Apple says it’s tightening macOS privacy controls amid the rise of AI agents
Amid the rapid rise in AI agents requesting “Full Disk Access” to your Mac, Apple says it is making changes to macOS to protect user privacy. While the company hasn’t shared specifics, Apple says users should understand what it means to give an app such “extraordinary” access to their Mac. more…

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HomeKit Weekly: Home Widget 1.10 is the fastest way to check every HomeKit camera at once
The Home app is a great place to configure your smart home, but it can be slow to control. The tab structure and room hierarchy make sense when you’re setting things up, but they add steps to everything you want to do fifty times a day. Home Widget builds the control panel that Apple didn’t. more…

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Apple ranks among Brussels’ most active corporate lobbyists, outpacing Europe’s industrial giants
Apple has built one of the largest corporate footprints in Brussels, meeting European Union policymakers more often than almost any… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Twelve South launches tiny new ‘Airfly Drive’ wireless CarPlay adapter [Updated]
Update, October 2: Many of you have asked for a full vehicle compatibility list for the Twelve South Airfly Drive. Our friends over at 9to5Toys have just published exactly that. Take a look! Complete vehicle compatibility list for new Twelve South Airfly Drive CarPlay and Android Auto adapter Twelve South, the company behind a range of premium Apple accessories, has launched a notable expansion of its Airfly brand. The company today unveiled Airfly Drive, a dongle that turns wired CarPlay into wireless CarPlay. It’s available to order starting today for $39.99. Here’s how it works. more…

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Apple’s new ‘homeOS’ will launch this month, here’s what’s coming
Apple reportedly plans to launch new Home products on October 13 alongside an all-new operating system rumored to be called ‘homeOS.’ Here are the details. more…

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Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 to gain Siri Recap and Live Rewind soon
Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 will pick up two Audio Intelligence features later this year: Siri Recap and Live Rewind… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Best AirPods Prime Day Deals 2026: AirPods 5, Pro 3 and Max 2
Macworld Best AirPods deals at Amazon U.S. AirPods Pro 3: $234 ($15 off, MSRP $249) AirPods 5: $129 ($0 off, MSRP $129) AirPods Max 2: $509 ($40 off, MSRP $549) Best AirPods deals at Amazon U.K. AirPods Pro 3:  £200 (£19 off, RRP £219) PRICES CHECKED OCTOBER 2, 2026 Amazon’s October Prime Day sale takes place on October 6 and 7. If you’re shopping for AirPods, compare discounts on the latest models with clearance offers on older generations – the biggest percentage saving doesn’t necessarily mean the best buy. Apple’s current lineup includes AirPods 5 from $129, AirPods Pro 3 at $249, and AirPods Max 2 at $549. AirPods 5 now include Active Noise Cancellation as standard, making older AirPods 4 harder to recommend without a substantial discount. Below, we explain which models are worth considering and how to judge the offers. For discounts across Apple’s other products, see our roundup of the Best Apple Prime Day Deals. Best Amazon Prime AirPods deals AirPods Pro 3 Apple Apple released AirPods Pro 3 in September 2025. They brought a slightly new design with foam-infused tips for a better fit. They also brought several new features, including an in-ear heart rate sensor, better battery life, enhanced noise cancellation, and improved sound. They are especially worth considering if you want the strongest earbud noise cancellation, a secure in-ear fit or Apple’s hearing-health features; battery life is rated at up to eight hours with ANC. U.S. Prime Day price: There’s just $15 off the AirPods Pro 3 at the moment, we expect that to go lower. GET AirPods Pro 3 for $234 U.K. Prime Day price: In the U.K. it’s £19 off the AirPods Pro 3, but we still hope to see the price go lower. Get AirPods Pro 3 for £200 AirPods 5 Apple AirPods 5 include Active Noise Cancellation as standard, with Apple claiming up to 50 percent better noise reduction than AirPods 4 with ANC. They also bring improved Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio and sound quality. The $129 version includes a USB-C charging case, while the $149 Wireless Charging Case version adds wireless charging, longer battery life, a Find My speaker and volume adjustment by swiping the stems. Compare the prices of both packages before buying. A discount on the basic version may look attractive, but the wireless-charging package could offer better value if the price difference is small. U.S. Prime Day price: There’s not a discount yet on the AirPods 5, but we are hoping to see some good prices during the Prime Day sale. WATCH AMAZON'S AIRPODS 5 PAGE U.K. Prime Day price: No savings yet on the AirPods 5, but we are hoping to see some during Prime Day. WATCH AMAZON'S AIRPODS 5 PAGE AirPods Max 2 Apple Apple finally updated its AirPods Max headphones in March 2026 with a new H2 chip and better noise cancellation. Unlike Apple’s earbuds, they come in a variety of colors, including blue, orange and purple. At the full $549 price they’re difficult to recommend, but we considered them an excellent buy when they fell to $399 during June Prime Day. That’s the sort of discount we’d look for again. U.S. Prime Day price: You can get $40 off the AirPods Max 2, but we’ve seen much lower prices in the past. Get AirPods Max 2 for $509 U.K. Prime Day price: The AirPods Max 2 aren’t currently discounted on the U.K. Amazon store. AirPods Max 1: £369 Watch List: The Prime Day AirPods deals we are looking out for Based on recent reviews and pricing trends for the AirPods these are our buying recommendations: ModelOur buying adviceWhat to check before buyingAirPods 5 with USB-C caseConsider for a lower-cost open-ear option.Compare its discounted price with the wireless-charging package.AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging CaseOur preferred AirPods 5 package when the price difference is modest.Check whether discounted AirPods Pro 3 cost only slightly more.AirPods Pro 3Choose for stronger isolation, longer listening time and health features.Judge the saving against other retailers’ current prices.AirPods 4 without ANCClearance purchase only.Seek a price substantially below $99; a small saving over AirPods 5 is insufficient.AirPods 4 with ANCConsider only at a substantial clearance discount.Compare directly with both AirPods 5 packages; $125 is no longer an automatic recommendation.AirPods Max 2Consider if you specifically want over-ear headphones.Confirm the generation: original AirPods Max with USB-C are a different product. Best AirPods Deals Right Now Check below to find the best price we are seeing right now for each configuration compared to the best price we have ever seen and the full price. We’ll start with U.S. prices. U.K. readers can find the best prices in the section below. We indicate in bold where the current price matches the lowest. U.S. deals AirPodsDealMSRPLowestAirPods Pro 3$234 Get the deal at Amazon $10 off$249$169AirPods 5 (with Wireless Charging Case)$149 at Amazon$149$149AirPods 5 $129 at Amazon$129$129AirPods Max 2$509 Get the deal at Amazon £40 off$549$399 U.K. deals AirPodsDealRRPLowestAirPods Pro 3£200 Get the deal at Amazon £19 off£219£175AIrPods 5 (with Wireless Charging Case)£139 at Amazon£139£139AirPods 5£119 at Amazon£119£119AirPods 4 (with ANC)£129 at Amazon – Avoid this dealDiscontinued£125.40AirPods Max 2£499 at Amazon£499£499AirPods Max 1 (USB-C)£424 at AmazonDiscontinued£369 Which AirPods should you buy? AirPods 5: Best for buyers who prefer earbuds without silicone tips. AirPods Pro 3: Best for stronger noise isolation, longer battery life and features including heart-rate sensing. AirPods Max 2: Best for those who specifically want over-ear headphones. AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2: Consider only when clearance prices offer a substantial saving over their replacements. Apple’s AirPods lineup caters to different priorities, from premium audio and health features to budget-friendly everyday listening. AirPods Pro 3: The Best All-Rounder Released in September 2025, the AirPods Pro 3 are Apple’s flagship earbuds. They combine excellent noise cancellation, improved comfort thanks to foam-infused ear tips, and new health-tracking capabilities. We recommend: Apple AirPods Pro 3 Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: $234 at Amazon | $235 at B&H | $249 at Apple AirPods 5: The Budget-Friendly Choice The AirPods 5 offer a more affordable entry point and are a good choice for anyone who prefers an open-ear design over silicone-tipped earbuds. We recommend: Apple AirPods 5 Price When Reviewed: $129 Best Prices Today: $129 at Amazon | $129 at Apple | $129 at B&H AirPods Max 2: Premium Over-Ear Audio Launched in April 2026, the AirPods Max 2 retain the premium design of the original model while adding Apple’s H2 chip for improved performance and audio processing. We recommend: Apple AirPods Max 2 Price When Reviewed: $549 Best Prices Today: $479 at Walmart | $509.99 at Amazon | $509.99 at Best Buy US Still not sure which AirPods to buy? Take a look at our Best AirPods buying guide. Also, if it doesn’t have to be AirPods, take a look at how other over-ears compare to the AirPods Max, and our favorite AirPods alternatives. Amazon Prime Day AirPods deals to avoid Compare older AirPods with the discounted price of their replacements. A large reduction from an old launch price can still represent poor value. Check the generation, charging case, condition and seller before ordering. Be wary of promotions that advertise “free” AirPods. These offers often require long-term financial commitments or involve complicated rebate processes. For example, a recent Apple Card promotion offered AirPods Pro 3 for signing up, but only through a reimbursement scheme outlined in the fine print. You should also be cautious with marketplace and third-party sellers offering supposedly new AirPods at prices dramatically below those from established retailers. Counterfeit models are common and are often advertised at discounts far below Apple’s normal pricing. If a deal seems too good to be true, it’s worth checking whether the product is genuine. See our guide on How to tell if AirPods are fake. Should you buy AirPods during Prime Day? AirPods Pro and AirPods 4.Petter Ahrnstedt Prime Day is widely considered one of the best times of the year to buy Apple products, alongside Black Friday in November. However, there are a few things to consider before making a purchase: Prime Membership Requirement: Many of the best deals are exclusive to Amazon Prime members. If you’re not already subscribed, you can take advantage of Amazon’s 30-day free trial or sign up for a month and cancel afterward if you don’t plan to keep the membership. Prime membership costs $139 / £95 / AUD$59 annually, or $14.99 / £8.99 / AU$6.99 on a monthly basis. As well as getting free two-day shipping, Prime customers also get access to Prime Video and Music. Alternative Sales: If you miss Prime Day, the Black Friday sales in November will be the next opportunity to get discounts. Compare Prices: Amazon isn’t always the cheapest option. Retailers such as Walmart and Best Buy frequently run competing “anti-Prime Day” promotions, so it’s worth comparing prices before buying. Prime Day is available in multiple countries, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, the U.K., and the U.S. Amazon Prime Day: Beats headphones deals Beats If AirPods aren’t in your budget, Apple also sells a line of Beats headphones and earbuds that offer many of the same features for a lower price, including the popular over-ear Solo 4 and PowerBeats Pro 2. The savings here are all good, though Beats headphones often see deep savings at Amazon, so these deals aren’t exclusive to Prime Day, even if Amazon says they are. We’ll also track headphone deals in our round-up of the best earbuds for iPhone and best over-ear headphones if you’d like to see deals on other brands. U.S. Beats Prime Day deals Beats Solo 4: $150 ($50 off, MSRP $200) Beats Solo Buds: $70 ($10 off, MSRP $80) Beats Studio Buds +: $100 ($70 off, MSRP $170) Beats Studio Pro: $230 ($70 off, MSRP $300) Beats Pill: $85 ($65 off, MSRP $150) Beats Flex: $49 ($21 off, MSRP $70) U.K. Beats Prime Day deals Beats Solo 4: £199 (£1 off, RRP £200) Beats Studio Buds +: £179 (£0 off, RRP £179) Beats Studio Pro: £230 (£119 off, RRP £349) Beats Powerbeats Fit: £199 (£1 off, RRP £200) Beats Pill: £107 (£42 off, RRP £149) Beats Flex: £69 (£1 off, RRP £70) Why you can trust Macworld’s recommendations The AirPods picked here are all chosen by our editors, who have decades of experience with Apple devices. We’ve reviewed everything we recommend, and we won’t tell you to buy something that’s not actually worth your money. The deals we recommend are all at or near all-time lows, and we’ve selected what we think is the best configuration for each product type. We know Apple is expensive, so we’ve chosen products at prices we would be willing to pay, so you can trust that our recommendations will steer you in the right direction—and save you big bucks. For more great deals see our round ups of the Best Prime Day Apple deals 2026. Best Apple Watch Prime Day Deals 2026 Best Prime Day iPad deals 2026 Best MacBook & Mac Prime Day Deals 2026

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Apple now sells Aqara Adaptive Temperature thermostat and seven more accessories
This week Apple refreshed its third-party accessories lineup to include eight additional products. This includes the Aqara Thermostat Hub W200 and more. more…

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Apple plans fix as Microsoft's Exchange shutdown disrupts Mac email
Apple is working on a fix for Exchange access in its Mac apps as Microsoft retires the connection they rely on.Apple plans Mac Mail fix as Microsoft phases out EWSThe disruption concerns work or school accounts hosted through Microsoft's Exchange Online service. This can disrupt Mail, Calendar, Contacts, Notes, and Reminders, while Apple prepares an update and administrators retain temporary options.A reader from Old Dominion University forwarded an IT notice reporting problems accessing university email through Apple's built-in Mail app. The notice recommends Mac users switch to Outlook and says iPhone and iPad apps are unaffected. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Judge gives Google legal permission to steal content for AI summaries
A US judge has said he's sympathetic to publishers who are losing money because of Google's AI summaries stealing content, but he's not going to do anything to stop it.Google has had an antitrust case dismissedGoogle recently escaped having its search and advertising business split over antitrust accusations from the Department of Justice. But it has been facing multiple other antitrust cases and now there's one fewer.According to Reuters, Google's parent company Alphabet had convinced a US federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit. It had been brought by Penske Media Corp, best known for publishing Rolling Stone magazine, and Chegg. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Using an iPad mini to preview the iPhone Duo experience
Alongside using the iPhone 18 Pro, I’ve also been carrying out a little experiment as we await the launch of the iPhone Duo. To get a sense of what it might be like to use the large screen of the upcoming device, I’ve been using my iPad mini as a substitute phone some of the time. Given that the screen is a similar size and shape, I’m hoping that it gives me something of a preview of the experience … more…

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iOS 27.2 gives Apple Podcasts the big fix I’ve wanted for years
Apple Podcasts is my podcast app of choice, but I’ve long had major issues with its central Up Next queue feature. I’m happy to report that iOS 27.2 introduces the solution. more…

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Deals: M5 MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, AirTag 2, smart display power bank, early Prime Day deals, more
Alongside the launch of the all-new Twelve South Airfly Drive wireless CarPlay adapter at $40, Amazon has once again updated its early fall Prime Day sale with fresh deals. Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is headlined by Apple AirTag 2 down at Amazon all-time low pricing. We also have Sharge’s metal 300W smart display power bank at $50 off, loads of new all-time lows on Belkin’s 25W MagSafe charging stations, and the now live official fall Prime Day deals on the Eve Matter/HomeKit plugs, light switches, outlets, and more from $32. Scope it all out below.  more…

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Fake Zoom installer tries to trick Mac users into installing hidden malware
A new Mac threat is hiding inside something that looks like a normal Zoom installer, according to security researchers… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Stop overpaying for airfare: Get a lifetime Matt’s Flights subscription for just $39.99
Discount airfare finder Matt's Flights searches 24/7 for cheap flights. When price drops or mistake fares pop up, the service alerts you. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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9to5Mac Daily: October 2, 2026 – MacBook Pro rumors, iPhone Duo display
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Sponsored by Stuff:Stuff helps you get everything out of your head and into a simple, elegant system—closing open loops and reducing mental stress. A simple to-do list for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, with powerful tools that make organizing, tracking, and checking off your tasks a whole lot more satisfying. Get Stuff done. more…

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Early October Prime Day deals: Save up to $600 on Mac, Apple Watch, Jackery, Ugreen
Early fall Prime Day deals are in effect now, with savings of up to $600 off current Apple hardware, plus up to 30% off Ugreen docks and up to $150 off Jackery power stations.Save up to $600 on Apple ahead of fall Prime Day - Image credit: Apple, AmazonEarly Prime Big Deal Days savings are going on now, and we've compiled top picks delivering up to $600 off ahead of the October 6-7 sale.Shop early Prime deals Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Score $150 off the M5 MacBook Air before it vanishes
Macworld Apple MacBook Air M5 View Deal (function () { document.querySelector("#sticky-promo-block a").addEventListener("click", function(e) { const debug = document.location.host.search(/lndo.site|go-vip.net/) !== -1; const text = this.closest("#sticky-promo-block").querySelector("p.promo-title").textContent; const data = { event: "stickyConversionUnitClick", eventCategory: "Sticky Conversion", eventAction: "Click", eventLabel: text }; if(debug)console.log("Sticky Conversion CLick - pushing to dataLayer: ", data); dataLayer.push(data); return true; }); })(); It’s hard to find decent discounts on MacBooks these days, but we managed to spot the M5 MacBook Air down to $1,449 right now, which is well under its $1,599 MSRP. That’s the best price it’s been since Apple raised prices back in June. The MacBook Air is such an excellent pick of a laptop because it’s thin, it’s light, and the battery lasts up to 18 hours. With such a long battery life, you can leave the charger at home without a worry on your mind — just slide it into your bag and be on your way, which is ideal for students, remote workers, and anyone else out and about. The M5 chip is super snappy, with a fast CPU and enough RAM that you won’t get bored before your laptop swaps between apps. Whether you’re writing emails, editing pics, or running video calls, this laptop will handle it all beautifully. Plus, if you want to invoice Apple Intelligence into it all, you can do it easily because the M5 chip is ready for it. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is a pleasure to look at, with support for a billion colors, so photos and videos pop with rich contrast and sharp detail, and text looks crisp during long reading sessions. When it comes to connectivity, you get two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a MagSafe charging port that snaps on and off easily, and a headphone jack. You can hook up to two external displays so you can build the setup of your dreams. For $1,449, the MacBook Air M5 is an easy pick if you want a light, long-lasting laptop that handles your whole day without breaking a sweat.

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Best Apple Watch Prime Day deals October 2026: Series 12, Ultra 4 and SE 3
Macworld Best Apple Watch deals at Amazon U.S. Apple Watch Series 12 (42mm): $389 ($10 off, MSRP $399) Apple Watch Series 12 (46mm): $439 ($10 off, MSRP $449) Apple Watch SE 3 (44mm): $270 ($9 off, MSRP $279) Apple Watch Ultra 4: $779 ($20 off, MSRP $799) Best Apple Watch deals at Amazon U.K. Apple Watch Ultra 3: £649 (£100 less than Apple Watch Ultra 4) PRICES CHECKED 2 OCTOBER, 2026 Amazon’s next Prime sale, Prime Big Deal Days, takes place on October 6 and 7, 2026, and we’re expecting some of the first significant discounts on Apple’s new Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. The timing makes this sale particularly interesting for Apple Watch buyers. Apple only introduced the Series 12 and Ultra 4 in September, while the Apple Watch SE 3 remains in the lineup as the lower-cost option. Retailers are also clearing remaining Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 stock, so some of the best-value deals may be on the previous-generation models. We’ll be tracking prices throughout the sale in the U.S. and U.K. and comparing them with Apple’s regular prices and the lowest prices we’ve previously seen. We’ll also flag when an older Apple Watch is sufficiently discounted to make it a better buy than the latest model. For more coverage of Amazon’s deals, check out our roundup of the Best Apple Prime Day Deals as well as our main Prime Day page. Best Amazon Prime Apple Watch deals Apple Watch Series 12 Apple The Apple Watch Series 12 is the model we’d recommend to most buyers. It starts at $399/£369 and adds Apple’s new Health Sensing System, more frequent heart-rate and heart-rate variability measurements, a Readiness score and a tougher display. Battery life remains rated at 24 hours. Because the Series 12 only went on sale in September, any meaningful Prime Day discount is worth paying attention to. However, don’t automatically assume it’s the best deal: remaining Series 11 stock could be considerably cheaper, and the older watch has the same quoted 24-hour battery life. Prime Day price: There’s already $10 off the Apple Watch Series 12, but we expect that prices will fall further. Get Apple Watch Series 12 (42mm) for $389 U.K. Prime Day price: None of the new Apple Watches are discounted yet. Watch Amazon's Apple Watch Series 12 page Apple Watch Ultra 4 Apple The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is Apple’s most capable watch and remains priced from $799/£749. Its biggest upgrade over the Ultra 3 is battery life, which increases from 42 hours to up to 50 hours of normal use. It also has Apple’s new Health Sensing System, while retaining satellite communication, precision dual-frequency GPS, diving features and its rugged 49mm titanium design. A substantial Ultra 4 discount would be particularly notable this soon after launch. However, we’d also compare every Ultra 4 deal with the price of the outgoing Ultra 3. The Ultra 3 still has satellite communication and precision GPS, and could be the better value if the discount is large enough and you don’t need the Ultra 4’s longer battery life or newer health sensing. U.S. Prime Day price: The price of the Apple Watch Ultra 4 has dropped by $20. Get Apple Watch Ultra 4 for $779 U.K. Prime Day price: None of the new Apple Watches are discounted yet. Watch Amazon's Apple Watch Ultra 4 page Apple Watch SE3 Apple / Amazon The Apple Watch SE 3 is still part of Apple’s current lineup, despite launching in 2025. It starts at $249/£219 and remains the least expensive Apple Watch. It has an always-on display, S10 chip, temperature sensing and fast charging, but lacks ECG, blood oxygen monitoring and the new Health Sensing System found in the Series 12. We’ve previously seen the SE 3 fall to $199 during major sales, so that is the price to watch for during October Prime Day. U.S. Prime Day price: There’s $10 off the Apple Watch SE 3, but we’d wait for that price to drop further. Get Apple Watch SE 3 (44mm) for $269 U.K. Prime Day price: Apple’s not yet dropped the price of the SE3 in the U.K. this Prime Day. Watch Amazon's Apple Watch SE 3 page Apple Watch Ultra 3 Apple The Ultra 3 has also been replaced, but remains worth considering at a substantial discount. It offers satellite communication, dual-frequency GPS and most of the features that make the Ultra appealing. Battery life is rated at 42 hours rather than 50 hours on the Ultra 4, and it misses the newer Health Sensing System. U.S. Prime Day price: We’re only seeing used models currently. U.K. Prime Day price: None of the new Apple Watches are discounted yet, but the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is available for £100 less than the Ultra 4. Get Apple Watch Ultra 3 for £649 Apple Watch Series 11 Apple Watch Series 11 The Series 11 has now been replaced by the Series 12, which means remaining stock is likely to be heavily discounted. It could be an excellent Prime Day buy if the difference is large enough. You give up the Series 12’s new Health Sensing System and newer Audio Intelligence features, but the Series 11 has the same 24-hour quoted battery life. We’re only seeing used models currently in the U.S. and U.K. Apple Watch Prime Day price watch Based on recent reviews and pricing trends for the Apple Watch, these are our buying recommendations: ModelApple priceWhat we’re looking forApple Watch Series 12, 42mm, GPS$399 / £369Any meaningful discount this soon after launchApple Watch Series 12, 46mm, GPS$449 / £419Any meaningful discount this soon after launchApple Watch Ultra 4$799 / £749A substantial discount would be notableApple Watch SE 3, 40mm, GPS$249 / £219Around $199 / £199 or below would match previous major-sale pricingApple Watch SE 3, 44mm, GPS$279 / £249Around $229 / £189 or below would match previous major-sale pricingApple Watch Series 11DiscontinuedWorth considering if substantially cheaper than Series 12Apple Watch Ultra 3DiscontinuedWorth considering if substantially cheaper than Ultra 4 Best Apple Watch deals right now Check below to find the best price we are seeing right now for each configuration compared to the best price we have ever seen and the full price. We’ll start with U.S. prices. U.K. readers can find the best prices in the section below. We indicate in bold where the current price matches the lowest. U.S. deals Apple WatchDealMSRPLowestApple Watch Series 12, 42mm, GPS$389 Get the deal at Amazon $10 off$399$389Apple Watch Series 12, 46mm, GPS$439 Get the deal at Amazon $10 off$449$439Apple Watch Ultra 4$799 at Amazon $799$799Apple Watch SE 3, 40mm, GPS$240 Get the deal at Amazon $9 off$249$199Apple Watch SE 3, 44mm, GPS$270 Get the deal at Amazon $9 off$279$229Apple Watch Series 11, 42mm, GPS$350 Get the deal at Amazon Discontinued$309 U.K. deals Apple WatchDealRRPLowestApple Watch Series 12, 42mm, GPS£369 at Amazon £369£369 Apple Watch Series 12, 46mm, GPS£419 at Amazon  £419£419 Apple Watch Ultra 4£749 at Amazon £749£749Apple Watch Ultra 3£649 Get the deal at Amazon Discontinued£649Apple Watch SE 3, 40mm, GPS£219 at Amazon£219£197Apple Watch SE 3, 44mm, GPS£249 at Amazon £249£189.05 Which Apple Watch should you buy this Prime Day David Price / Foundry Choosing the right Apple Watch depends on your specific needs, whether you are looking for a rugged outdoor companion, a feature-rich flagship, or a budget-friendly entry point into the ecosystem. Our top recommendation for this Prime Day is the Apple Watch Series 12. Apple Watch Series 12: Best for most users Buy the Series 12 if you want Apple’s latest health features without the size and expense of the Ultra. It combines the new Health Sensing System with a 24-hour battery rating and starts at $399/£369. Apple Watch Ultra 4: Best for endurance and outdoor use Choose the Ultra 4 if you need 50-hour battery life, satellite connectivity, precision GPS, diving support or extended workout tracking. Apple Watch SE 3: Best budget option The SE 3 is the cheapest current Apple Watch and provides most of the core smartwatch, fitness and safety experience. Its main omissions are Apple’s more advanced health sensors. Series 11 and Ultra 3: Best clearance opportunities Don’t automatically dismiss last year’s watches. If retailers heavily discount remaining stock, Series 11 and Ultra 3 could offer better value than the new models. For more advice read our Best Apple Watch guide. Is an older Apple Watch a good Prime Day deal? David Price / Foundry Don’t assume an older Apple Watch is a bad buy. The Series 11 and Ultra 3 are only one generation old and can make excellent buys if they’re substantially cheaper than the Series 12 or Ultra 4. Be much more cautious with the Series 8, SE 2 and original Ultra, however. Those models cannot run watchOS 27. The Series 9 is the oldest standard Apple Watch compatible with watchOS 27, while the Ultra 2 is the oldest supported Ultra. Also compare the sale price with the newest equivalent. A $50 Series 11 saving, for example, may not be enough to justify giving up the Series 12’s new health features, whereas a substantially larger saving could change the calculation. Should you buy GPS or Cellular? Don’t automatically pay extra for cellular. The Series 12 costs $100/£100 more with cellular, while the SE 3 premium is $50/£70. Cellular is included with every Ultra 4. For many users, GPS is sufficient because the Watch can still track workouts, use Apple Pay and play downloaded music without an iPhone. Cellular becomes most useful if you regularly leave your iPhone behind but still want calls, messages and online services. Read: Do I need a cellular Apple Watch? Should you buy an Apple Watch during Amazon Prime Day? Amazon’s October Prime Day sale is unusually well timed for Apple Watch buyers because Apple’s 2026 models have only just arrived. If the Series 12 or Ultra 4 is discounted, you can buy the newest generation without paying Apple’s full launch price. It’s also an excellent time to look at previous-generation stock. Series 11 and Ultra 3 are still relatively recent watches, and retailers may discount them aggressively now that their replacements are available. The other option is to wait until Black Friday in November. If an October deal is modest and you aren’t in a hurry, Black Friday may bring another opportunity – but there’s no guarantee that a particular configuration or older model will remain in stock. Read: When is the best time to buy an Apple Watch? Before you buy, keep the following in mind: Prime Membership Requirement: Many of the best deals are exclusive to Amazon Prime members. If you’re not a Prime subscriber, you can take advantage of Amazon’s 30-day free trial or sign up for a month and cancel afterward. Prime membership costs $139 / £95 / AUD$59 annually, or $14.99 / £8.99 / AU$6.99 on a monthly basis. As well as getting free two-day shipping, Prime customers also get access to Prime Video and Music. Compare Prices: Amazon isn’t always the cheapest retailer. Stores such as Walmart and Best Buy often run competing promotions during Prime Day, so it’s worth checking prices elsewhere before making a purchase. Alternative Sales: Missed Prime Day? Similar discounts often return during the Black Friday sales in November. Student Savings: Students may find better value through Apple’s Education Store. Prime Day deals are available in multiple countries, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, the U.K., and the U.S. Why you can trust Macworld’s recommendations We have decades of experience with Apple devices and have tested and reviewed every Apple Watch since the original model. Everything we recommend has been thoroughly tested and weighed against its contemporaries and previous models. We don’t recommend products we wouldn’t buy, and we don’t point out a deal unless it’s actually a deal—a product that can always be found at the “sale” price really isn’t on sale. Macworld checks Prime Day deals, comparing against MSRP, price history, model relevance and deal quality before we give our recommendation. Amazon Prime Day: More Apple bargains For more great deals see our round ups of the Best Prime Day Apple deals 2026. Best Prime Day AirPods deals 2026 Best Prime Day iPad deals 2026 Best MacBook & Mac Prime Day deals 2026

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Texas school district ditches Chromebooks, approves $11M iPad and MacBook Neo deal
A Texas school district is going all-in on the iPad and MacBook Neo as part of a new $11 million deal. The Beaumont Independent School District is ditching its Chromebook fleet and opting for Apple gear going forward, citing better reliability, lower costs, and performance. As reported by the Beaumont Enterprise this week, the Beaumont Independent School District’s board has approved an $11.19 million four-year lease to upgrade its technology ecosystem. more…

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HBO Max and Paramount+ set to merge under ‘Skydance’ brand
Paramount Skydance will complete its acquisition of Warner Bros. next week, and CEO David Ellison just revealed ‘Skydance’ as the new company name ahead of a planned merging of HBO Max and Paramount+ streaming services. more…

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Pusheen the Cat gets her first iPhone game
Pusheen’s Place brings the internet-famous cat to Apple Arcade in a cozy new game, plus the service just added four other new titles. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Is your old iPad still safe to use? Security updates and support explained
When Apple stops issuing security updates for older iPads, they become unsafe to use. But exactly how long can you safely keep using an old iPad? The post first appeared on The Mac Security Blog.

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What is SMS? What SMS text messages mean and how they work
SMS text messaging is ubiquitous and here to stay. But given its lack of encryption, is it safe to rely on SMS for two-factor authentication? Here are the key things to know about SMS, MMS, and more modern texting standards. The post first appeared on The Mac Security Blog.

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What’s the difference between malware, a virus, a Trojan, and a worm?
Viruses, worms, and Trojans are all types of malware, but the names describe different ways malicious software operates. A virus relies on an infected file or program, a worm can reproduce and spread on its own once active, and a Trojan relies on disguise to persuade you to open or install it. This guide defines […] The post first appeared on The Mac Security Blog.

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Dutch Police Arrest ‘Reformed’ Hacker in Shiny Hunters Investigation
Authorities in the Netherlands have arrested a 23-year-old convicted cybercriminal on suspicion of aiding in data thefts and extortions by the prolific hacker group ShinyHunters. In the days immediately following the suspect's arrest, remaining ShinyHunters members dramatically escalated their attacks, stealing highly sensitive data from the FBI and extorting the Russian ransomware group Cl0p.

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U.S. Soldier Gets 70 Months in Prison for AT&T, Verizon Extortions
A U.S. Army soldier who pleaded guilty to hacking into multiple telecommunications companies and stealing mobile call and text metadata for more than 100 million AT&T customers in 2024 was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison today and ordered to pay nearly $300,000 in restitution to victims.

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How to hide notes on your iPhone
When you hand your phone to someone else for a quick repair or a phone call, it’s natural to feel uneasy about them stumbling across your personal notes. There’s no hidden-notes folder on iPhone. What you can do instead is lock a note using your device passcode or a separate Notes password, then use Face […] The post first appeared on The Mac Security Blog.

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Are “corrupt my file” sites safe? What to know before uploading a file
File corruption sites claim they can make any file unreadable, so you can get extra time to submit a project. Ethics aside, is it safe to submit documents to such services? The post first appeared on The Mac Security Blog.

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How to use public Wi-Fi safely on your Mac
Learn about the security and privacy risks associated with public networks, and how you can keep your Mac safe when using free Wi-Fi hotspots. The post first appeared on The Mac Security Blog.

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Think your Mac has been hacked? How to tell and what to do
If you suspect your Mac has been hacked, don’t assume the worst. While Macs can be compromised, a pop-up, slow performance, or an unfamiliar app doesn’t automatically mean someone has gained access to your Mac. The problem could be malware, a compromised online account, a fake security warning, or even a normal software issue. If […] The post first appeared on The Mac Security Blog.

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How to turn on Stolen Device Protection on iPhone
Stolen Device Protection is a feature that helps ensure that if someone steals your iPhone, even if they have your passcode, they’re unlikely to be able to make changes to your Apple ID account. Here’s how to enable it. The post first appeared on The Mac Security Blog.

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iPhone passcode security: Why 6 digits may not be enough
Your entire digital life is protected by a six-digit passcode. If a thief gets that passcode, they can access all your passwords. The post first appeared on The Mac Security Blog.

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Data Broker Radaris Loses Domains in Privacy Fight
The consumer data broker Radaris.com has long had a reputation for ignoring requests to remove personal information from its vast empire of people-search services online. That reputation caught up with the company recently in a lawsuit alleging Radaris violated a New Jersey privacy law that provides for hefty fines against data brokers that publish personal information on state law enforcement officials. In the face of repeated stonewalling and prevarication by attorneys for Radaris, the judge in the case ordered that radaris.com and more than a dozen other data broker domains be transferred to the plaintiffs.

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Do Macs need antivirus, or is built-in protection enough?
Macs don’t all need the same level of protection. macOS includes strong built-in security that works quietly in the background, and it may be enough if you keep your Mac updated, follow Apple’s warnings, and download only trusted software. However, no security system can recognize every new or modified threat or prevent every unsafe decision. […] The post first appeared on The Mac Security Blog.

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How to clear RAM on a Mac and reduce memory usage
If your Mac is running slowly or showing a memory warning, you may be looking for a cleanup app or command-line trick to clear RAM. You don’t need either. macOS manages RAM automatically, and forcing it to clear memory can reduce performance instead of improving it. A good first step is to look at Memory […] The post first appeared on The Mac Security Blog.

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Syncing with iCloud paused? What it means and how to fix it
Seeing “Syncing with iCloud paused” can be worrying, especially when your messages, photos, or files stop updating across your Apple devices. Fortunately, this message usually means iCloud has temporarily stopped syncing. It doesn’t normally mean your existing data has disappeared or someone has accessed your Apple Account. The right fix depends on which service has […] The post first appeared on The Mac Security Blog.

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Amazon Expands $500 Off 14″ M5 Pro MacBook Pro Sale to Both Colors
Amazon has expanded one of its best current MacBook Pro deals, with both Silver and Space Black 14-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pros now available for just $2699. This is the upgraded M5 Pro configuration with an 18-core CPU, 20-core GPU, 24GB of unified memory, and a 2TB SSD. Apple charges $3199 for this model, putting Amazon’s current price a substantial $500 below MSRP. We highlighted the $2699 Silver model earlier this week. Amazon has now expanded the sale to include Space Black at the same $2699 price, giving buyers their choice of either color at the full $500 discount. Get the Space Black 18-core M5 Pro MacBook Pro for $2699 at Amazon or get the Silver model for $2699. For the latest sales and deals, see our 14-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Amazon Takes $150 Off 24GB/1TB 15″ M5 MacBook Air, Now $1849
Amazon has expanded its sale on Apple’s 15-inch M5 MacBook Air, dropping the upgraded 24GB/1TB Midnight model to $1849, a full $150 off Apple’s $1999 MSRP. We highlighted Amazon’s $100 discount on base 15-inch M5 Airs earlier this week, and this upgraded model is an even better discount for buyers who need additional memory and storage. It includes 24GB of unified memory and a 1TB SSD, double the storage of the base configuration. The $1849 price is currently available on the Midnight model and is part of Amazon’s early Prime Big Deal Days sales. Get the Midnight 24GB/1TB 15-inch M5 MacBook Air for $1849 at Amazon. For the latest sales and deals, see our 15-inch MacBook Air Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Amazon Slashes Apple Magic Keyboard Folio to $150, Save $99
Amazon has dropped Apple’s Magic Keyboard Folio for the A16 iPad to just $150, taking a substantial $99 off Apple’s $249 price. That’s about 40% off and one of the lowest prices we’ve seen on Apple’s keyboard for the standard iPad. The Magic Keyboard Folio works with both the current A16 iPad and the 10th-generation iPad and includes a detachable keyboard, built-in trackpad, 14-key function row, and protective back panel with adjustable stand. Amazon’s $150 price was freshly reported on September 30 and matches the lowest price tracked at the retailer in well over a year. Get the Apple Magic Keyboard Folio for $150 at Amazon. For the latest sales and deals, see our iPad Magic Keyboard Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Verizon Launches New iPhone Deals: Free iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 17, Apple Watch & iPad Offers
Verizon has launched several new Apple promotions available through October 8, including deals on the new iPhone 18 Pro as well as the iPhone 17. Customers can get an iPhone 18 Pro on Verizon with a qualifying plan and trade-in, save up to $1200 on select iPhones with an eligible trade-in and unlimited plan, or get an iPhone 17 on Verizon with no trade-in required on select plans. Verizon is also offering a select Apple Watch and iPad on us with any qualifying iPhone purchase, and customers who switch online and add a new line on myPlan can receive a $200 Verizon e-gift card. See Verizon’s latest iPhone deals and eligibility requirements.

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Amazon Takes $100 Off 15″ M5 MacBook Airs, Prices Drop to $1399
Amazon has dropped base 15-inch M5 MacBook Air models to just $1399, taking a full $100 off Apple’s $1499 MSRP. The base configuration includes Apple’s M5 chip, 16GB of unified memory and a 512GB SSD, along with the larger 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display. At $1399, it’s a particularly nice option for buyers who want more screen space than the 13-inch Air without stepping up to MacBook Pro pricing. Shop Amazon’s 15-inch M5 MacBook Air sale. For the latest sales and deals, see our 15-inch MacBook Air Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Amazon Drops 18-Core 14″ M5 Pro MacBook Pro to $2699, Save $500
Amazon has brought back one of the better deals we’ve seen on Apple’s higher-end 14-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro, dropping the 18-core CPU/20-core GPU model with 24GB RAM and a 2TB SSD to $2699. Apple currently charges $3199 for this configuration, making Amazon’s price a substantial $500 discount. It’s also $200 below the $2899 Amazon price we reported in August. This is the upgraded M5 Pro configuration with an 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU rather than the less-expensive 15-core/16-core model. With 24GB of unified memory and a 2TB SSD included, it’s a particularly strong configuration for buyers who need more performance and storage without stepping up to an M5 Max. Get the Silver 18-core 14-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro for $2699 at Amazon. For the latest sales and deals, see our 14-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Amazon Slashes Silver 16″ M5 Max MacBook Pro to $3499, Save a Record $900
Amazon has dropped the Silver 16-inch M5 Max MacBook Pro with 36GB RAM and a 2TB SSD to a new record-low price of just $3499, taking a huge $900 off Apple’s $4399 MSRP. This is also a substantial new price drop from Amazon’s $3799 sale earlier this week. The Silver model has fallen another $300, while the identical Space Black configuration remains higher. The discounted MacBook Pro features Apple’s 18-core M5 Max CPU, 32-core GPU, 36GB of unified memory and a 2TB SSD. Amazon currently has new units available with free shipping. Get the Silver 16-inch M5 Max MacBook Pro for $3499 at Amazon. For the latest prices and sales, see our 16-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Amazon Slashes Black Apple Watch Ultra 3 to Record-Low $599.97
Amazon has dropped the Apple Watch Ultra 3 in Black Titanium with Black Ocean Band to a new all-time low of just $599.97, taking a huge $199 off its $799 MSRP. Amazon briefly offered this same $599.97 clearance price on a Natural Titanium Ultra 3 earlier this week, but that deal quickly disappeared. Now the Black Titanium/Black Ocean Band model has dropped to the same record-low price. That puts the previous-generation Ultra 3 a full $200 below the new $799 Ultra 4, making this one of the strongest Apple Watch deals we’ve seen this year. Get the Black Titanium Apple Watch Ultra 3 for $599.97 at Amazon. For the latest prices and sales, see our Apple Watch Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Amazon Slashes Black Apple Watch Ultra 3 to Record-Low $599.97
Amazon has dropped the Apple Watch Ultra 3 in Black Titanium with Black Ocean Band to a new all-time low of just $599.97, taking a huge $199 off its $799 MSRP. Amazon briefly offered this same $599.97 clearance price on a Natural Titanium Ultra 3 earlier this week, but that deal quickly disappeared. Now the Black Titanium/Black Ocean Band model has dropped to the same record-low price. That puts the previous-generation Ultra 3 a full $200 below the new $799 Ultra 4, making this one of the strongest Apple Watch deals we’ve seen this year. Get the Black Titanium Apple Watch Ultra 3 for $599.97 at Amazon. For the latest prices and sales, see our Apple Watch Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Amazon Slashes Black Apple Watch Ultra 3 to Record-Low $599.97
Amazon has dropped the Apple Watch Ultra 3 in Black Titanium with Black Ocean Band to a new all-time low of just $599.97, taking a huge $199 off its $799 MSRP. Amazon briefly offered this same $599.97 clearance price on a Natural Titanium Ultra 3 earlier this week, but that deal quickly disappeared. Now the Black Titanium/Black Ocean Band model has dropped to the same record-low price. That puts the previous-generation Ultra 3 a full $200 below the new $799 Ultra 4, making this one of the strongest Apple Watch deals we’ve seen this year. Get the Black Titanium Apple Watch Ultra 3 for $599.97 at Amazon. For the latest prices and sales, see our Apple Watch Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Amazon Slashes Black Apple Watch Ultra 3 to Record-Low $599.97
Amazon has dropped the Apple Watch Ultra 3 in Black Titanium with Black Ocean Band to a new all-time low of just $599.97, taking a huge $199 off its $799 MSRP. Amazon briefly offered this same $599.97 clearance price on a Natural Titanium Ultra 3 earlier this week, but that deal quickly disappeared. Now the Black Titanium/Black Ocean Band model has dropped to the same record-low price. That puts the previous-generation Ultra 3 a full $200 below the new $799 Ultra 4, making this one of the strongest Apple Watch deals we’ve seen this year. Get the Black Titanium Apple Watch Ultra 3 for $599.97 at Amazon. For the latest prices and sales, see our Apple Watch Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Amazon Slashes Black Apple Watch Ultra 3 to Record-Low $599.97
Amazon has dropped the Apple Watch Ultra 3 in Black Titanium with Black Ocean Band to a new all-time low of just $599.97, taking a huge $199 off its $799 MSRP. Amazon briefly offered this same $599.97 clearance price on a Natural Titanium Ultra 3 earlier this week, but that deal quickly disappeared. Now the Black Titanium/Black Ocean Band model has dropped to the same record-low price. That puts the previous-generation Ultra 3 a full $200 below the new $799 Ultra 4, making this one of the strongest Apple Watch deals we’ve seen this year. Get the Black Titanium Apple Watch Ultra 3 for $599.97 at Amazon. For the latest prices and sales, see our Apple Watch Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Amazon Slashes Black Apple Watch Ultra 3 to Record-Low $599.97
Amazon has dropped the Apple Watch Ultra 3 in Black Titanium with Black Ocean Band to a new all-time low of just $599.97, taking a huge $199 off its $799 MSRP. Amazon briefly offered this same $599.97 clearance price on a Natural Titanium Ultra 3 earlier this week, but that deal quickly disappeared. Now the Black Titanium/Black Ocean Band model has dropped to the same record-low price. That puts the previous-generation Ultra 3 a full $200 below the new $799 Ultra 4, making this one of the strongest Apple Watch deals we’ve seen this year. Get the Black Titanium Apple Watch Ultra 3 for $599.97 at Amazon. For the latest prices and sales, see our Apple Watch Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Amazon Slashes Black Apple Watch Ultra 3 to Record-Low $599.97
Amazon has dropped the Apple Watch Ultra 3 in Black Titanium with Black Ocean Band to a new all-time low of just $599.97, taking a huge $199 off its $799 MSRP. Amazon briefly offered this same $599.97 clearance price on a Natural Titanium Ultra 3 earlier this week, but that deal quickly disappeared. Now the Black Titanium/Black Ocean Band model has dropped to the same record-low price. That puts the previous-generation Ultra 3 a full $200 below the new $799 Ultra 4, making this one of the strongest Apple Watch deals we’ve seen this year. Get the Black Titanium Apple Watch Ultra 3 for $599.97 at Amazon. For the latest prices and sales, see our Apple Watch Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Amazon Slashes Black Apple Watch Ultra 3 to Record-Low $599.97
Amazon has dropped the Apple Watch Ultra 3 in Black Titanium with Black Ocean Band to a new all-time low of just $599.97, taking a huge $199 off its $799 MSRP. Amazon briefly offered this same $599.97 clearance price on a Natural Titanium Ultra 3 earlier this week, but that deal quickly disappeared. Now the Black Titanium/Black Ocean Band model has dropped to the same record-low price. That puts the previous-generation Ultra 3 a full $200 below the new $799 Ultra 4, making this one of the strongest Apple Watch deals we’ve seen this year. Get the Black Titanium Apple Watch Ultra 3 for $599.97 at Amazon. For the latest prices and sales, see our Apple Watch Price Tracker, updated daily.

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