Where to buy the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 before they're pulled from Apple's shelves
UPDATE: Dec. 19, 2023, 12:30 p.m. EST Apple is halting sales of its new Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 models due to a patent dispute. Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart are some places you can still buy one even after the Apple Store-specific freeze goes into effect online on Dec. 21 and in stores on Dec. 24.
If you were planning on gifting or upgrading to the Apple Watch Series 9 or Ultra 2 at all this coming year, skip the Apple Store and head to Amazon, Best Buy, Target, or Walmart.
Apple is pulling its two most advanced watches (just released in September) from physical and virtual shelves indefinitely, starting Dec. 21 after 3 p.m. ET for online purchases and Dec. 24 for in-store purchases. Some patent drama involving the new SpO2 and a subsequent ITC import ban are behind this, though Apple is hopeful that it can stave off the stoppage with a software update.
Regardless of whether the Apple Store is an option, though, we'd probably tell you to grab any of your Apple stuff from a retailer like Amazon and Best Buy. These are where you'll find discounts on even the latest generation Apple products (up to $70 off, in both new Apple Watch cases) while Apple's website is happy to stay locked at full price.
There are several reasons to opt for the Series 9 or Ultra over an older model. Of course, we're going to mention double tap first: Arguably one of the most clutch additions to a wearable in a while, this pinching emoji-style gesture lets you control things like phone calls and timers from your wrist with one hand. Compared to the Series 8, the Series 9 and Ultra 2 are also faster, brighter, and have more storage.
Where to buy the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 while you still can
Amazon — several size and connectivity iterations of both still available, including many on sale up to $70 off. Two-day shipping is available for most models.
Best Buy — several size and connectivity iterations of both available, including many on sale up to $70 off. Check out Best Buy's Drop on Dec. 21 for a potential new record low price on the 45mm GPS Series 9.
Target — several size and connectivity iterations of both available, including many on sale up to $70 off plus an extra 5% off for RedCard holders. Two-day shipping is available for most models.
Walmart — several size and connectivity iterations of the Series 9 available, including many on sale up to $70 off. (Walmart hasn't been a go-to retailer for the Ultra 2 since it came out in September.) Two-day shipping is available for most models.
Confirm that listings at Amazon and Walmart are not by a third party by confirming that the Apple Watch is sold and shipped by Amazon or Walmart itself.