willing to make some sacrifices, but that’s not a market Apple is interested in. This time last year, the iPhone SE sat at the top of the budget category, starting at $429 by March, but that was phased out in favor of the defiantly mid-market (and in my opinion ill-conceived) $599 iPhone 16e. It suits Apple’s purposes to focus on selling a smaller number of higher-margin handsets, knowing that each iPhone owner represents a micro-advert to their friends. Ultra-budget phones are not aspirational. All of this might make it sound like I subscribe to the idea of the Apple Tax, that proverbial premium supposedly added on to the prices of iPhones, Macs, and the like for no good reason other than Apple customers being gullible enough to pay it. But I don’t. Apple doesn’t do cheap, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t do value, as we’ve seen this past year in particular. Cupertino steers clear of the true budget market but consistently offers strong value with its mid-market products. My favorite release of 2025, for example, is the Apple Watch SE 3, which delivers so much bang for its 249 bucks that I was obliged to advise readers to choose it over the fuller-featured Series 11. You don’t need to pay $399 to get an excellent watch because Apple has significantly raised its game at the lower price point. There’s also the iPhone 17, which starts at the same $799 but has a slew of upgrades over last year’s model, including double the storage, a pro-caliber display, and a higher-end selfie camera. It’s a fantastic value. This year’s M4 MacBook Air, which got a new chip and an upgraded camera, actually saw a price drop of $100 compared with the previous version, which is basically unheard of in Cupertino. Apple fans can now get the latest-generation Air for under a grand or right now under $750 if you take advantage of Amazon’s Black Friday sale.) Don’t get me wrong: Chromebook prices these are not. But you won’t find a tax for the sake of a brand name either. Having dispelled that particular myth, it becomes less of a surprise to hear reports that Apple is planning to release a cluster of cheap products in the spring of 2026. And by cheap, of course, I mean sensibly affordable: $599 for the iPhone 17e, $699-$899 for the new budget MacBook, and hopefully not much more than $349 for the newly AI-compliant 11th-gen iPad. So sure: they’re not the sort of prices that make you set your alarm on Black Friday. They’re not doorbuster deals. But they’re good products at good prices, and that’s something to be praised all year round. Foundry Welcome to our weekly Apple Breakfast column, which includes all the Apple news you missed last week in a handy bite-sized roundup. We call it Apple Breakfast because we think it goes great with a Monday morning cup of coffee or tea, but it’s cool if you want to give it a read during lunch or dinner hours too. Trending: Top stories Here they are: the 12 most ridiculously overpriced Apple products, ranked. How Filipe Esposito’s first iPod touch made him love Apple forever. Mahmoud Itani finally switched from a MacBook to an iPad Pro, and he’s not going back. John Brandon used Google Gemini to design the next iPhone. Here are the hilarious results. Option key secrets: Get more from your Mac with these hidden shortcuts. The iPhone Air is doomed because one guy returned it. Alex Blake lists 6 reasons why your new Mac needs a second storage drive. Podcast of the week The Thanksgiving holiday is this week in the U.S., so we spent the latest episode of the Macworld Podcast talking about things to be thankful for. You can catch every episode of the Macworld Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Soundcloud, the Podcasts app, or our own site. Reviews corner Best of 2025-2026: Must-have products for Mac, iPhone & iPad tested by Macworld. Cosmic Orange gift guide: 30 gifts to match the ultra-bright iPhone 17 Pro. The rumor mill Apple may finally let users switch from Siri to another voice assistant. Apple Fitness+ might get cut and rolled into a bigger Health+ service. Don’t expect the Apple Watch to change much for the next two years. Tim Cook is going to retire at some point, but probably not next year. Video of the week @macworld.com The first Apple product you ever owned? #apple #applefan ♬ original sound – Macworld – Macworld What was your first ever Apple product? And which one made you feel like an Apple person? For Jason Cross it was the Apple IIe–but we want to hear from you. Join the conversation on TikTok or Instagram. Software updates, bugs, and problems Watch out for this clever and dangerous new ‘Apple Support’ hoax. These new AI features are coming to macOS Tahoe 26.2 and Mac Studio. PSA for Apple fans: It’s time to update your keyboard and trackpad. Apple hit with massive fine over Apple Watch dispute. And with that, we’re done for this week’s Apple Breakfast. If you’d like to get regular roundups, sign up for our newsletters, including our new email from The Macalope–an irreverent, humorous take on the latest news and rumors from a half-man, half-mythical Mac beast. You can also follow us on Facebook, Threads, Bluesky, or X for discussion of breaking Apple news stories. See you next Monday, and stay Appley.

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I use an iPad every day and these are the deals I’d buy this Black Friday
Macworld Black Friday week is here, and it’s always the best time to buy a new Apple device for an all-time low price, especially iPads. However, there are a lot of models to choose from, not to mention the accessories available, and choosing the best can be tricky. If you’re planning to buy your first iPad or upgrade your current tablet to a newer model, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a breakdown of which iPad models are worth buying, what accessories we recommend, and the best deals for this Black Friday. The best iPad deal foe everyone: M3 iPad Air Right now, the M3 iPad Air is the best iPad you can buy. Not only because of its incredible $150 discount on Amazon for Black Friday (across all colors, sizes, and configurations), but also because the iPad Air is the model I recommend to everyone who wants a good iPad without spending too much.  The iPad Air is essentially the mid-range iPad in the lineup. It doesn’t have all the fancy features of the Pro models, such as an OLED display with ProMotion or Face ID, but it’s still a very capable iPad that can do just about everything the iPad Pro can do. Apple The M3 chip is still extremely powerful, especially for running iPadOS apps and multitasking. You’ll be hard-pressed to find anything that pushes this chip to its limits on the iPad. From lightweight apps to more intense games, everything runs smoothly. In terms of software, you won’t be missing out on anything by choosing the iPad Air over the more expensive iPad Pro. The iPad Air can run the same apps and features, such as Apple Intelligence and Stage Manager with support for external monitors. You can find nearly every M3 iPad Air model on Amazon for $150 off, with prices starting at $449, less than an iPad mini at full price. It’s definitely the best deal for almost anyone looking for a new iPad. M5 iPad Pro: Now $100 off While the iPad Air is great for most people, some users need the high-end features provided by the iPad Pro. I know because I own one. If you’re like me, the newly released M5 iPad Pro is already $100 off on Amazon for Black Friday. The M5 iPad Pro stands out from other iPads because of its ultra-thin design, OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Face ID, and a LiDAR scanner on the back. It’s also the only iPad with four built-in speakers and a USB-C connection with Thunderbolt 4 support for faster data transfer. An Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard are great companions to the iPad Pro.Foundry The M5 models also come with some exclusive features you won’t find on any other Apple product, including 12GB of RAM in the entry-level models, Wi-Fi 7, and fast charging. While prices for the M5 iPad Pro start at $999 for the 11-inch model, you can now find the base model with an 11-inch screen and 256GB of storage for $899. It’s a good deal for a product that has just been released. The iPad mini is also a great option How could we not mention the iPad mini? The most adorable and smallest iPad is ideal for people who want a good tablet to take with them on the go, and it’s also on sale this Black Friday. The current model was released last year, but Apple doesn’t upgrade the iPad mini regularly, so it’s istill a safe purchase. It has the same A17 Pro chip as the iPhone 15 Pro, which is capable of running almost all iPadOS and Apple Intelligence apps with ease. Its compact 8.3-inch screen makes it perfect for reading, using social media, and even using it as a portable console. I’d still recommend the Air, but if you want something super portable, you can pair it with an Apple Pencil (see below) to turn your iPad mini into a great notepad. Typically, prices for the iPad mini start at $499, but you can buy the base model this Black Friday for just $399. Most other options are $100 off as well. Give your iPad an Apple Pencil Pro One of my favorite accessories for the iPad is the Apple Pencil, and the Apple Pencil Pro takes it to another level.  I’m not an artist, and I have zero drawing skills. Still, I love using Apple Pencil Pro to write quick notes and edit photos with precision. It also works as a precision pointing device. The Apple Pencil Pro is a fantastic companion to the iPad AIr, mini, or Pro.Foundry Apple Pencil Pro also has some cool tricks. It has pressure sensitivity, haptic feedback, and a gesture that lets you squeeze the Pencil to open a menu for quick access to useful options. Plus, it works with the Find My app, so you can easily locate your Apple Pencil if you ever lose it. Normally $129, you can find the Apple Pencil Pro this Black Friday for $99, an impressive 23 percent discount. Just keep in mind that the Apple Pencil Pro only works with the M2 iPad Air and later, the M4 iPad Pro and later, and the A17 Pro iPad mini. If you don’t see the need for all the advanced features of the Apple Pencil Pro and just want a stylus for writing notes without spending too much, Apple sells the USB-C Apple Pencil. It looks a lot like the Apple Pencil Pro, but there are some key differences. The USB-C Apple Pencil recharges via cable rather than wirelessly. It also lacks support for the squeeze and double-tap gestures, and has no pressure sensitivity – although it does have tilt sensitivity. One advantage is that the USB-C Apple Pencil works with all of Apple’s 2025 iPads, while the Pro isn’t supported by the entry-level iPad. During this Black Friday, Amazon is selling the USB-C Apple Pencil for $69 (down from $79). It’s not a huge discount, but it’s still a good deal cheaper than the Apple Pencil Pro. The iPad Pro is great with an Apple Magic Keyboard, but it’s expensive.Foundry Logitech Combo Touch: a great alternative to Apple’s Magic Keyboard Your iPad also deserves a keyboard, especially if you plan to use it as a laptop. Unfortunately, it’s hard to find good deals on Apple’s Magic Keyboard. Luckily, Apple’s keyboard has a worthy competitor: the Logitech Combo Touch. The Logitech Combo Touch is essentially an iPad case with a built-in full-size keyboard. More than that, it also has a multitouch trackpad. Although it doesn’t feel as premium as Apple’s alternative, the Combo Touch has one big advantage: It doubles as a rugged case to protect your iPad. And if you don’t want the keyboard, you can easily detach it without having to remove the case. There are different versions of the Logitech Combo Touch available for each iPad model, but Black Friday discounts are up to 25 percent off. For instance, the Combo Touch for the M3 iPad Air is now $160, almost half the price of Apple’s Magic Keyboard. Now that you know the best Black Friday deals on iPads and accessories, choose the one that best suits your needs. It may also be worth checking out Apple’s offers for students.

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Hackers steal customer data from JPMorgan Chase and Citi
Hackers have obtained customer data from a third-party company used by major Wall Street banks, including JPMorgan Chase and Citi. The disclosure comes just days after a Doordash data breach exposed names, addresses, phone numbers, and more. SitmusAMC helps banks process mortgage applications and other real estate loans, and says that accounting records and legal agreements have been impacted by the hack … more…

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Best Black Friday 2025 Apple Watch deals: Get huge savings on Series 11, SE, and Ultra 3
Macworld Best Apple Watch Deals Available Now! Black Friday week is here and we are already seeing lots of deals, including these top deals on Apple Watch. $49 off the Apple Watch SE 3 at Amazon $50 off the Apple Watch Series 11 at Amazon $50 gift card with Apple Watch SE 3 and Series 11 at Apple We also have U.K. deals below. The annual Black Friday extravaganza is always a fantastic time to buy an Apple Watch, with big savings from a wide variety of retailers. Technically, it lasts just four days, from Black Friday (November 28) to Cyber Monday (December 1), but we have been seeing some great deals on Apple Watches throughout November and they are really ramping up now. In this article, we will share all the best Apple Watch deals for Black Friday 2025. We have tools that we can use to check the prices everywhere, so we always know who has the best price and can share them here. We also share our advice about how to get the best deal on an Apple Watch, what to look out for, and what to avoid. If you want to know what other Apple products are discounted, check out our round up of the best Black Friday 2025 Apple deals. Also check our Best Picks round ups where you can see reviews of all the products we rate as a good purchase. Best Apple Watch deals for Black Friday 2025 Want to get a bargain on a new Apple Watch? These are the best deals we’ve seen so far. Check out our advice below this section for tips on what to look out for. U.S. Amazon, Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm): $349 ($50 off, MSRP $399) Amazon, Apple Watch Series 11 (46mm): $379 ($50 off, MSRP $429) Amazon, Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm): $200 ($49 off, MSRP $249) Amazon, Apple Watch SE 3 (44mm): $230 ($49 off, MSRP $279) Amazon, Apple Watch Ultra 3: $780 ($20 off, MSRP $799) Apple, $50 gift card with Apple Watch SE 3 and Series 11 U.K. In the U.K., Apple cut the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 prices by £30 and £50 compared to the previous generation when they were introduced. Keep this in mind when shopping, because some stores might make savings appear to be larger than they actually are. Amazon, Apple Watch Ultra 3: £719 (£30 off, RRP £749) KRCS, Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm): £215 (£4 off, RRP £219) Amazon, Apple Watch SE 3 (44mm): £239 (£10 off, RRP £249) Argos, Apple Watch Ultra 2: £599 (£200 off, RRP was £799, Ultra 3 is £749) Currys, Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) GPS: £279 (£120 off, was £399, Series 11 is £369) Currys, Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm) GPS: £299 (£130 off, was £429, Series 11 is £399) Apple, £40 gift voucher with Apple Watch SE 3 and Series 11 How to get the best Apple Watch deals for Black Friday 2025: Our advice Like always, Apple sells three watches, but for the first time in years, all three models were updated this year. Apple Watch Series 11: The standard Apple Watch Series 11 starts at the same price as previous watches ($399/£369) and is largely the same as the Series 10. The main upgrade is better battery life (24 hours vs 18 hours), 5G connectivity, and better scratch resistance. We’re spotlighting a deal on the Series 10 for $120 off and recommend grabbing it instead of paying more for the Series 11. Apple Watch Ultra 3: The Apple Watch Ultra 3 ($799/£749) has a slightly larger screen, 5G connectivity, Emergency SOS via satellite, and significantly longer battery life (42 hours vs 36 hours). With prices already dropping by $100, we recommend picking up the newer model if you’re looking for a large, rugged watch. Apple Watch SE 3: Apple updated the Apple Watch SE for the first time in years and gave it several overdue features, including an always-on display, skin temperature sensor, gestures, 5G, a faster chip, and fast charging. With the same $249/£219 starting price, an older SE 2 would need to be around $100 to be worth it. Early Black Friday sales are already pushing the price of the SE 3 under $200 and we think it’s a fantastic option for just about anyone. For detailed advice on selecting the best model for you, check out our Apple Watch buying guide. Black Friday Apple Watch deals: What to avoid It’s important to be aware that Black Friday brings bad deals as well as good ones. Retailers don’t want to give you a great deal; they want you to buy their unwanted stock at a high price and will use all sorts of tricks to persuade you to do so. Don’t let them get away with it. Always check the current MSRP/RRP for the watch you’re planning to buy (we include these with all of our recommended deals). In the U.K. Apple dropped prices on the new set of Watches when they were introduced, but retailers will conveniently forget to mention this and quote the old price instead. That makes their discount look bigger and the deal more appealing. Some retailers also raise their own prices ahead of Black Friday, then drop them back down and claim a large saving. Price tracker sites like CamelCamelCamel can help you to work out if this has happened. We will also flag it if we see it. It’s worth checking reviews and buying guides (such as ours, linked above) to assess the age and worth of the device. Make sure you’re not being fobbed off with antiquated stock. Also, watch out for deals on the cellular models; these can look like big savings, but in our experience, there is little point in owning a cellular Apple Watch. You might as well pay less and get the standard model. Finally, what actually constitutes a good deal? U.S. buyers should be looking at a benchmark of roughly $50 to $70 off the current models and $100 or more off discontinued ones, which is what we saw in 2024. But deals tend to be weaker in the U.K., where we struggled to find £30 off anything in 2024. Does Apple discount Apple Watches for Black Friday? Apple doesn’t drop prices for Black Friday. Rather, it gives away gift cards when you buy certain items. For Apple’s Black Friday deal in 2025, it is giving away $50/£40 gift cards with Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 11 purchases made on Apple’s U.S. site or Apple’s U.K. site. The Series 10 wasn’t included in 2024’s sale, so the fact that the Apple Watch 11 is included this year is a nice surprise. Where to get Black Friday Apple Watch deals These retailers may offer Black Friday Apple Watch discounts: U.S. Apple Amazon U.S. Best Buy Costco Target Walmart U.K. Apple Amazon U.K. Argos Currys John Lewis KRCS Very Black Friday 2025: Best deals for Apple products Check out these roundups for the best Apple deals: Apple Black Friday sale details Best Black Friday Apple deals Best Black Friday MacBook & Mac deals Best Black Friday AirPods deals Best Black Friday Apple Watch deals Best Black Friday iPad deals Best Black Friday iPhone deals

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