There is an expectation that next month Samsung will hold its annual Galaxy Unpacked event to show off its upcoming phones and other devices.

The stars of the show will likely be the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and a new Fan Edition Flip. The company will also show off its new Galaxy Watch with its wealth of new health features, but not all the features will be available for free.

Samsung’s new health features for the Galaxy Watch will keep track of a lot of health markers and even provide coaching to improve a wearer’s health. However, some of the advanced coaching may require a subscription, according to a report from CNET. The company says it’s exploring a monthly subscription model similar to Fitbit Premium and Garmin’s new Connect Plus and that new watch owners could get a subscription for free, likely for a limited time. Older watch owners will reportedly have to pay to access these coaching features.

Samsung didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on this possible subscription.

What are the new health features coming to the Samsung Galaxy Watch?

Samsung will release its upcoming One UI 8, its customized version of Android 16, soon, and will likely show it off at the Unpacked event. For the Galaxy Watch, the update will bring some health features that haven't been done before with a smartwatch.

One of the most interesting new additions is the Antioxidant Index. Antioxidants such as beta-carotene, found in carrots and sweet potatoes, can help the body fight off free radicals, which can cause damage and lead to severe health problems like cardiovascular disease or cancer. The Antioxidant Index feature measures the level of carotenoids, which are antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables that are stored in the skin. The measurement is done by placing a thumb on the back of the watch sensor, which will determine whether the levels are balanced or unbalanced.

Another health feature coming in the next update is the Vascular Load metric. The watch will use pulse-wave analysis and optical sensors to track arterial stiffness and overall cardiovascular strain. If the strain is above or below the baseline, the watch will recommend some changes, such as reducing sodium intake or stress.

Both the Antioxidant Index and Vascular Load will only be available to owners of the Galaxy Watch Ultra, as the premium watch has the sensors needed for these features.

Other health features coming to the Galaxy Watch are Bedtime Guidance and Running Coach. With Bedtime Guidance, the watch will use its sleep tracking tools to recommend the best sleep and wake time based on a wearer's sleep patterns.

Running Coach is a feature similar to Apple's Workout Buddy, announced at this month's Worldwide Developers Conference. For the Galaxy Watch, Running Coach will analyze a user's running for 12 minutes to develop a training plan to help the wearer complete a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or full marathon.

It's unclear which of these features will have the additional coaching that could be paywalled. The most likely is the Running Coach, but the other health features do offer their own coaching.

These health features will make the Samsung Galaxy Watch more of a competitor in the wearable market that has been dominated by the Apple Watch, which has been a focal point for Apple's health initiatives.

Galaxy Watch users can test out some of these features before they officially release by downloading the One UI8 beta.

As a dive instructor and tech enthusiast, I tend to keep an eye out for good rugged smartwatches as some, like the Apple Watch Ultra, can double as dive computers.

The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar isn’t capable of calculating your dive profile or tracking your decompression limits, but it is a rugged, GPS-enabled smartwatch with training modes and tracking for just about every other sport you can imagine. Plus, it’s often on sale for $370 or less, making it a solid bargain. It offers over 3 weeks of battery life on a single charge, with solar power making it theoretically unkillable if you spend at least 3 hours in 50,000-lux conditions.

The only real drawbacks are the lack of colors on the display and how rapidly GPS functionality depletes battery life.

All that considered, is the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar destined to be one of the best smartwatches? Or is it doomed to be forgotten?

Let’s find out.

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar: Price and configurations

The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar (45 MM) retails for $399, while the Tactical edition retails for $449.

If you’d prefer a smaller display, the Instinct 2S Solar comes in a 40 MM case for the same price as the 45 MM variant. If you’d prefer an oversized 50 MM case, the Instinct 2X Solar costs $449.

Right now, all available models of the Instinct 2 Solar are on sale for $100 off, bringing the Instinct 2 Solar to a price of just $299 through Garmin directly, while Amazon has the Instinct 2 Solar at just $249 right now.

Sales have seen the price drop to a minimum of $228, which we could see again during the upcoming Amazon Prime Day, though the most common sale price seems to be $370.

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar: Design

The Instinct 2 Solar is one of Garmin’s rugged smartwatches, so it has a durable fiber-reinforced polymer case with a Power Glass lens and silicon strap. It’s designed to take a beating and stand up to rigorous training regimes, after all.

I tend to be hard on my wrist-based hardware, and even after dragging the Instinct 2 Solar halfway around the world on a trip to Taiwan, it looks as good as the day I pulled it out of the box.

The downside to the Instinct 2 Solar’s rugged design is that most of the watch is case and solar cells, with a smaller display than the 45 MM case size might imply.

The Instinct 2 Solar is water rated to 10 ATM (atmospheres) of pressure. Essentially, this means the Instinct 2 Solar can withstand a dip to a maximum depth of 100 meters (330 feet).

While the Instinct doesn’t have access to Garmin’s advanced scuba and free diving modes, it can track your swimming distance and time, so it is good to know the watch can survive the occasional jump off a diving board.

The Instinct 2 Solar is available in a Graphite or Mist Gray colorway. The Instinct 2S Solar comes in the same color options, while the Instinct 2X also offers a Flame Red option. The Tactical variants of all three solar-powered Instinct watches come in a pure Black colorway.

While I do prefer having extra color options to choose from, when it comes to rugged smartwatches, opting for gray or black generally looks better, whereas the Flame Red on the Instinct 2X is a bit much.

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar: Display

The Instinct 2 Solar has a custom two-window display design, with a smaller, circular display in the upper right-hand corner and a larger rectangular main display.

You can customize the information on your display by changing the default options directly on the watch or by downloading additional watch faces from the Garmin ConnectIQ app.

The display is just black and white, which is ideal for the Solar’s long battery life and solar charging. While not particularly bright by default, the display is always on, and has a backlight if you need to make it a bit brighter in low-light conditions.

While the Instinct 2 Solar’s display isn’t bright, I didn’t have any problems seeing the display even under bright sunlight thanks to its high-contrast and minimalist default watch face.

Some of the fancier watch faces you can download from the ConnectIQ app are a bit harder to read under bright sunlight, as they can get a bit cramped on the small display.

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar: Battery life

I took the Instinct 2 Solar with me on a business trip to Taiwan for Computex, and I charged the watch when I landed on May 17th. Since then, I’ve kept the Instinct strapped to my wrist or sitting on my desk overnight as I don’t enjoy sleeping with a watch on. The only charging the Instinct 2 Solar has done since is some brief solar charging as I wandered around Taipei (during monsoon season) and as I commuted to and from the Laptop Mag offices in New York.

Which is to say, I haven’t managed to charge the Instinct 2 Solar to full with just the power of the sun. Midtown Manhattan isn’t exactly known for its sun exposure, even in the summer thanks to all the skyscrapers in the neighborhood. Meaning I haven’t come close to the 3-hours in 50,000 lux conditions needed to charge the Instinct with only sunlight.

However, that does mean I’ve gotten almost three weeks of battery life with the Instinct 2 with just a brief bit of solar power top-off, and I’ve still got a battery rating of 7 days remaining. This isn’t quite the “unlimited” battery life Garmin claims, but it is still incredibly impressive, and if you live a more sun-soaked life, Garmin’s claims seem plausible.

If you do need to charge the Instinct 2 Solar with a power outlet, the watch comes with a proprietary USB cable that fits onto four contact points on the back of the watch case.

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar: Health and fitness tracking

The Instinct 2 Solar is constantly tracking your heart rate with a sensor on the back of the watch case and will alert you if your heart rate dips too low or jumps too high.

The watch also tracks respiration rate, body battery energy, stress, and sleep. You can also use the Garmin Connect apps to track hydration and women’s health cycles with the Instinct 2.

The Instinct 2’s fitness features include activity profiles for sports and training regimens from strength training to triathlons to pilates workouts and even stand up paddleboarding. You can install additional sports and training features from the ConnectIQ app.

If you choose to enable suggested workouts, the Instinct 2 Solar comes with default daily suggested workout plans for runners and cyclists, along with Garmin coaching for running and cycling.

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar: Features

In addition to its slew of health and fitness features, the Instinct 2 Solar also has some fun safety and tracking features.

You can use the GPS functionality to track your workouts, whether running, cycling, hiking, or swimming. While this does use more battery than just utilizing the Instinct 2 as a general smartwatch, outdoor activities are where the solar has its best chance of getting a full recharge thanks to the power of the sun.

So, if you aren’t a city-based vampire, GPS tracking can be helpful, and battery life losses should be at least somewhat offset by sun exposure.

The Instinct 2 also comes with incident detection and assistance for additional safety.

The Instinct 2 Solar can also function as a general smartwatch, bringing over all your phone notifications to the watch display so you can keep track of what’s going on with your family or with work, while remaining hands-free. Even if you’re a die-hard Apple fanatic, the Instinct 2 Solar has full integration for your smartphone notifications from iOS and Android devices. While you can’t reply to messages from the Instinct 2, I don’t find myself missing that feature from my Apple Watch 8.

But the quirkiest feature of the Instinct 2 is its gaming activity tracker, which can keep an eye on your vitals while gaming to let you know if you’re raging too hard during raid nights. It’s also compatible with the Garmin Gameon app if you really want to optimize your gaming health data.

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar: Software and warranty

Like all Garmin smartwatches, the Instinct also benefits from a variety of smartphone app integrations, from the Garmin Connect, ConnectIQ, Gameon, Explore, and Messenger apps.

The Instinct 2 Solar comes with functionality for a number of activities right out of the box, with a large focus on running and cycling, though additional sports and activity profiles for triathlons, hiking, pool swimming, and tennis are pre-installed. You can also add additional activity profiles from the ConnectIQ app.

And since the Instinct 2 Solar is a Garmin watch, it has full functionality whether your paired smartphone runs iOS or Android.

Garmin has a 1-year limited warranty on the Instinct 2 Solar.

Bottom line

If you’re looking for a rugged GPS-enabled smartwatch and you don’t need it to have scuba or freedive functionality, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is a far better bargain than the Apple Watch Ultra 2. While its display is just black and white, it’s fully customizable and comes with Garmin’s massive smartwatch software suite to boot.

If you need a smartwatch that doubles as a dive computer, I personally recommend the Garmin Descent G2 or MK3, which come with scuba and free-dive functionality for tracking your depth, time, and deco obligations.

Even for vampires like me who don’t see enough daylight to keep the Instinct 2 Solar going without hitting a power outlet every 3-4 weeks, it’s hard to undersell that insane battery life. Few other smartwatches can even come close, and those that do often have fewer features than the Instinct 2 Solar.

And if you can get the Instinct 2 Solar for less than $300, hit that buy button immediately.

Whether you're looking to get your beach bod ready for the summer or just want to track your health and fitness, smartwatches are a fantastic way to monitor your progress and enhance your results. Even better, Amazon is running a sale on wearable tech right now, so you can snag a smartwatch at an even smarter price.

These handy (or should that be wristy?) devices can track your heart rate, calories burned, distance traveled, steps taken, and more, with fancier models even having modes for specific types of exercise. Beyond fitness goals, most smartwatches these days offer plenty of health and wellness benefits, including sleep tracking, heart rhythm notifications, and menstrual health tracking.

Beyond the health benefits, smartwatches are just amazingly useful pieces of tech that let you check messages, answer calls, get notifications, control your music playlists, and more. Take the Apple Watch Series 10, for example; the quintessential "do everything" smartwatch, and right now, it's down to just $299, a full $100 off the MSRP.

Our top pick for a fitness-first device has to be the Fitbit Charge 6, which is currently $40 off, down to just $119. It's the ultimate fitness tracker at an incredibly affordable price, and that's why we gave it our editor's choice award in our Fitbit Charge 6 review. It has great features, excellent battery life, and, most importantly, it's intuitive to use.

We've got a good mixture of fitness trackers and smartwatches below, so whatever your needs and price range, we're sure you'll find something to suit you.

Smartwatch and fitness tracker deals at Amazon

• Amazfit Bip 5 - 46mm - GPS: was $89 now $59 at Amazon
• Amazfit GTR Mini - 43mm: was $99 now $69 at Amazon
• Fitbit Inspire 3: was $99 now $78 at Amazon
• Fitbit Charge 6: was $159 now $119 at Amazon
• Amazfit Balance - 46mm - GPS: was $199 now $149 at Amazon
• Apple Watch Series SE - 40mm - GPS: was $249 now $169 at Amazon
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7: was $299 now $195 at Amazon
• Fitbit Sense 2 - GPS: was $249 now $199 at Amazon
• Samsung Galaxy Watch FE 40mm LTE: was $249 now $199 at Amazon
• Garmin Forerunner 165: was $249 now $199 at Amazon
• Garmin vívoactive 5: was $299 now $238 at Amazon
• Apple Watch Series 10 - 42mm - GPS: was $399 now $299 at Amazon
• Garmin Forerunner 265S: was $449 now $349 at Amazon
• Garmin Venu 3S : was $449 now $349 at Amazon
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 - 49mm - GPS + Cellular: was $799 now $729 at Amazon

Apple appears to be pushing to make its wearables perform more AI functions.

The iPhone maker already has in the works AirPods that will have built-in cameras to take pictures to know the environment around it. A new report now says the company wants to do something similar with the Apple Watch.

Apple is reportedly planning to add a camera to its Apple Watch, as reported by Bloomberg Sunday. The reported plan is to have a camera added to both the standard Apple Watch Series and Apple Watch Ultra. It would be placed in the standard watch's display while the Ultra would have it on the side where the crown is.

The camera would be able to see the environment around it and use AI to provide the user with whatever information they want.

This feature, according to the report, is still a long way from happening, so don't expect it to show up on the next Apple Watch, which is likely to be shown this September.

Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for confirmation on the report.

What is new in the Apple Watch Series 11?

There is little doubt that a new Apple Watch is coming later this year. The company tends to release the new line in September along with the newest iPhone.

As for the Apple Watch Series 11, right now, there isn't much we know about it. There are rumors that it might have a MicroLED display to provide better colors and higher resolutions. It's also likely that the new watch will have better battery life and a faster processor. It's still too early to know what Apple wants to do with the smartwatch, but we could get a better idea in June when the company puts on the Worldwide Developer Conference where it shows the upcoming features for the next big software update for the wearable, WatchOS 12.

What likely won't be showing up in the next watch is a blood pressure monitor. Bloomberg reports Apple continues to have issues implementing the feature. The company has been working on the feature for years, but it appears that it won't be coming to fruition anytime soon.

Will Apple figure out AI?

AI is the rage right now in tech, and it's clear Apple want to make it a part of its ecosystem. However, it seems to just not find that sweet spot in quality it wants for all of its products.

Apple Intelligence launched last fall shortly after the release of the iPhone 16, but it's been a slow rollout of features. It can do some neat stuff like summarize text messages, remove objects from photos, and prioritize notifications that the AI thinks you care about most.

Those features, however, aren't really the AI revolution Apple seemingly was going for when it revealed Apple Intelligence last September.

One of its biggest planned features involving AI was overhauling the iPhone digital assistant Siri. The company intended for Siri to be a true AI assistant that understands an iPhone user's personal information such as pulling up a task to do in an old email or knowing what a family member is doing based on texts and calendar details.

This new Siri was to make its debut sometime this spring, but Apple delayed the feature, and it may not show up until sometime next year.

Following the setback, Apple recently reshuffled the leadership of the team developing Siri. Mike Rockwell, who led the team in creating the Apple Vision Pro, was reportedly put in charge of the Siri team last week. It remains unclear if Rockwell can get the team past the finish line in the coming months, if not years.

Wearables continue to grow in popularity thanks to the Apple Watch and the Pixel Watch. Smartwatches go beyond just telling you what time it is or what text you just received. The latest features on these phones range from paying for items at a store to potentially saving your life.

Apple might be the market leader with Google and Samsung right behind it, but there's a new competitor about to jump into the battle with a name people of a certain age already know.

Atari plans to release its Atari 2600 My PlayWatch Smartwatch in June, according to the watch's product page. Priced at $79.99, this wearable does something other smartwatches can't do out of the box: Play classic Atari games.

Centipede, Missile Command, Pong, and Super Breakout are four games pre-installed on the Atari 2600 My PlayWatch, which are controlled using the crown and the side button.

Not the smartest of watches

While Atari does call it a smartwatch, the Atari 2600 My PlayWatch doesn't do a lot else other than play games.

It doesn't have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, which means it doesn't connect to your phone or receive any updates. Also, those classic Atari games can be played on an Apple Watch if you search for them on the App Store, although they may cost a few dollars.

So what other features does the Atari 2600 My PlayWatch have aside from playing classic Atari games? It is IP68-rated, which means it's protected from dust and can withstand water immersion beyond one meter, but deep dives are not advisable. The wearable also has a fitness tracker to monitor heart rate, steps, and calories burned.

Now, who would be interested in the Atari 2600 My PlayWatch? The retro gaming fan who wants a fun watch and doesn't care if it has a lot of features.

The Atari 2600 My PlayWatch can be pre-ordered from Atari for $79.99. It's set to ship out to customers on June 10.

Another big return?

Atari is not the only company making a comeback with a new smartwatch.

Eric Migicovsky, the founder of Pebble, which kicked off the smartwatch trend, announced he has a new company that's releasing a smartwatch that looks a lot like the original Pebble.

The Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 are two new smartwatches from his new company, Core Devices. Both are set to come out later this year and feature the same minimalist design of the Pebble while incorporating some of the latest tech for smartwatches.

Nearly 10 years after it closed up shop, Pebble is back with a pair of quirky new smartwatches that might convince me to retire my Apple Watch.

On Tuesday, Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky launched the spiritual successors to his original Pebble smartwatches, the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2.

While they may be under the new banner of Core Devices, both smartwatches take clear inspiration from the original Pebble watches and even run PebbleOS, which Google open-sourced in January.

From the minimal, industrial design aesthetic to the always-on e-paper display that made the original Pebbles iconic, the new Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 are a love letter to Migicovsky's original brand, and the passionate fan base that has continued to wear Pebble watches long after the company went out of business in 2016.

As Migicovsky said in a blog post about Pebble's return, "If you had a Pebble and loved it… this is the smartwatch for you."

Even if you weren't an original Pebble fan, the new Core Devices watches offer something no other brand does, and it might just convince me to ditch my Apple Watch.

Simple, open-source, and fun: What Core watches do different than Apple

While I missed out on the original Pebbles, I've always admired that the brand marched to the beat of its own drum, leaning into a fun, quirky UI design and allowing users to create their own custom apps and watch faces.

Pebble fans even kept their smartwatches alive after Pebble was shut down through the fan-made firmware Rebble. The Rebble Store also became the home of thousands of Pebble watch faces and apps (which, according to the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 announcement, will "immediately work" on the new watches).

Pebble fans have even 3D-printed replacement cases and buttons for their aging e-ink smartwatches. That "hacker" spirit has always been a big part of the Pebble community, even moreso now that PebbleOS is open-source.

The whole ethos of Core Devices is a refreshing change of pace compared to the sleek, luxury design of the Apple Watch, which is not only the best-selling smartwatch in the world, but the best-selling watch period.

The new PebbleOS watches aren't trying to compete with Apple. Migicovsky even warns potential customers that the Core Devices watches aren't Apple Watch rivals, stating, "There is NO way for a 3rd party smartwatch to compete with Apple Watch. Apple restricts 3rd parties in major ways."

Core Devices seems to be aiming for an entirely different crowd, one that cares more about tech that's fun and open-source rather than perfectly polished. Ironically, it's that ethos that's making me want to swap out my Apple Watch for a Core Time 2.

PebbleOS is a nerdy pixel art wonderland that leaves the cleaner UI design on Samsung and Apple smartwatches looking almost boring. Even better, the always-on e-ink display on the Core Devices watches is estimated to last up to 30 days on a single charge. Compare that to the Apple Watch Series 10 which can only manage 36 hours per charge (on low power mode).

Like the Pebble watches, the new Core Devices watches aren't for everyone. However, they're perfect for anyone who wants a smartwatch that doesn't take itself too seriously, whether you're a lifelong Pebble fan or a newcomer to the community.

How to pre-order one of the new Pebble watches

The new Core Devices watches are currently available for pre-order exclusively through the RePebble store, but you'll need to act fast if you want to get your hands on one. They're only shipping in small, limited batches. Batch one of the Core 2 Duo is already sold out and batch one of the Core Time 2 isn't far behind.

The Core 2 Duo, which features a 1.2-inch black and white e-ink display, is available in black and white for $149. The Core Time 2, featuring a 1.5-inch color e-ink display, costs $225, but the final color options have not yet been announced.

I've already pre-ordered a Core Time 2, so my Apple Watch's days may be numbered. Pre-orders for the Time 2 aren't shipping until at least December, but what's a few more months if you've been waiting almost 10 years for Pebble's return?

Welcome back, Pebble.

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Samsung's spring sale features enhanced device trade-in deals that can save you hundreds on your upgrade. If you've been waiting for a price break on the sporty Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, your patience just paid off.

Right now, you can snag the Galaxy Watch Ultra for as low as $249 via Samsung's trade-in offer. Take up to $400 off instantly at checkout for your old Samsung, Apple, or Garmin watch. This is an excellent deal considering the Galaxy Watch normally costs $649.

Browse: Discover Samsung's spring sale deal.s

To receive the maximum credit, trade in a Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, Apple Watch Ultra, or Apple Watch Ultra 2 in good cosmetic and working condition. You'll get a trade-in mail-in kit with your order to send your watch in for inspection.

If you don't have an eligible smartwatch to swap, you can get the Galaxy Watch Ultra for $489 ($160 off). While it's not as massive as the trade-in discount, it's still a decent savings.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra is one of the best smartwatches for Android users, Galaxy phone owners especially. It's a great companion device for the latest Galaxy S25, previous-gen Galaxy S24, and their predecessors.

Sister site Tom's Guide tested and rated the Galaxy Watch Ultra and gave it a solid 4 out of 5 stars. They said it's "the sportiest, longest-lasting Samsung watch yet, prioritizing training and fitness features with AI insights."

So if you're looking for a rugged sportswatch to help you achieve your health and fitness goals, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is a solid buy.

Samsung's spring sale ends on March 9, so I recommend you grab this Galaxy Watch Ultra deal while you still can.

Today's best Galaxy Watch Ultra deal

As expected, Samsung made Galaxy AI the star at the January Unpacked event.

While the company excelled in bringing AI to its flagship smartphones with previous generations, the Galaxy S25 series is going to be more capable than ever to efficiently and securely assist users with AI-powered tasks.

Some new AI features are surface-level, like a personalized AI style agent that can give you tips and suggestions on what you're wearing. Other AI innovations go deeper, and can actually help you stay on top of your habits, photos, schedules, and much more. Here's everything you need to know.

Galaxy S25 series: Specs compared

Now Briefs: Easy summaries to help guide your day

One of the most noteworthy AI-powered features headed to the Galaxy S25 series is more advanced AI summaries called Now Briefs. In the morning, you can see your schedule, sleep data and your energy score via a Galaxy wearable from the previous night, weather info for the day ahead, and so much more. You can view similar info in the afternoon during your commute or in the evening.

Search your photo gallery easily with the help of AI

Samsung unveiled an AI-powered, native search experience that can help you navigate your photos. While this isn't a new concept, it's still an exciting step forward toward more useful AI integration.

Editing made easier with Galaxy AI

A new Auto Trim feature can transform multiple videos into a single highlight reel, Audio Eraser gets rid of distracting or unwanted background noise in videos, and Generative Edit allows you to move, erase, enlarge, and otherwise alter components within a photo.

AI-powered communication tools

Samsung's Call Transcript feature lets you record, transcribe, and summarize phone calls, super helpful for remembering important work details or info after a doctor's visit.

Writing Assist is a classic AI feature that can help you find the right words, whether you're chatting with a friend or responding to a work email.

Galaxy AI can also help translate conversations with its interpreter tool, designed to facilitate real-time conversations between people speaking different languages.

Further integration with Google's AI features and tools

You'll be able to use Google's classic Circle to Search feature on the Galaxy S25 series, which allows you to circle an object in a photo or video to quickly perform a Google search and see what you're looking at. You can also now listen to a song playing on the radio or in a store, and figure out what it is thanks to AI.

And here's the icing on the cake: All new Galaxy S25 phones will come with 2TB of cloud storage and six months of Gemini Advanced for free.

To see what else is new with the S25 series, check out our live coverage of Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event.

Samsung Unpacked Jan 2025 is just hours away, and the show will undoubtedly showcase some excellent new tech, potentially including the company's latest entries into the best smartwatch competition. This is great news if you love spending full price on tech, but it is also an opportunity for bargain hunters as retailers offer some tasty discounts on existing models.

This is a case in point: we spotted three excellent Samsung smartwatch deals at Best Buy. There are impressive savings if you're looking for a premium, mid-range, or budget smartwatch. If we had to pick a favorite, we'd have to go with the $100 discount on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 47mm LTE, bringing it down to just $549. It's a gorgeous smartwatch with a sleek Titanium case, and it's packed full of features for tracking your fitness, health, and sleep.

If you want to see what Samsung has in store before you decide, check out our event coverage.

We've also compiled a what to expect at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2025 guide that rounds up the rumors, leaks, and our expert's expectations.

The new year is here, and it's time to get serious about sticking to those health and fitness resolutions. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is the perfect companion for Android users looking for support with their wellness goals. And right now the watch is on sale at Amazon, with up to $215 in savings depending upon your color choice.

You can buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra starting at $434, a sizable 33% off and $215 savings over its usual $649 price. To get this price, you need to choose the model with a Titanium Gray casing and an orange band, or the Titanium White with a white band. If you prefer the look of a dark band, the Titanium Silver model is just $15 more.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra uses Galaxy AI, as seen in the Galaxy 24 phone series and the Galaxy Watch 7 smartwatch, to amp up its ability to provide insights and tailored results. This rugged smartwatch supports to 10ATM water depth, has IP68 dust and water resistance, and was tested to the MIL-STD-810H military grade spec for durability.

It is Samsung's largest and most feature-packed WearOS smartwatch, and it's designed for outdoor and fitness enthusiasts who want something extra. The Watch Ultra has a 47mm titanium casing and breathable silicone band, and it has both GPS and LTE (separate wireless plan required).

Act now to grab the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra at its lowest price ever.

Today's best Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra deal

As the new year begins, so do the resolutions about health and wellness. And what better way to support your goals than with an Apple Watch? Even better: Right now, at Amazon, you can score the latest Apple Watch Series 10 for just $329.

This is a terrific $70 savings on Apple's flagship 42mm smartwatch, which normally costs $399. It marks the lowest price at Amazon in 30 days, and it is a return to the Series 10's all-time low price we saw during Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales. The price is valid on most color and watch band combinations.

If you have a larger wrist and need the 46mm casing size with its larger display, the 46mm Apple Watch Series 10 is now $359 (that's also $70 off and a return to this model's all-time low price).

The Apple Watch Series 10 is the best Apple Watch you can buy today. We tested the previous-gen Apple Watch Series 9 and gave it 4 out of 5 stars and our coveted Editor's Choice award. We were impressed by that model's speedy performance, nifty double-tap gesture, and bright display. The Apple Watch Series 10 only improves on that model. Tom's Guide gave the Apple Watch Series 10 4.5 out of 5 stars and called it Apple's best smartwatch yet.

The Apple Watch Series 10 has a bright OLED display, a lighter design, and faster charging than before. Plus, it has new health and fitness abilities, including sleep apnea detection.

If you're ready to add the Apple Watch Series 10 to your gear arsenal, now is the time to do so while it's at its lowest price ever.

Today's best Apple Watch Series 10 deal 

By and large, the iPhone was the successor to the iPod. However, the Apple Watch has picked up some of the music devices' legacy. Like some of the smallest iPods, it could be worn. And while it lacked the biosensors and health tracking of the Apple Watch, iPods were Apple’s original personal fitness devices, pairing with sensors in Nike sneakers to measure runs. Indeed, some folks even experimented with housings for the 6th generation iPod nano to turn that device with a square touchscreen into a wrist-worn device.

In 2024, the Apple Watch gets to return that touching gesture. TinyPod is an Apple Watch enclosure designed to let you use the Apple Watch off the wrist. Some models even come with a scroll wheel to better mimic the look and user experience of early iPods. Functionally, the reasoning goes, the Apple Watch is a better iPod than the iPod was, boasting a richer app library and internet connectivity via Wi-Fi (which all but the iPod touch lacked) and even optional cellular connectivity (which no iPod ever had). Particularly with smart stacks, the Apple Watch can serve up a host of useful info snippets or functions.

As is typical for new platforms from Apple, the company has extended a wide range of its apps to the Apple Watch. It can make phone calls, use Apple Pay, record voice memos, show emails, navigate with maps, display photos, play podcasts or music on Apple Music, and check texts via messages. Other supported apps include Apple’s News, Find My, and smart home manager applications. Popular third-party apps include Audible, Amazon Music, Spotify, Google Keep, Google Maps, and Microsoft OneNote.

That the Apple Watch would even inspire the TinyPod is a testament to the strength of the leading wearable platform that Apple has created, one that can provide just enough functionality to leave your phone behind for a while, particularly if you have one of the larger iPhones. But watchOS isn't nearly as broad a platform as iOS. Many of Apple's updates over the past few years have focused on complications or new health-tracking features.

The scroll toll

What, then, is the advantage of taking the watch off your wrist and putting it into a case that pays homage to the iPod? The TinyPod’s scroll wheel provides one-handed control of the Apple Watch’s digital crown. However, as the TinyPod is entirely mechanical, the scroll wheel must be physically moved with enough finger pressure to transfer the energy to that native input control. Unfortunately, the surface doesn’t provide enough friction to make that easy. If you fondly remember the buttery smooth sliding of your thumb around the iPod’s wheel, you’ll be disappointed.

The scroll wheel works better with two fingers, turning it like a tiny steering wheel. While this can be fun with a few casual games, especially one inspired by Sega’s classic Out Run, it isn’t ideal in general use. In addition, the scroll wheel can’t be clicked; actions must be activated with the side button. Fortunately, the touch screen remains active and a better option for navigating the watch’s interface. Just be sure to support the back of the watch with your hand, as it’s easy to push it out of the enclosure.

With its mechanical operation, the TinyPod does not have its own battery, nor does it drain the Apple Watch battery as it has no Bluetooth connection. In fact, turning off features such as wrist detection and always-on display helps extend the Apple Watch’s battery life significantly. And since the device’s back is open, you can still conveniently charge the watch with the original Apple charger and most third-party wireless chargers. Still, the enclosed product isn’t particularly thin; it's thicker than the iPhone in a protective case.

Bottom line

A cheaper TinyPod variant omits the scroll wheel. While that provides better ergonomics than using the Apple Watch bandless, it still doesn't provide much protection. It turns out that your wrist is a pretty good place to keep the Apple Watch. Those who fondly remember the iPod Classic and Nano will appreciate the TinyPod’s kitsch value.

However, those who want to use the Apple Watch off the wrist (perhaps because they prefer an analog timepiece, find bands irritating, or engage in activities that could damage the watch) may be better served by a more form-fitting, less expensive case, like this one. There are also more capable alternatives, like the seventh-generation iPod touch, now fading into obsolescence as it is capped at iOS 15 — for those willing to stray from Apple’s ecosystem — small, cheap Android phones with screens under 5”.

The holidays are coming, so why not get ahead of the inevitable New Year fitness kick this year and snag one of these excellent Fitbit deals? Even if you aren't looking to join a gym or train for a marathon, a fitness tracker or smartwatch can have a positive impact on your health.

Black Friday is behind us now, but it hasn't taken all of the deals with it. Our top pick has to be the Fitbit Charge 6 for $119 at Walmart. This is the newest model in Fitbit's lineup, and it's a strong value at that price.

In our Fitbit Charge 6 review from earlier this year, we praised the 7-day long battery light, lightweight and comfortable design, and excellent fitness and health tracking features. We also loved the affordable price tag, and that was before this $40 discount.

And if that deal doesn't get your heart racing, we've got a few more Fitbit deals below, including their traditional fitness trackers and smartwatches like the Versa 4.

Best Fitbit deals

Whether you're cruising a reef at 30 feet or penetrating a wreck at 30 meters, you want gear that won't quit.

I'm a dive instructor, wreck enthusiast, and professional reviewer so I tend to be difficult to please when it comes to my personal tech purchases. And that's no different whether it's a laptop, gaming PC build, or scuba-friendly smartwatch.

So while we've been tracking the best Cyber Monday laptop deals, I've also had my eye on the best smartwatch/dive computer deals.

In fact, I always dive with the smaller version of the Garmin Descent MK 2, which is 18% off at Amazon. And I'm eyeing this Apple Watch deal to upgrade my usual pool fitness tracker since Amazon has shaved 10% off the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Out of all the rugged smartwatches and watch-style dive computers, these are the three I'm eyeing for my own Amazon cart.

Today's best rugged smartwatch deals

Other options to consider

If you want that old, school scuba brand name recognition with a more budget-friendly watch-style computer, the Scuba Pro G3 will set you back $800 full price.

If you're not as married to the watch form factor and want a great, reliable dive computer, I keep the original Shearwater Research Perdix next to my Garmin Descent MK 2S on my left wrist on every open water dive. You can get the updated Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti for $1,140. Or you can opt for the more wallet-friendly Peregrine, which is on sale for $550 for Cyber Monday.

While you can take other Apple Watches in the water, only the Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Ultra 2 can take advantage of the Oceanic+ App to work as dive computers.

Today is a day of tech deal choices, but whatever decision you make, dive safe.

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Black Friday is now in full swing, and your attention will be strained as hundreds of deals on fantastic tech come flying your way over the coming weekend as we approach Cyber Monday.

However, amid that chaos we're bringing you the latest and greatest deals on Apple smartwatches you can find online, including one offer that you'll literally have to pinch yourself to believe.

The Apple Watch is typically subject to some pretty tame discounts. However, breaking that trend, you can grab yourself the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) for just $149 at Amazon — a stunning $100 discount on Apple's already immaculately-priced fitness tracker, decimating its regular $249 asking price.

Killer Apple Watch deals are in short supply this Black Friday, and we're looking ahead to Cyber Monday to see what the Cupertino company has up its sleeve for us.

Still, there are some solid discounts to take advantage of during Black Friday. Let's take a look!

Today's best Black Friday Apple Watch deals

If you're in the Apple ecosystem and are still on the fence about smartwatches, this Apple Watch SE2 Black Friday deal is the perfect opportunity to get off the chance without blowing your budget. You can now buy the Apple Watch SE2 for $149 at Amazon, a deep $100 discount that makes an Apple Watch more affordable than ever.

The Apple Watch SE2 is an ideal companion for iPhone users. This sale marks the lowest price we've ever seen for the Apple Watch SE2, and beats the previous low by $20. That price is only for the Apple Watch SE2 with 40mm casing in the Midnight colorway, but other colorways are also on sale. If you have larger hands, add $30 to get the version with the 44mm casing, now on sale for $179. Apple's 2nd generation Apple Watch SE is a scaled-down version of the Apple Watch Series 8. It uses the same S8 chip as the Series 8 and shares many monitoring and health features. The GPS-enabled Watch SE2 monitors your heart rate and daily steps and features water resistance up to 50 meters. You can also control phone notifications easily via your wrist.

Given that this is the lowest price ever for the Watch SE2, act fast and jump on this terrific Black Friday deal while it lasts. The Watch SE2 is a great gift for the Apple enthusiast in your life, and it's an excellent first step in exploring the power of having a smartwatch companion.

Today's best Apple Watch SE 2 Black Friday deal

Thanksgiving and Christmas are both on the horizon; great news for our tastebuds, but not so great for the old waistline. So, get geared up for your inevitable January fitness goals early with these fantastic smartwatch and fitness tracker deals in the early Walmart Black Friday sale.

Whether you're looking for a simple fitness tracker or an all-singing, all-dancing smartwatch, we've got you covered. Our top pick is undoubtedly the $60 discount on the Fitbit Charge 6. We reviewed it late last year and heaped praise on it for its full suite of fitness and health tracking features, sleek design, and great battery life. We also thought it was very reasonably priced at $160, so imagine how much we'd recommend it at $100.

If that's not your speed, we've got four more wearable tech deals below for your perusal, including a cheeky $50 off the latest Apple Watch. Have a look at all the options below and level up your smartwatch game this Black Friday.

Also, be sure to check out everything that "Wally World" has to offer this November in our Walmart Black Friday deals guide.

5 Wearable tech deals from the Walmart Black Friday sale

Black Friday 2024 week is here, and I already see numerous Apple Watch models at their lowest prices ever. We'll be tracking the best Black Friday Apple sales all week long, but there are plenty of sales on Apple wearables you can get now in the lead-up to official Black Friday sales.

If you’re looking to dip your toes into the Apple Watch world, you can get the Apple Watch SE 2 for just $169 ($80 off). The Watch SE 2 lacks the latest tracking features of newer Apple Watches, but it delivers all of the basics at an affordable price. Want the latest? The Apple Watch Series 10 is at an all-time low of $329 at Amazon.

We'll continue to refresh this page as new sales drop in the lead-up to Black Friday. Black Friday traditionally offers the best deals of the year on Apple's watches, and so far this year is no exception.

Apple Watch Black Friday deals 2024 — early discounts

Samsung made waves with its Galaxy Ring debut in July, entering into a new space for health wearables and threatening to leave competitors like Oura in its dust. Three months later, Oura is trying to steal back the thunder by announcing the Oura Ring 4.

Oura calls this new ring the company's "most personal, accurate, and comfortable smart ring yet." And considering Oura's Ring 3 was already cruising past Samsung's Galaxy Ring in many best smart ring lists, the chances of the Oura Ring 4 getting better reviews than the Galaxy Ring are high.

What to expect from the Oura Ring 4

Just as we predicted after spotting Oura certification listings earlier this year, the brand is widening available sizes for the Oura Ring 4. The Oura Ring 3 is currently available in sizes 6 - 13, but the Oura Ring 4 will be available in sizes 4 - 15.

Oura says the new ring is also equipped with "recessed sensors and a fully titanium inner and outer coating," which will make the smart ring more comfortable to wear throughout the day and while sleeping. 

These new sensors are part of Oura's Smart Sensing technology, designed to "[provide] an unparalleled degree of accuracy and personalization." That said, you'll still need to pay for an Oura Ring membership ($5.99/month, or $69.99/year) in order to access all your health data.

Luckily, you'll be getting a better software experience for the same price. For all members, a refreshed Oura app is currently rolling out. The new app will be easier to navigate, with three convenient tabs to organize your info: Today, Vitals, and My Health.

For members with an Oura Ring 4 or an Oura Ring 3, some features are getting upgraded.

• Daytime Stress: You'll now see greater context about the relationship between your stress levels and your daily activity, movement, and relevant tags.
• Automatic Activity Detection (AAD): This feature now includes "average heart rate and heart rate zones for 40+ activities."
• Cycle Insights: In addition to menstrual cycle tracking, there's now a Fertile Window tool that can show you when you're ovulating, helpful for when you're trying to conceive.

Then, here's the icing on the cake. According to the company, the Oura Ring 4 can last a day longer than the Oura Ring 3. In practice, the Oura Ring 4's battery life might be much shorter than the company's 8-day estimate, depending on which features you're using, but it should be noticeably longer than the Oura Ring 3.

The Oura Ring 4 starts at $349, and it'll start shipping on October 15. There are 6 unique finishes to choose from (including a gorgeous Rose Gold finish) and 12 different sizes. And unlike the Galaxy Ring, the Oura Ring 4 is compatible with both Android and iOS.

Samsung's Galaxy Watch 7 launched back in July and has since been called one of the best smartwatches of 2024. Praised by tech experts, influencers, and everyday users, Samsung's newest Galaxy AI-driven smartwatch just got a sweet discount.

Amazon currently has the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 on sale for $269. It usually costs $299, so you're saving $33 with this early October Prime Day deal. I've been tracking the Galaxy Watch 7's price since its July 2024 launch and it's now just $0.30 shy of its all-time low. This is one of the best deals to snag during Amazon's October Prime Day sale. 

• Browse: Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale

Enhanced with Galaxy AI as seen in the Galaxy 24 phone series, the Galaxy Watch 7 is Samsung's most advanced smartwatch yet. While we didn't get to take the Galaxy Watch 7 with us for a walk, bike ride, or yoga class, sister site Tom's Guide shared a glowing review about it. They found the smartwatch's wellness features, user interface, and precise data tracking so impressive that they rated it 4.5 out of 5 stars. It's the Editor's Choice wearable for Galaxy phone users.

Alternatively, you can snag the previous-gen Galaxy Watch 6 for $199 ($100 off). We conducted a hands-on Galaxy Watch 6 Classic review we loved its gorgeous AMOLED display and durable design. It's a budget-friendly choice if you can live without the new AI features, half the storage (16GB), and don't mind wearing last year's Samsung flagship wearable.

Apple has been forced to pull a recent watchOS update following numerous reports of major issues for Apple Watches following its release on October 1.

The news comes just over two weeks after Apple had to pull an update for iPads after iPadOS 18 was reported to be 'bricking' (rendering the device inoperable) the company's high-end M4 iPad Pro tablets.

At the time of writing, Apple is yet to resolve the previous issue, which has left many M4 iPad Pro owners needing to replace their devices, and those unaffected unable to upgrade to the company's recently released milestone iPadOS 18 release — cutting them off from enjoying the latest iPad features like Writing Tools, Image Playground, Genmoji, ChatGPT integration, Home Screen customization, the new Control Center, and the new Calculator app with Math Notes.

Apple Watch woes add to Apple's update headaches

Following the release of WatchOS 11.1 Beta 3 on Tuesday, October 1, several reports from users sprung up on Reddit with owners complaining that their recently updated Apple Watches were encountering major issues when syncing the Messages app.

While most users complained that the Messages app wouldn't sync, often timing out before being able to bring new messages to their Watch, others encountered more severe issues that caused the device to lock up completely when receiving Message notifications.

Some users suggest disabling Message notifications to avoid this issue. However, others report that the lockups are more consistent, happening shortly after a reboot with no way to avoid the issue.

In response, Apple has pulled WatchOS 11.1 Beta 3, no longer offering it for download.

A silver lining (for most)

Thankfully, the number of affected users will be much smaller than those impacted by the recent iPadOS 18 fumble that saw some of the company's top-flight iPad Pros rendered completely useless and in need of complete replacement.

watchOS 11.1 Beta 3 is an update targeted solely for hardware linked to Apple developers. Meaning the vast majority of Apple Watch users wouldn't have even been aware of the update, as it was only circulated among this small subsection of devices.

Frustratingly for the most affected Apple Watch owners, it's likely that Apple won't be able to fix this with a second patch, and these devices will need to be repaired by Apple directly.

A warning for early adopters

However, while these updates are usually released to a comparatively small group of users, the buzz surrounding Apple Intelligence has led many regular Apple users to sign up to the Apple developer program to gain early access to several of the inbound features ahead of their full release.

While Apple Watches won't be getting much in the way of Apple Intelligence features, may have introduced these users to a wave of early updates for other devices.

To those people: welcome to the dangerous world of Beta testing. Issues like those arising from Apple's most recent watchOS Beta release are rare, but not unheard of. Typically, most Beta updates will create as many bugs as they try to fix, as Apple's own developers attempt to iron out software kinks between public releases.

While excitement around Apple Intelligence builds, it's tempting for many users to jump into the action early, but let this be a warning sign of the potential downside to that decision.

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Just days after the Apple Watch Series 10's release date, the 46mm model is seeing its first notable discount. So, if you were hoping for a price drop on Apple's newest wearable, I bring good news.

The 46mm Apple Watch Series 10 is currently on sale for $399 at Amazon. That's $30 less than its normal price of $429 and the first discount I've seen on Apple's latest smartwatch. By comparison, it undercuts Best Buy's current Plus membership price by $5. This is one of the best Apple Watch deals you can get today.

If you want to complement that iPhone 16 you just bought with accessories, the Apple Watch Series 10 should be high on your checklist. Although we didn't get to test it, sister site Tom's Guide rates the Apple Watch Series 10 4.5 out of 5 stars. They dubbed it Apple's best smartwatch yet, shining the spotlight on its OLED display, lighter design, faster charging, and sleep apnea detection.

Now $30 off, the Apple Watch Series 10 is at its best price yet and likely won't be any cheaper during Amazon Prime Big Deal Days. As with all Apple deals, I recommend you act fast and grab it while you can.

Best Apple Watch Series 10 deal 

The just-released Apple Watch Series 10 is already seeing its first discount thanks to a generous trade-in offer. 

For a limited time, Save up to $200 on the Apple Watch Series 10 starting from $399 at Best Buy when you trade in a similar device. If you're lucky enough to receive the maximum value for your device, you'd score Apple's latest smartwatch for just $99. 

This is one of the best Apple Watch Series 10 deals I've seen so far outside of an outright discount and T-Mobile's BOGO deal.

Best Apple Watch Series 10 deal 

Launched in September 2024, the Apple Watch Series 10 is the best smartwatch for iPhone users and the perfect companion for the new iPhone 16 series.

Although we didn't test it, sister site Tom's Guide rated it 4.5 out of 5 stars. They said it's Apple's best smartwatch yet and praised its OLED display, lighter design, and faster charging. Sleep apnea detection is also new to the series. 

We tested last year's Apple Watch Series 9 and its speedy S9 chip performance, helpful double-tap gesture support, and bright, stunning display. We expect the Apple Watch Series 10 to be a worthy successor given its upgraded Apple S10 chip, design enhancements, and nifty health and wellness features.

If you're in the Apple ecosystem and want to add a smartwatch to your mobile collection, the Apple Watch Series 10 is worth checking out. 

Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Series 10 at its Glowtime event on Monday, giving us a first look at what the next generation of its beloved smartwatch has to offer.

In short, it's introducing new features, boasts a thinner, lighter design, finally has dedicated speakers for more than just phone calls or Siri, and is the first watch (alongside the Apple Watch Ultra 2) to introduce a titanium chassis that's less weighty while remaining ultra durable.

The device isn't making a phenomenal leap when compared to the Apple Watch Series 9 and if you do already have a previous generation model, it's not worth investing anywhere from $399 to $799 for something that isn't a mind-shattering upgrade.

But, if you, like me, have never owned a smartwatch, the appeal might be more pronounced.

Apple has been focusing on the health benefits of a smartwatch in its advertising for years, and this year was no different. At its latest Glowtime presentation Apple fused testimonials like "Colten Holman was safely rescued after Crash Detection on Apple Watch called 911" and "Steven Luemba uses the ECG app on Apple Watch to check his heart after surgery."

On one hand, it's hard not to bristle at Apple's ad-based fear-mongering, but on the other, what I once found silly is actually starting to make sense. What I mean is that the Apple Watch Series 10, is the first smartwatch I'm seriously willing to buy.

Why the Apple Watch Series 10 is making me reconsider

After years of hearing the same thing over and over again — specifically about how beneficial the Apple Watch is in monitoring heart rate notifications, blood oxygen levels, fall detection, and more —  I've started accepting that owning a smartwatch is a superior way of life.

It's proof that Apple's advertising works: I used to think the Apple Watch was wasteful when I already had a smartphone, but now, it's clear to me that Apple's smartwatch stands on its own two legs. There's maybe no better example of the Apple Watch's solid identity as its own device than the newly introduced sleep apnea notifications.

For the uninitiated, sleep apnea is a condition where people will stop breathing (or breathe shallowly) while they're asleep. It can result in suddenly jolting awake throughout the middle of the night because the brain forces you up in order to stop yourself from suffocating. 

It can be the cause of your drowsiness during the morning, and in extreme cases, it can result in sudden cardiac death or heart failure according to the Cleveland Clinic, a non-profit academic medical center.

Sleep apnea monitoring is just another way the Apple Watch allows us to monitor our health, and during the presentation, it struck me how the benefits of owning one have stacked up.

And it's not just health monitoring that has me intrigued. I'm not a fancy person who needs the largest size or titanium chassis, plus the latest model has a larger screen, thinner build, and speakers that can actually play music, podcasts, audiobooks, and third-party applications.

That's a lot to love in a smartwatch, and while I'm most of the way convinced, there is just one (fairly big) obstacle.

Apple Watch might not be for me (yet)

I don't own an iPhone and never have. I've been an Android user for my whole life, and while I grew up with Apple products like the MacBook and iPad, my phones have jumped from Motorola to Samsung to Google.

Unfortunately, the Apple Watch is designed to be a companion to your iPhone, which means its features are limited when not connected to one. That obviously puts a damper on my plans, but the fact the Apple Watch Series 10 even has me considering pulling the trigger says a lot.

Apple Watch Series 10 is the culmination of years upon years of smartwatch technology evolving to a point where it seems worthwhile for anyone — not just Apple power users.

It's a useful companion that can monitor your health, and although I wrote the Apple Watch off as pointless years ago, it's clear that they have real value by offering unique features that are outside the smartphone wheelhouse. In fact, Apple might finally have me hooked —  the Series 10 might be the product that finally pushes me to buy an iPhone.

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Apple unveiled its latest Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and the all-new Apple Watch Hermès at its 'Glowtime' presentation yesterday. While the event mostly focused on iPhone, we got a first look at some big upgrades coming to Apple's beloved smartwatches.

Apple Watch Series 10 in particular has been updated in several areas, whether that be with its reduced size, improved display, additional features and far more. 

It's currently available to pre-order and is set to launch beginning September 20 starting at $399 for the 42-millimeter aluminum case, with the new titanium model starting at $699.

Without further ado, here are seven new updates to the Apple Watch Series 10 that you should know before buying.

1. The fastest charging in Apple watch

The Apple Watch Series 10 can be charged faster than ever before thanks to a "larger and more efficient charging coil." It can last up to eight hours of normal daily use after fifteen minutes of charging, and from only being plugged in for eight minutes it can power eight hours of sleep tracking.

We've all forgotten to charge our devices, so being able to get as much juice into your watch in as little time as possible is huge. The ability to hit 80 percent battery in around 30 minutes brings Apple Watch Series 10 to a whole new level.

2. Thinner than ever before

The Apple Watch Series 10 is Apple's thinnest smartwatch so far, with its 42-millimeter case size coming in at 42 x 36 x 9.7 millimeters and weighing anywhere between 29.3 grams (with cellular) to 30 grams.

In comparison, the Apple Watch Series 9's smallest 41-millimeter case comes in at 41 x 35 x 10.7 millimeters and 32 grams, making it a whole millimeter thicker and a decent bit heavier than the latest generation.

However, it isn't quite as light as the 2nd Generation Apple Watch SE, which benefits from its smaller size and is 26.4 to 27.8 grams at 40 millimeters or 33 grams at 44 millimeters. 

3. Larger display at higher resolution

With every new iteration of an Apple product, we expect (and hope) that display bezels will get smaller as more and more of the front panel is taken up by the screen, and that's exactly what's happening with the Apple Watch Series 10. It now features nine percent more active screen area than the Apple Watch Series 9.

The 42mm model's display resolution is now 374 x 446 pixels with a 989 square millimeter display area, while the 46mm version has a 416 x 496-pixel resolution with a 1,220 square millimeter display area.

Comparatively, the Apple Watch Series 9's 41mm model was at 352 x 430-pixel resolution with a 904 square millimeter display area, and the 45mm model came in at 396 x 484 pixels with a 1,143 square millimeter area. 

Long story short, it's at a higher resolution, it's larger and has smaller bezels.

4. Sleep apnea detection

Apple unveiled that the new Apple Watch Series 10 will feature sleep apnea notifications, a first for any Apple smartwatch, but not for smartwatches in general. Samsung already beat Apple to the punch there.

The ability to monitor or 'diagnose' sleep apnea is part of a steady march forward on making the Apple Watch a must-have health device and should appeal to the drowsiest among us.

As claimed by Cleveland Clinic, a non-profit academic medical center, sleep apnea can have some serious complications, including heart damage or heart failure, cardiac death, and arrhythmia.

The feature is currently pending FDA clearance, and it will be supported on Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, so it's not necessarily exclusive to the latest model.

However, it doesn't exist as a surefire method of detecting sleep apnea, as the notification will insist that there's a possibility over the course of multiple sleep session before recommending the user go to a doctor.

5. Aquatic features for swimmers

The Apple Watch Series 10 is introducing two new aquatic features. It's already water resistant up to 50 meters and is "swimproof," but it now has a depth gauge of up to six meters alongside a water temperature sensor all available in the Oceanic+ application. In the same app, you can track time and direction.

However, as seen on the product page for Apple Watch Series 10, Apple says "They should not be used for scuba diving, waterskiing, or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth." Essentially, this is exclusively for swimmers and not for professional divers looking to submerge deep beneath water.

6. Say goodbye to stainless steel

Unlike previous generations, Apple Watch Series 10 will no longer be available in stainless steel, with only options between an aluminum or titanium model.

The aerospace-graded polished titanium finishes come in three color schemes: slate (black), Gold, and Natural (silver). Titanium is well known for its strength-to-weight ratio, as it weighs 34.4 grams (compared to Apple Watch Series 9's 42.3 grams of stainless steel) yet is still "extremely durable."

Aluminum has always been an option in previous models, although the latest model has an all-new option for Jet Black aluminum, which is polished to be "extremely reflective" before going through a "30-step anodization process to create a deep, glossy black" according to Apple's website.

7. Audio playback is finally here

Apple Watch Series 10 can now play audio through its built-in speakers, allowing users to listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks, right from the smartwatch itself. This is pretty useful if you don't want to constantly have AirPods or another external audio device connected.

This isn't the first time the Apple Watch has been able to play sound, as the Apple Watch Series 9 could utilize Siri, phone calls, voice mail, and voice memos through its speakers.

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On Monday, Apple held its annual September event where it officially unveiled the iPhone 16 lineup, new AirPods, and the Apple Watch Series 10. 

There were rumors the Apple Watch Series 10 (or "Series X") might get a major redesign with a significantly thinner chassis. While this year's Watch is thinner, it wasn't the groundbreaking design update anticipated for the 10th-generation model.  

Even so, the Series 10 features a strong array of upgrades, spec bumps, and new features, particularly when it comes to health and fitness. There are also two sleek new black colorways, a new material option, and a light update for the Apple Watch Ultra 2. 

Here are all the highlights for the Apple Watch Series 10 including design, features, price, and release date. 

The Apple Watch Series 10: A little thinner, lighter, and sleeker

This year's Apple Watch design update might not be a total overhaul, but it still delivered some welcome upgrades. The Series 10 is about 10% thinner than the Series 9 and comes in a new polished aluminum colorway called "Jet Black." Charging is faster now, with up to 80% battery recharged in just 30 minutes.

The Apple Watch Series 10 has the biggest watch display yet with thinner bezels. It's just barely larger than the Apple Watch Ultra 2 display but 30% larger than the Series 6 display, which is a nice spec bump for anyone with an older Apple Watch. Plus, it's Apple's first-ever wide-angle OLED display, so it's 40% brighter and easier to see at an angle compared to previous versions of the Apple Watch.

Titanium will be replacing stainless steel in the Apple Watch Series 10 case material options. That's good news since titanium is stronger and more scratch-resistant while also being significantly lighter than stainless steel. Unfortunately, the glossy Jet Black colorway is only available in aluminum, but the stainless steel comes in a matte satin black that looks great, as well.

Those updates are great, but Apple didn't stop there. The Apple Watch Series 10 also got a long-awaited health feature and a few extra fitness updates.

Apple Watch Series 10: Sleep apnea monitoring and water features

The Apple Watch Series 10 brings a long-awaited health feature: sleep apnea detection. Unfortunately for Apple, Samsung's Galaxy Watch Ultra was the first to offer this feature, announced at Galaxy Unpacked back in July. Still, it's great to see sleep apnea detection in the Apple Watch at last. 

Apple's version of the feature monitors breathing disturbances while you sleep and analyzes that data every month. If the data shows a consistent pattern in line with symptoms of sleep apnea, you'll receive a notification from the Health app, where you can also view your sleep data and a full report on detected sleep apnea symptoms. 

During Monday's event, Dr. Sumbul Ahmad Desai, Apple's VP of Health, explained: "[Sleep apnea] is a potentially serious condition where breathing stops repeatedly and causes disrupted sleep. Sleep plays such a vital role in our overall health and well-being, and people with sleep apnea can experience excessive daytime tiredness, have difficulties concentrating, and be more irritable." 

Dr. Desai mentioned that around 80% of people with sleep apnea have not been diagnosed, putting them at risk of serious long-term conditions such as diabetes. 

The quick charging on the Apple Watch Series 10 will make it easier to wear the watch day and night so you can make use of this feature. Even if you are not concerned about sleep apnea, it's still helpful to wear your watch at night to get general sleep quality data in the Health app. 

In addition to sleep apnea detection, the Apple Watch Series 10 got some water-focused fitness features. It can detect water depth and temperature, which is helpful for anyone who goes diving or snorkeling. The Apple Watch still isn't quite tough enough for deep water SCUBA diving, but this is still a welcome step in the right direction for any fans of diving or water sports. 

Additionally, the Series 10 will also include a feature that allows you to monitor tides and create "float plans," which are like running or cycling routes but in water. Both features could certainly come in handy for activities like snorkeling, surfing, boating, or even fishing. 

A light design update for the Apple Watch Ultra 2

While Apple didn't launch an Apple Watch Ultra 3 at Monday's event, we did get a light update for the Ultra 2. It will now be available in a new black titanium colorway. It's a bit less flashy than the glossy "Jet Black" aluminum on the Series 10 but still looks sleek and stylish. 

There will be a matching titanium SCUBA-inspired band to go with it. Plus, the main line of Ultra bands are also getting all-black versions including the trail loop, alpine loop, and ocean loop. 

Apple Watch Series 10 price and release date

If these highlights have you excited to buy the new Apple Watch (or trade in your old one), you won't have to wait long. You can pre-order the Apple Watch Series 10 today starting at $399. It will be available in stores starting September 20. 

Those same dates apply to all the new watch bands Apple unveiled at today's event, as well. It's worth noting, the Apple Watch Series 10 is available in two new sizes: 42mm and 46mm. Watch bands in these new sizes are compatible with watch bands in the old 41mm and 45mm sizes. So, you can still use the new watch bands if you have an older Apple Watch. 

Anyone with an Apple Watch Series 6 or later and an iPhone running iOS 18 or later will be able to access the new features in watchOS 11 starting September 16. 

Laptop Mag will be covering all the latest news and updates from Apple's September 9 event and unpacking the highlights of the new Apple Watch, iPhone 16, and more. So, stay tuned for more details! 

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Technology is pretty great, all things considered. Sure, it could all go wrong at any moment, but in the meantime, we've reached a nice little plateau of comfort that serves to make life a little more interesting and entertaining at the very least.

Smartphones, smart homes, smart glasses, smart TVs — just about every piece of tech on my person or in my environment is brainier than me now, and doesn't it just make everything about life that little bit easier?

It's a real weight off of my mind not to have to scroll through 80 different shows to find something ultimately as unsatisfying as anything else that's made available to me through instant gratification, on-demand TV libraries.

Not to mention never needing to learn anything ever again as I get my smart assistant to answer all of my vapid questions without any personal research required other than remembering its wake word. I don't even have to regulate my own body temperature thanks to Google Home.

It leaves me free to focus on the finer things in life, like sitting on the couch in my underwear and chowing down on an endless supply of fearmongering existential dread as I doomscroll my way through the internet via my phone for hours at a time. Modern life is bliss. Aren't we all such happy campers?

Buzz buzz, chime chime. Oh, there is one nagging intrusion into my otherwise idyllic pacification that some would call a life: my smartwatch — the annoying parental figure in the room who apparently doesn't like it when I'm having a little bit too much "fun."

A wearable helicopter parent

"Looks like you haven't moved in six hours." 

Yes, I'm well aware, and I'm currently trying my hardest to beat my own personal best. 

"Why don't you get up and move around a bit?" 

I'd love to but that would really interfere with the strict vascular mithridatism regime I'm on to help fend off the onset of varicose veins in my later years. 

"Are you drinking enough water?" 

Steady on, Google. What am I, five? I haven't had a glass of water since I discovered that flavor and/or alcohol was a thing.

My smartwatch is less of a digital timepiece and more of a constant reminder of Saturday mornings as a teenager, worrying about my mother peeking her head into the room and asking me to stop being at peace with myself and go help my dad with some needlessly long and arduous house maintenance task. Pressuring me into some form of slave labor in recompense for them having to have changed my diapers as a baby.

It's like having a David Goggins-esque gym bro strapped to my arm at all times, incessantly pushing me towards achieving a goal that goes beyond finishing season 5 of The X-Files in a single sitting — all while I wolf down triangular corn-based snacks dipped in blended vegetables devoid of their original health benefits after being soaked in a sugary tomato sauce.

My smartwatch doesn't care if I'm happy, entertained, or actively engaged with it. I'm not sure it cares about anything beyond how many steps I've taken in the day or if my current campaign of rot and comfort is a little too sedentary for its liking. However, honestly, you sort of have to respect it for that.

Netflix and sit still

It's not something any other app or device would do. There's no warning message as you scroll through your 100th YouTube short, letting you know that you've fallen into a time sink and it's probably the ideal opportunity to take a much-needed break from the internet.

And the only reminder you're going to get about putting the controller down as you spend hours at a time gaming is when your opponents inevitably find some reason to insult you and suggest you go outside and "touch some grass."

Sure, Netflix may offer the occasional "Are you still watching?" prompt to check if you're alive as you autoplay your way past every third episode. But that's far from altruistic.

It's less about asking you to move away from the TV and more about making sure the company isn't needlessly wasting money on bandwidth after you've either fallen asleep with the TV on or rushed to the bathroom after a particularly spicy batch of salsa runs right through you.

The dark arts of avoiding disengagement

At no point will Netflix say, "You've watched a lot of TV today, why not enjoy a nice stroll in the park for a bit?" That would force you to disengage from the app and go do something else that's potentially more rewarding or productive. And for products and services, disengagement is practically death, with companies even willing to meddle in the dark arts of psychology to do everything they can to force you to stay hooked.

Disengagement breaks you free from the short-term, dopamine-driven feedback loops that companies cleverly craft to ensnare your attention for longer and longer periods. And we know they do this because we have people like former Facebook VP of User Growth Chamath Palihapitiya telling us they did — openly confessing to their "tremendous guilt" over how these subtle methods of manipulation "are ripping apart the social fabric of how society works."

While Palihapitiya may show remorse, the companies that run the show aren't. They're banking on that continued engagement and are willing to exploit your attention spans and anxieties in order to retain it. Regardless, as studies have commonly found, the negative outcomes on your physical and mental well-being.

Tech that keeps you in line, one step at a time

Smartwatches are probably the only piece of smart technology that isn't afraid to shake you from a content coma and get you back on track—even if that means calling you fat and lazy in the process. 

It's one of the few pieces of technology we're expected to keep with us at all times, while not requiring us to be constantly enthralled by it as if captured in the gaze of a vampire. Its active engagement only involves fashioning you into an overall healthier person rather than an available set of eyes for advertisements.

Despite being less chill than a nuclear blast to the face, the humble smartwatch is perhaps one of the few pieces of consumer smart tech you can count on to have your back for all (or, at the very least, most) of the right reasons.

It may be inconvenient at times, but your smartwatch's tough love is an altogether familiar one. Just as your parents were during those formative teenage years, it's only looking out for you.

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• Google's Pixel Watch 3 looks better than ever: 5 features that may convince you to upgrade

Launched at the Made by Google event 2024 Tuesday the Google Pixel Watch 3 is now available for preorder at the Google Store. Early adopters will receive their Pixel Watch 3 by its Sept. 10 release date,

Pricing for the Pixel Watch 3 starts from $349 and $449 for the Pixel Watch 3 with LTE support. On the latter, Google makes up for the $100 price difference with an unbeatable preorder deal. 

As an incentive, Google will give you 2 years of free data when you preorder the Pixel Watch 3 LTE for $449 from the Google Store. Yes, you read that right. This generous offer of free Google Fi Wireless data lets you text, browse the web, and enjoy music from your wrist from anywhere. You get up to 500MB of data per month and two-way texting via Google Messages. As far as Pixel Watch deals go, this is one of the best you can get this back-to-school season. 

Our sister site Tom's Guide shared a hands-on Google Pixel Watch 3 review and called it an impressive Android wearable for Pixel device users. Successor to last year's Pixel Watch 2, the Pixel Watch 3 is available in two sizes (41mm and 45mm), sports a thinner bezel, and charges faster. Google further optimized its third-generation smartwatch with new health and fitness-focused features.

If you want to complement that Pixel 9 you just preordered or any other Android device, the Pixel Watch 3 LTE is a great choice. Especially with Google's 2-year free data offer. 

Best Pixel Watch 3 preorder deal

If you've ever wanted a large smartwatch that will not only track your runs but also let you change channels on your TV, the Google Pixel Watch 3 is the answer. 

Google unveiled the new Pixel Watch 3 during today's Made by Google event. The updated Pixel Watch 3 now comes in two sizes, a 45mm and 41mm case. Both feature large Actua screens for brighter, more reactive displays. The Pixel Watch 3 also features better battery life compared to the previous two iterations, advanced running features, Fitbit Premium, and a deeper Google integration than ever.

While Google has tweaked the Pixel Watch considerably this time around, we think these are the top five features that will get you to upgrade.

1: It's got better battery life

Google boasts a 24-hour battery life for the Pixel Watch 3 using the always-on display, while the watch can last for up to 36 hours in Battery Saver mode without losing health, fitness, or safety features in the process. 

While the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 made similar 24-hour battery claims, real-world tests didn't quite live up to those claims. With Google now claiming up to 36 hours for the Pixel Watch 3 in Battery Saver mode, the 24-hour always-on battery life claim is likely a bit more realistic.

Either way, the Pixel Watch 3 will automatically go into Battery Saver mode when the device hits 15% battery, which can help extend its battery life until you can get to an outlet. Google is also claiming that the 41mm Pixel Watch 3 charges 20% faster than the Pixel Watch 2, so you can spend less time waiting for your watch to recharge.

2: It's bigger than ever

Google is now offering the Pixel Watch 3 in a larger 45mm case, however, the 41mm size also has a larger display than the Pixel Watch 2 with 16% smaller bezels. The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 offers 10% more screen than the Pixel Watch 2, while the 45mm Pixel Watch 3 has 40% more screen space, making notifications and health tracking data easier to read than ever. 

The Pixel Watch 3's Actua display is also twice as bright as the Pixel Watch 2, with a max brightness of up to 2000 nits, while the always-on display can dim down to just 1 nit of brightness. The Pixel Watch 3 also features a dynamic refresh rate that adjusts between 1Hz and 60Hz for faster performance and better power efficiency.

3: It has the deepest Google integrations yet

While display size and battery life are two of the key deciding factors when it comes to buying a smartwatch, the other thing you want out of a new smart wearable is connectivity. Your smartwatch is only as good as its integration with your phone, computer, or smart home setup. 

The Pixel Watch 3 is fully integrated into the Google ecosystem, so you can control any Google device from the watch. With the deepest Google integration features yet, adding controls for your Pixel phone, Nest camera and doorbell, Google TV, and Google Assistant right on your watch. It even has access to Google Maps offline, helping you keep track of your hiking or biking path if you go into remote areas.

You can also use the Pixel Watch 3 to record memos on the go, use Wallet for payments and transit systems, and even tell Google AI to pick up and screen your next phone call.

So if you can think of an integration you want in your smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 3 should have it.

4: New advanced running features tell you when to train and when to recover

While Google has crammed plenty of new features into the Pixel Watch 3, the new advanced running capabilities are perhaps the most intriguing change. You can set a comprehensive running plan with timed warmups and cooldowns, plus set your target pace, heart rate, time, and distances.

Instead of just tracking your activity and training schedule, the Pixel Watch 3 will help you plan routines for your runs with readiness and cardio load tracking. Not only will the Pixel Watch 3 help you know when to tackle a tough workout, the Pixel Watch 3 will also indicate when you need to rest and recover to prevent overtraining.

The Pixel Watch 3 also uses haptics and audio guidance to let you know when you're off pace or over your heart rate target. Plus, the advanced motion sensing capabilities and machine learning built into the Pixel Watch 3 can offer a detailed breakdown of your running cadence, stride length, and vertical oscillation.

So if you need to train for your next big marathon, the Pixel Watch 3 could easily replace that expensive Garmin Forerunner smartwatch on your wishlist.

5: It comes with Fitbit Premium for even more customized fitness suggestions

If the advanced running features aren't enough for your training goals, the Pixel Watch 3 comes with six months of Fitbit Premium for personalized, AI-powered recommendations.

Between health and fitness summaries and weather forecasts in your Fitbit Morning Brief to daily fitness recommendations powered by Google AI, the Pixel Watch 3 is an ideal training companion. Fitbit Premium can even offer insights into your form and offer content and help you improve.

Fitbit Premium isn't just focused on running, however, and can help you with your other exercise goals and performance training.

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The best back-to-school tech product for kids this year could launch in just a few weeks. It might be well worth the wait for many parents and students for one major reason: school phone bans.

Next month, Apple is hosting its September iPhone event, where we’re expecting to see the iPhone 16 along with new Apple Watches. One will most likely be the rumored Apple Watch Series X, but we could also get the updated Apple Watch SE. The budget-friendly version of the Apple Watch might not sound exciting, but it could be a big deal for kids and parents. 

Recent rumors hint that the new Apple Watch SE will feature a revamped design with a colorful plastic chassis and a lower price, making it the perfect smartphone alternative for kids. This year it could be especially helpful to buy your kid an Apple Watch SE instead of a smartphone due to a recent wave of phone bans sweeping schools across the country. 

Here’s a look at the upcoming kid-friendly Apple Watch SE and why it could be the perfect back-to-school tech buy for families.

New kid-friendly Apple Watch could launch next month 

Apple may be gearing up to launch a new version of the Apple Watch SE, this time with updates specifically designed for kids and families. Apple’s budget-friendly smartwatch gets a refresh every two years like clockwork. The last two versions both launched in September, each two years apart (2020 and 2022). 

That means there’s a strong possibility Apple’s upcoming September iPhone event could include a new version of the Apple Watch SE. 

The 2024 edition is rumored to feature a plastic chassis, which could allow Apple to offer brighter colors that will appeal more to kids. A plastic chassis would also lower the price of the Apple Watch SE, making it competitive with Samsung’s Galaxy Watch. According to industry analyst Mark Gurman, Apple might lower the Apple Watch SE starting price to around $200, rather than the current starting price of $249. 

A lower price and plastic case could also make the Apple Watch SE a more appealing buy for kids since it won’t be as big of a deal if a child accidentally breaks or scratches their watch.

If the combination of a kid-friendly design and budget-friendly price aren’t enough to sway parents to buy an Apple Watch for their kids instead of a smartphone, there may be one other major reason worth considering: phone bans in schools.

Why Apple Watches are a back-to-school must-have this year 

This year could be the perfect time to opt for a smartwatch for your kids instead of a phone, and not just because Apple is launching a more kid-friendly watch. This summer, states and school districts across the U.S. have been announcing smartphone bans, from California to Louisiana. These bans range in severity, with some limiting phone use to recess and lunch while others require students to keep their phones in their lockers all day. 

These bans are designed to help curb smartphone addiction in kids and teens, which is a legitimate issue. A 2023 study found that 1 in 5 teens report being on YouTube or TikTok “almost constantly.” In June, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy called for warning labels on social media platforms, citing serious mental health risks to kids and teens. Even if social media and phone use weren’t connected to depression and anxiety, phones are undoubtedly a huge distraction in schools. 

So, it’s not surprising many schools are taking action to try to address the issue. The only drawback is that some phone bans could make it more difficult for parents to get in touch with their kids in an emergency or monitor their location for safety purposes. 

Smartwatches offer a solution, particularly for pre-teen kids. They allow parents the peace of mind of staying connected with their kids without opening the door to distractions like social media and web browsing due to the limited screen size. 

Apple Watches are especially advantageous since they’re easy to connect to a family network of Apple devices and allow parents to use Apple’s Find My feature to locate their kids in case of an emergency.

Apple even has a feature called “Apple Watch For Your Kids” that makes it easy to pair a watch with a parent’s iPhone and set it up with kid-friendly guard rails like requiring permission before purchasing apps. There’s also a “Schooltime” feature that restricts the watch’s capabilities during school hours to prevent distractions.

Phone bans may spark an increase in parents opting to give their children smartwatches instead of phones, but this isn’t a new idea. Parents have been using smartwatches as a stepping stone to phones for the past several years, a compromise kids seem to like, too.

The new Apple Watch SE could be perfectly positioned for families if Apple goes through with giving it a more colorful, budget-friendly design.

Laptop Mag will be covering all the latest announcements from Apple’s September event, including the iPhone 16 and any new Apple Watches. So, make sure to stay tuned for more details and updates. 

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A smartwatch is a great investment for anyone, but especially for college students. You'll be able to better manage your time, set timers to help you power through completing homework or studying, stay on top of fitness goals in the midst of school stress, and not miss any important calls or notifications.

If you have an iPhone, the best smartwatch you can pair with it is an Apple Watch. And luckily, Apple's latest smartwatch is 25% off right now at Amazon.

You can grab an Apple Watch Series 9 on sale for just $299 at Amazon. Regularly $399, that's $100 in savings and only $20 shy of the lowest price we've ever seen for Apple's newest smartwatch. 

Compared to its predecessor, this current-gen smartwatch offers an improved S9 chip, an even brighter 2000-nit display, and new double-tap gesture support to make your life easier. In our Apple Watch Series 9 review, the wearable earned 4 out of 5 stars, as well as our esteemed Editor's Choice award.

If you're not convinced the Apple Watch Series 9 is the smartwatch for you, definitely check out the other best Apple Watch deals we've rounded up for more options.

Today's best Apple Watch Series 9 deal

Google products seem to be prone to early leaks, and the Pixel Watch 3 is no exception. Thanks to an exclusive leak from Android Headlines, we know almost everything about the upcoming Pixel Watch 3's specs.

In slightly disappointing news, the Pixel Watch 3 will share the same 2GB of SDRAM, 32GB of eMMC storage, and Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 5100 chipset in the Pixel Watch 2. With this lack of improvement in core specs, its starting price will almost certainly remain at $349/$399 for Bluetooth/LTE models, respectively, but that's purely speculation right now.

The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 will keep a very similar 307mAh battery capacity (up very little over its predecessor's 306mAh battery), but the new 45mm model is getting an upgrade I've been hoping for: a larger 420mAh battery.

It's not clear yet how much better the battery life will be, but with a rumored capacity boost of over 35%, I'm hopeful.

Will the Pixel Watch 3 have better battery life?

When the original Pixel Watch launched, one of the most widespread complaints was poor battery life. Our sister site, Tom's Guide, only managed to meet Google's official battery life rating of 24 hours for the Pixel Watch with the always-on display turned off and limited GPS use.

The next iteration, the Pixel Watch 2, came with the same 24-hour rating from Google, but the company said these 24 hours were with the always-on display turned on. So, it was a slight upgrade, but not much.

The 45mm Pixel Watch 3's rumored 420mAh battery capacity will be more in line with the 44mm Samsung Galaxy Watch 7's 425mAh battery and the Apple Watch Ultra 2's 564mAh battery. Both the Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch Ultra 2 can easily last between 30 and 36 hours, depending on use, so hopefully, the Pixel Watch 3 can match this.

In the leak, Android Headlines also revealed that both Pixel Watch 3 models will adopt an adaptive 60Hz refresh rate instead of its predecessor's static 30Hz refresh rate. This means the watch can jump to a smooth 60Hz when viewing active content on the display and drop to 1Hz when only showing the always-on display, contributing to better battery life.

Stay tuned for the Made by Google 2024 event, set to kick off August 13 at 10 a.m. PT, where we expect to see Google officially debut the Pixel Watch 3 alongside the Pixel 9 Series and other Pixel gadgets.

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For outdoor enthusiasts and those who love intense fitness regimes, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the best smartwatch you can buy. And luckily, in a limited time deal on Amazon, this smartwatch just got slashed by $100.

You can pick up a new GPS + cellular Apple Watch Ultra 2 for only $699 on Amazon. That's the lowest price we've ever seen for this smartwatch, and this deal ends on Monday, August 12, so act fast if you're interested!

We didn't get a chance to review Apple's Watch Ultra 2, but our sister sites did, and they awarded an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in their reviews. Everyone positively notes the Watch Ultra 2's faster Apple S9 chip, brighter OLED display, and cool new double-tap gestures to start workouts, answer calls, dismiss timers, and more.

If you don't think you'll use every feature the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has to offer, but you want an Apple smartwatch, check out the discounted Apple Watch SE ($60 off)  instead.

Today's best Apple Watch Ultra 2 deal

Regardless of what you think about Apple as a company, there's no denying the quality of its products — at least, for the most part. The iPad has dominated the tablet market, and the Apple Watch's victory as the best smartwatch every year is basically inevitable.

The Apple Watch SE lineup, in particular, has always been a shining star thanks to its affordable price. And if a rumored design change is to be believed, it could be even cheaper, possibly cementing its place as the best budget-friendly smartwatch.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman (via MacRumors) in a recent Power On newsletter Q&A, it's "sounding increasingly likely" that Apple will replace the current Watch SE's aluminum body with a rigid plastic material.

My immediate thought was "plastic body = cheaper price," but there might be more to this material debate under the surface. Until Apple actually announces it and gives us the concrete details, I can't decide whether the pros outweigh the cons, or vice versa.

A plastic Apple Watch SE, but at what cost?

The most obvious pro for a next-gen Apple Watch SE made with a rigid plastic material is cost. 

Currently, the Apple Watch SE 2 retails for $249, but it's often on sale for less than that. There's no telling exactly how much Apple could reduce the price for a plastic Apple Watch SE, but it'd be great even if it were a $50 cut. A $199 starting price for the Apple Watch could really help it lock up the budget market.

That said, there's every chance Apple will not reduce the price at all. Apple could just reduce internal costs to increase profits and keep the Apple Watch SE price at $249. That might not sit well with customers, but it's a possibility.

Another potential pro is the possibility of fun colors that aren't available with the current aluminum body. 

Looking back to 2013, the iPhone 5c was launched with a cheaper plastic material in bright blue, yellow, pink, and green. If a plastic Apple Watch SE could follow suit, you could snag a colorful Apple Watch for your kid — a campaign Apple has recently been pushing — or for yourself.

From another perspective, the plastic material that could allow for a cheaper price and fun colors might be a deal breaker for many.

After all, the iPhone 5c was the only one of its kind, and you rarely hear it mentioned today. There wasn't enough of a price difference between the iPhone 5c and 5s at the time to make the 5c's colorful plastic body worth it.

Many people like the existing Apple Watch SE lineup because it's just a more affordable, less full-featured version of the regular Apple Watch. 

By adding a plastic build to that list of differences, people will now have to decide whether a hard plastic Apple Watch projects the image they want and consider how well it'll hold up over time compared to the aluminum and stainless steel alternatives offered in the flagship Apple Watch series.

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The Google Pixel Watch 2 just hit a new all-time low price, as long as you are okay with the all-black model. It's just $270 at Amazon or at Best Buy (for My Best Buy Plus members), which is $80 off its retail price. 

It took Google time to enter the smartwatch fray, but this second iteration of the Pixel Watch improved on the first generation with improved tracking sensors. It's our choice for the best-looking Android watch among our best smartwatches, and we call out its gorgeous, unique design, intuitive UI, and Fitbit fitness tracking integration. The watch has a modest 41mm size, with a round face and curved edges that look sleek on any wrist. 

Our one wish was for longer battery life, but that doesn't take away from this watch's overall strengths. And there's no questioning its tight integration into the Android ecosystem, regardless of what Android phone you're using. 

Samsung's Galaxy Ring, available for pre-order now and shipping on July 24, is one of the most talked-about wearables of the moment. However, another worthy smart ring paved the way for the Galaxy Ring's success: the Oura Ring. And now, it appears we have a first look at the next-gen Oura Ring 4, perhaps the only smart ring that can properly compete with the Galaxy Ring.

On Monday, Android Authority discovered certification listings for a new product from Oura. According to the product label within the listing, it's the Oura Ring 4. The model number OA11 definitely refers to the Oura Ring 4, but it's not clear yet what model number OA12 refers to. It's likely a different variation of the Oura Ring 4, possibly a Heritage variant, similar to what was available with the Oura Ring 3.

Photos attached to the certification listing show the upcoming wearable in size 10, featuring a similar design to the Oura Ring 3. Based on the certification listing, we know the Oura Ring 4 will likely come in a Gold colorway and could possibly offer larger sizes, up to 15.

The current Oura Ring 3 is available in sizes 6 - 13, and many users have wanted larger size options for years. Android Authority says, "certification documents mention that the OA11 is being tested across sizes 7, 9, 13, and 15." While this doesn't necessarily guarantee larger sizes, it's a pretty strong indicator.

What differences separate Galaxy Ring vs Oura Ring 4?

The most immediately notable difference between Samsung's Galaxy Ring and Oura's new Ring 4 is in their design. Samsung went with a unique concave design that'll help prevent scratches, while Oura is sticking with a smooth, flat design.

And if Oura indeed offers sizes between 6 and 15, that'll be a big difference between the two rings as well. Currently, Samsung offers sizes between 5 and 13 for its Galaxy Ring.

Another major feature that will set the Oura Ring 4 apart from the Samsung Galaxy Ring is mobile OS compatibility. The Galaxy Ring currently only supports phones running Android OS. Some features, like Energy Score, Galaxy AI health recommendations, Find My Ring, and gestures, are restricted to Galaxy phone users. If the Oura Ring 4 follows in its predecessors' footsteps, it'll be compatible with both Android and iOS.

There's also a rumor that the Oura Ring 4 could support contactless payments, something the Galaxy Ring's first iteration cannot. 

Our sister site TechRadar reported on a blog post in which Oura CEO Tom Hale said, "We are thrilled to collaborate with the innovative Proxy team to expand our addressable market, paving the way for new opportunities in areas such as payments, access, security, identity, and beyond."

Payments, you say? Color me intrigued. It's not clear whether this feature will connect existing services like Google Wallet or Apple Pay or if it will connect to a proprietary Oura wallet service, but it would certainly give Oura a leg up against Samsung's Galaxy Ring.

Oura hasn't made an official announcement regarding the Oura Ring 4 yet, but the certification listing likely signals that an announcement isn't far off.

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Woot continues to celebrate its 20th anniversary with solid discounts on tech we love. While Amazon's extended Prime Day sale is impressive, here's an excellent smartwatch deal from its other site, 

For a limited time, you can get the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE for just $149 at Woot. It usually costs $199, so that's $50 off and the first discount ever on this just-released Samsung Watch. 

If you don't mind spending more, you can get the Galaxy Watch 7 for $299 ($50 off) at Amazon. Or, splurge and preorder the Galaxy Watch Ultra for $649 ($80 off).

Today's best Samsung Galaxy Watch FE deal

Launched in July 2024, the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE is one of the best smartwatches for Android users. It's also a budget-friendly alternative to the $349 Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and the $649 Galaxy Watch Ultra. 

The Galaxy Watch FE enters Samsung's line of wearables with advanced health and fitness monitoring. It features fitness tracking, a BIA sensor, personalized HR zones, heart rate tracking, and sleep monitoring.

If you want to invest in a new smartwatch to help you achieve your fitness goals, the Galaxy Watch FE is a budget-friendly option. 

If you've been on the hunt for an Apple Watch companion to your iPhone, your search might just be over thanks to this extended Prime Day offer.

You can pick up a new Apple Watch Series 9 on sale for just $279 at Amazon. Regularly $399, that's $120 in savings and the lowest price we've ever seen for Apple's newest smartwatch. 

This current-gen smartwatch improves upon its predecessor with an enhanced S9 chip, an even brighter 2000-nit display, and a new double-tap gesture to make your life easier. In our Apple Watch Series 9 review, the wearable earned 4 out of 5 stars, as well as our esteemed Editor's Choice award.

Whether you want a smartwatch to help inspire more fitness activity in your life or to assist with managing your iPhone's notifications, you can't go wrong with Apple's Watch Series 9 — especially when it's slashed by $120 like it is right now.

We don't know how long this extended Prime Day offer will last, so don't wait.

Today's best Apple Watch Series 9 deal

Apple fans know that the ecosystem of devices is one of the biggest advantages, but if you've held off adding the wearable from Cupertino, now may finally be the moment to pick it up.

The Apple Watch is the perfect companion to your iPhone and currently you can buy the Apple Watch SE 2 for just $169 at Amazon. That's $80 off the original price and the lowest it has ever been. 

Apple's 2nd gen Apple Watch SE uses the same S8 chip as the Apple Watch Series 8, and it shares many features too. It'll pair up seamlessly with other Apple devices, monitor your heart rate and daily steps, and features water resistance up to 50 meters. 

The Apple Watch will inspire you to move more throughout the day, provide helpful GPS info during a run, and quickly view and control your notifications.

Don't wait, like many of the Prime Day deals, it's going to be gone soon as the sale officially ends today, July 17.

Today's best Apple Watch SE 2 deal

There's not much cool about Apple anymore. The outsider tech company has become the ultimate mainstream tech company, especially in the last few decades.

Design innovations have become product iterations, and some of the excitment with each new release has worn off. Apple's also a victim of its own success: Airpods, once a status symbol like the iPhone before them, are commonplace because they're so good.

One thing that Apple isn't anymore is cool.

Except for one maybe one instantly recognizable-yet-subtle product. The Apple Watch Ultra 2. Only true Apple geeks — and I say it with love as I'm one of them — will spot the Ultra 2 on your wrist. It's not for everybody. That's why it's Ultra.

It's big. It's primarily seen on runners or hikers — and moms and dads and executives who also want to stay fit. It's for anyone, but few have it. Those who do will get comments, no doubt.

It's ruggedly designed with space-age titanium that's light and strong, and it has a bulkier shape and size (49mm!) on the wrist than other Apple watches, which go as small as 40mm.

The Ultra 2 is an amazing watch. But for a long time, its price put it out of reach.

But those days are over — for a little while. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is at the lowest price we've ever seen for Amazon Prime Day 2024 at $100 off.

Are you watching for discounts on a new Apple Watch? Look no further with this 30% discount on the latest Apple Watch Series 9 for Prime Day! 

My Apple Watch is one of my favorite gadgets, but upgrading to a new one can be pretty pricey. Luckily, Amazon's annual Prime Day sale is on right now, so you (and I) can snap a sleek new Apple Watch Series 9 for just $279 on Amazon.

Apple's latest Watch is typically priced at $399, so you only save $120 on July 16 and 17. Apple products rarely get such steep discounts, so this is the best time to pick up the Watch Series 9. You can even pick from a few different colors without sacrificing your savings. 

See also: The best Amazon Prime Day Apple Watch deals

The Apple Watch Series 9 earned an Editor's Choice award from Laptop Mag, so you can be sure you're getting a fantastic wearable. It features a larger, brighter display compared to older Apple Watch models while maintaining the stylish design it's known for. 

The Series 9 is also slated to get some exciting health tracking features in this year's upcoming watchOS 11 software update, so now is a great time to swap out your old Apple Watch. 

With this epic Prime Day deal, you can upgrade to the Apple Watch Series 9 for the lowest price ever!

Several Prime Day Apple Watch deals are popping up like daisies on Amazon Prime Day 2024.

Amazon's big annual sale — scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday of this week — is already ripe with Prime Day Apple Watch deals.

Most of the newest models, such as the Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2, and SE 2, are expected to hit record lows this season. And get my personal favorite, the stainless steel Apple Watch Series 8, for a jaw-dropping discount.

Probably the best Prime Day Apple Watch deal available so far is the Apple Watch Series 9 for $299 at Amazon. This incredible deal takes $100 off Apple's newest smartwatch.

Full of features such as fitness trackers and advanced health sensors, the Apple Watch Series 9 GPS is the perfect companion for any lifestyle. The watch in this deal has a 41mm display and is powered by Apple's S9 SiP processor, which allows for quicker app responses and a lighter feel.

With the Apple Watch 10's announcement looming, Apple consumers are waiting with bated breath to snag Prime Day deals on still-relevant Apple Watch tech.

Follow us to track the best Amazon Prime Day deals before the event starts.

Best Prime Day Apple Watch deals — Quick links

• Shop: Amazon's entire sale
• Apple Watch SE 2: $249 $169 @ Amazon
• Apple Watch SE 2 (Cellular): $329 $249 @ Amazon
• Apple Watch Series 9: $399 $279 @ Amazon
• Apple Watch Series 9 (Cellular): $529 $409 @ Amazon
• Apple Watch Ultra 2: $799 $699 @ Amazon
• Apple Watch Bands: from $10 @ Amazon
• Apple Watch Accessories: from $15 @ Amazon
• Apple Watch Band (Alpine Loop, 49mm): $99 $77 @ Amazon
• Belkin 3-in-1 Apple Charging Station: $139 $94 @ Amazon

Best Prime Day Apple Watch deals 2024

Samsung gave us a full rundown of the Galaxy Ring at its Unpacked event on July 10. Although the device had already been public knowledge for a long time, we finally have in-depth information on what to expect and when we'll see it.

With a release date of July 24 and a price point of $399, it's not remotely far from finally being in our hands. 

Yet, we cannot help but look further into the future. Although Samsung's first wearable ring isn't out yet, there's a lot to speculate about the Samsung Galaxy Ring 2, with patents already giving us an idea of what its design and new features can offer.

Without further ado, here's what we know about the Samsung Galaxy Ring 2, including its anticipated release date, price, design, and more.

Samsung Galaxy Ring 2: Release date

The Samsung Galaxy Ring 2 does not have an official release date, and since it's a new technology that has yet to find a launch pattern the company is comfortable with, we don't have a specific date to predict.

Samsung has a habit of launching its products at the exact time specified by the device line. For example, Samsung Galaxy phones like the S21, S22, S23, and S24 see yearly winter launches.

Smart rings are a different beast, however. The necessity of launching the Samsung Galaxy Ring every year is currently up in the air. While it's possible that Samsung would do this, it's far more likely that they'll stick to every two or three years between launches, as it's less urgent to launch these devices so frequently.

After all, it's hard to imagine that smart ring technology will advance so significantly in a year that it would require a refresh by 2025. 

We see a release pattern like this with the Oura ring: Since 2015, a new generation has launched every three years, coming out in 2015, 2018, and 2021, with the next expected sometime this year.

For now, we expect the Samsung Galaxy Ring 2 to receive a summer release date either in 2026 or 2027.

Samsung Galaxy Ring 2: Price

The Samsung Galaxy Ring costs $399 and doesn't come with a subscription (whereas the Oura ring costs $5.99 monthly for its features). Considering that the Galaxy Ring 2 rumors are sparse, and we don't expect to see the successor for at least a couple of years, its price could go up or down depending on the success of this first launch.

It also depends entirely on the new features of the Galaxy Ring 2, but if we assume some leaks are accurate, it could get more expensive. It could also be that this is where more costly versions come in, as there's a possibility that future Galaxy Ring devices will feature a display.

Following the growing prices of the Oura Ring, its original launch cost in 2015 of $229 turned into $299 by its second generation in 2018. And with the third generation in 2021, a $5.99 monthly subscription fee was added for its features.

The Samsung Galaxy Ring's $399 price tag is already rather pricey, so if it does get more expensive, we don't expect it to get much more so (unless it gets a display). 

The Samsung Galaxy Ring 2's price can be anywhere from $399 to $449. Including a subscription is unimaginable, considering how much backlash Oura got for it.

Samsung Galaxy Ring 2: Design

There's no confirmation on what the Samsung Galaxy Ring 2 will look like, but thanks to Samsung's patents, we have the most information on this category.

As discovered by 91mobiles, images in a Samsung patent published in May showcase two whole new Galaxy Ring designs. 

Whereas the original Samsung Galaxy Ring features a simple circular shape, this curious device has a straightened-out top resembling a thick signet ring. Rather than having a signet at the top, it might be a display.

Beyond this fascinating signet design, these patents reveal another version of the Galaxy Ring. This version has two displays acting as the ring's outer shell. According to 91mobiles, the first display would allow users to click on icons, and the second would showcase the relevant information.

We see a display with symbols on the left and right side of the physical ring itself. Some example icons shown are for battery life, an unlock icon, chat messages, email, maps, and what looks like a camera.

These documents also apparently cite a total of 65 ring sizes in the United States. 

Patents like these are best taken with a grain of salt, mainly when the concept of sticking displays on its Galaxy Ring is ambitious. Even if we don't see it with the Galaxy Ring 2, it may come in future iterations.

Samsung Galaxy Ring 2: Specs

Our speculation for the Samsung Galaxy Ring 2's specs is just that, but thanks to the aforementioned 91mobiles patent leak, there are a few possibilities. 

Samsung has implemented plenty of AMOLED displays in its devices, and it even has a whole section of its website that explains what makes them special. Its lower power consumption could be a great asset on a Galaxy Ring if it gets a display, so that's a possibility.

The same patent shows that it could have sensors that detect new things, like galvanic skin response, which measures the skin's electrical charges and if your body is in an increased state of emotional stress or excitement. It might also have a fingerprint sensor.

This is in addition to the original Galaxy Ring's features, including SPO2, PPG, ECG, temperature measurement, and acceleration measurement.

If the Galaxy Ring 2 indeed does feature a display, we can't help but wonder what will become of its battery life. The current battery on the Galaxy Ring is rated between six and seven days before needing a charge, but including a display will shrink that considerably. However, if the aforementioned signet ring design is utilized, it could allow for the storage of a greater battery to offset this issue.

MORE FROM LAPTOP MAG

• Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Summer 2024: Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, Galaxy Ring and more
• Samsung Galaxy Ring: Price, release date, health tracking, and battery life
• Samsung Galaxy Ring reviews: Why the critics seem to love it

Samsung debuted its new wearable — the Galaxy Ring — at its Galaxy Unpacked event in Paris on Wednesday, and critics, in their early hands-on reviews, are loving it.

Tech writers across the spectrum had access to Samsung's Galaxy Ring ahead of its July 10 launch so they could test it and form opinions, and the collective verdict seems to be that Samsung may have a hit on its hands, despite it being the product's first iteration.

If you've been wondering whether to preorder the Galaxy Ring, all signs are pointing to: do it!

Here are the best, most compelling features that have the press deeming Samsung's Galaxy Ring a must-have smart gadget for 2024.

People love its comfortable, lightweight design

The joy of wearing a smart ring instead of a smartwatch is that it's more discreet and generally more comfortable. According to critics, Samsung nailed the Galaxy Ring's design.

Yahoo Finance calls the Galaxy Ring "fashionable and unassuming" and explains that it's not easily recognizable as a piece of technology at first glance. Tom's Guide seconds that view, writing that "at just 2.6 millimeters, the Galaxy Ring still looks very discreet."

For me, an unassuming design isn't nearly as important as comfort. Will it bug me while I'm sleeping, or will I barely notice it? According to CNET, it's the latter: "It feels so light, it's easy to forget I'm wearing a tool that tracks my health metrics."

People are praising its no-subscription pricing

One of the biggest differences between Samsung's new Galaxy Ring and the Oura Ring is a monthly subscription fee.

The Verge writes, "despite the $400 price tag, there's no additional subscription (looking at you, Oura)." The Galaxy Ring does cost an extra $100 upfront, but you won't have to worry about a consistent $5.99/month subscription fee like you do with Oura — and critics agree that this is major.

"People are very fatigued by subscriptions," writes Inverse. "Many of the data insights that Oura sells as part of its monthly subscription will be offered for free to Galaxy Ring users, packaged together thanks to AI."

People say the Samsung ecosystem is promising

One of the biggest reasons Apple fans stick with the company and choose an Apple-branded phone, smartwatch, laptop, earbuds, and so on is because of how seamless and easy the 'ecosystem' is. And it appears Samsung has some big plans for pushing its own ecosystem going forward.

According to The Verge, the Galaxy Ring could even "be the one ring to rule an ecosystem," though "the new Health AI features like Energy Score won't be available if you have a non-Galaxy phone."

The same goes for Find My Ring — which works via Samsung Find — a feature ZDNet hoped would debut with the Galaxy Ring: "I've wanted a form of Find My on all the smart rings I've worn, and Samsung has added it."

If you already have Samsung products or if you've wanted to adopt a non-Apple ecosystem, the Galaxy Ring might be more appealing to you. CNBC outlines this perfectly: "When the Galaxy Ring, smartwatch, and phone are paired, Samsung said, users get a more detailed picture of their health, especially when sleeping because the devices are taking data from more sources."

But if owning a Samsung phone or smartwatch doesn't appeal to you, the Galaxy Ring might not be all it's cracked up to be. You'll miss several important features, including an extended battery life.

Outlook

Samsung's Galaxy Ring hasn't even hit the shelves yet — that'll happen July 24 — but it's already generating a ton of positive buzz that indicates it'll be a smash hit. Some say Oura is in trouble with the imminent launch of the Galaxy Ring, but considering the Galaxy Ring doesn't work with iOS and the Oura Ring does, I don't agree.

That said, if Apple decides to launch its own smart ring after seeing whether the Samsung Ring succeeds post-launch, Oura might have a real problem. 

The Samsung Galaxy Ring made its official debut on Wednesday at the Samsung Unpacked event in Paris. This unveiling follows months of hype and speculation about what the tech wearable would offer.

After digging into the specs, one thing is clear: This smart ring — here's the preorder link — has all the makings of a must-have device for activity-tracking enthusiasts.

The Galaxy Ring tracks heavy breathing and snoring while asleep, and if you've used a sleep-tracking app before, the interface in the Samsung Health app is familiar. But if you, like me, are always looking for an advantage when it comes to tracking and measuring sleep quality, a ring may feel like a better tool than a watch for charting your Z's.

While the ring will be released on July 24, it's now available for preorder following Samsung Unpacked, giving us our first chance at experiencing a smart ring made by one of the world's biggest tech companies.

While an executive at Oura, makers of the popular Oura ring, told Laptop Mag earlier this year that the company wasn't concerned with the forthcoming Galaxy Ring, Samsung's entrance into the market has dramatically changed the market itself.

The reason the Galaxy Ring looks to upend the current smart ring market is because it connects to the near-ubiquitous Samsung phones and watches in pockets and on wrists around the world. The latest additions to this lineup — the new Z Fold 6 and Z Flip6 phones and the sporty Galaxy Watch Ultra — were also revealed on Wednesday.

It tracks rest, heart rate, sleep quality, physical activity, and more. Then, it turns those data points into suggestions with Wellness Tips.

Samsung also claims the ring filters out body movement for a more precise pulse reading. It also automatically starts tracking workouts when you begin running or walking.

The interior side of the ring, called a band or shank, has three sensors: an accelerometer that automatically tracks walking or running, an infrared temperature sensor (helpful for tracking how your body temperature changes during sleep), and a bioactive sensor that monitors your heartbeat.

Apple products are known for two things: their excellent craftsmanship, design, and use of quality components, and a price tag that reminds you of exactly that.

However, with purse string tightening across the globe, Apple plans to breathe new life into its SE (Special Edition) catalog — which offers more affordable and accessible versions of its more popular devices, powered by the same impressive software and touting many of the features of their more premium models.

See also: The best Amazon Prime Day Apple Watch deals

The Apple Watch is the latest device rumored to be receiving an SE refresh, with Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reporting that the company is looking to get competitive on pricing with its wearable's low-cost competition, the $199 Samsung Galaxy Watch FE.

Apple Watch SE (3rd Generation): Everything we know so far

According to oft-in-the-know Apple scribe Mark Gurman, Apple is reportedly prototyping a new third-generation Apple Watch SE that seeks to further reduce its $249 price to rival the $199 offering of its Galaxy Watch FE contemporary.

To do this, Gurman reports the new iPhone SE could ditch its aluminum chassis for a rigid plastic shell. While this could be a potential step down in terms of durability and premium aesthetics, it's a method that Apple could use to shave a considerable amount of dollars from the cost of its wearable — especially if it plans to use the same cost-cutting in-house 3D printing methods used for the Apple Watch Ultra 2's titanium components.

Beyond this, little is known about what to expect from Apple's latest Watch SE device. However, it would be a safe bet that the wearable will feature a new processor, allowing it to take advantage of Apple Intelligence features heading to watchOS.

There's also no word on what to expect from the health and fitness tracker's sensors. However, it's unlikely we'll see high blood pressure/hypertension or sleep apnea detection features as Gurman states testing has hit the wall on the former, and legal disputes relating to Apple's infringement of Masimo Corp patents for blood oxygen measurements are preventing the latter. 

Apple's SE generation: Affordability 

Word of an Apple Watch SE refresh is more than welcome. The wearable's last refresh arrived in 2022 and brought with it a solid wearable experience — even if its low cost saw it missing the temperature, blood oxygen, and ECG sensors of its Apple Watch Series 8 counterpart.

However, with Apple's catalog in a constant state of refresh (spanning Macs, iPhones, iPads, AirPods, Watch, and now even spatial computing with the Vision Pro), an affordable model to keep up with the times that doesn't break the bank is vital.

Thankfully, the Apple Watch isn't the only Apple device said to be receiving a more budget-friendly option. Recent rumors have suggested that similar SE models or affordable alternatives are to be expected, with the following devices reportedly in the works.

iPhone SE 4

One of the more concrete releases you can expect to see over the next 12 months is the iPhone SE 4. A series of leaks and prototype models have appeared online, with the affordable iPhone now seemingly adopting the more modern iPhone 12-like design of the company's recent smartphone offerings.

Not only that, the iPhone SE 4 could feature an OLED display, an A16 Bionic processor, and the iPhone 15's all-new Action Button. It's an entire roster of upgrades for the iPhone SE, whose last refresh came in 2022, offering a more retro iPhone 8-inspired design.

While there's been no solid word on pricing for the iPhone SE 4, previous releases would suggest a $450-500 opening, making it a serious midrange challenger for devices like the Google Pixel 8a.

• Read more about the iPhone SE 4

In April we learned that a direct follow-up to the Apple Vision Pro had been postponed, with news of a cheaper Vision model being in the works surfacing in June.

Apple's ultra-premium $3,500 spatial computing headset is a celebration of the most premium tech in the AR/VR headset space, but it hasn't had the impact many would have hoped for — especially when its competition is the far cheaper and more established Meta Quest 3.

Those hoping for a similar $499 price tag for the next Vision device shouldn't hold their breath. From what we know so far, Apple plans to slash the price of its more modest future model to a more "affordable" $1,600 — a price tag more in line with Meta's premium Quest Pro headset at launch.

• Read more about the Apple Vision/Vision SE

MacBook SE

One of the more interesting rumors to spring up in 2023 was a report from Digitimes claiming that Apple is currently working towards developing a low-cost MacBook. However, while most Macs seek to challenge Windows for desktop and laptop market share, this one would have an entirely new target in its cross hairs: the Chromebook.

Seeking to provide an affordable MacBook option to the educational sector, Apple is apparently prepared to develop a MacBook at minimum cost — foregoing premium material and components to remain competitive with Chromebooks in terms of price and performance.

Digitimes indicated that an announcement could be made in the latter half of 2024, though with little word following from the initial report, it's hard to say whether Apple's ambitions have fizzled, or the project has been delayed.

More from Laptop Mag

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Samsung released the Galaxy Watch 6 almost a year ago, and it's still widely touted as the best smartwatch for Android users. Ahead of Samsung Unpacked next week and Prime Day the week after that, Samsung's Galaxy Watch 6 in Gold just dipped to $196  — the lowest price we've ever seen for this wearable.

This smartwatch boasts a 480 x 480-pixel AMOLED display with thinner bezels compared to its predecessor, advanced sleep coaching to help you improve sleep quality, personalized heart rate zones, automatic fitness tracking for multiple activities, and a ton of accurate health-monitoring sensors.

Plus, if you're a new subscriber to Amazon Music Unlimited, this deal also comes with 90 days of free service. If you'd prefer the Graphite colorway, it's discounted to $209 for a total savings of $90.

Check out the other early Prime Day deals we've rounded up to find more gems for yourself or early holiday gifts for friends and family.

Today's best Galaxy Watch 6 deal 

If you're excited about Samsung's upcoming wearable, the Galaxy Ring, you'll be happy that a new report suggests the smart digit adornment will track an occasionally embarrassing but critical health metric.

The company's Galaxy Watch 6 has many health-tracking features, making it a must-wear device. One feature is worth a look every morning after the alarm goes off. But people may not want to wear a smartwatch to bed. 

Enter the Galaxy Ring.

As first reported by Android Authority after the tech publication activated a slew of Galaxy Ring-focused health features in the Samsung Health app, the Samsung Ring seems to be able to detect snoring and heavy breathing while sleeping. In scientific research, evidence shows that chronic snoring can be linked to heart disease. So, while snoring can be a bit embarrassing, it could signal more significant health problems.

It also seems that, like the Galaxy Watch, you'll need to view the data on your phone via the app rather than directly on the Galaxy Ring. 

Even though the Galaxy Watch is equipped with a microphone, Samsung Health requires your phone to record audio for better, more accurate results, and the Galaxy Ring will need the same.

The smart ring was first teased at the January Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event, and so far, it's generated a lot of buzz. Besides Oura, there aren't many other popular competitors in the smart ring space.

It's widely expected, though not officially, that Samsung will reveal its new smart ring at the Galaxy Unpacked event in Paris on July 10.

The Galaxy Ring's health-tracking potential

Android Authority took a close look at work-in-progress code in the Samsung Health app, and it revealed quite a few health-tracking features that we've seen in the company's latest Galaxy Watch 6. Some features found in the app's code may not ever make it to public release, but it's generally a good way to predict what the ring might be capable of.

As expected, the Galaxy Ring will be able to measure your heart rate and stress levels. It looks like it'll also be capable of measuring your skin temperature, and then using that data to predict your period cycle.

What else do we know about Samsung's Galaxy Ring?

With just over a week until the Galaxy Ring's full debut, the anticipation is palpable. 

For better or worse, this is the first smart ring launch from one of the Big Three mobile brands — Apple, Samsung, and Google — and it'll be exciting to see how the Galaxy Ring compares to the Galaxy Watch once it arrives.

Until then, we're left with all the Galaxy Ring rumors we've accumulated thus far. Thanks to Yogesh Brar via X, we know the Galaxy Ring may cost $300 - $350. 

While the Big Three haven't released a ring, the Galaxy Ring is far from the first such device on the market.

A leader at Oura, one of the biggest makers of smart rings, tells Laptop Mag that the company sees Samsung's addition as a sign that the market is healthy.

 Jason Russell, VP of Consumer Software at Oura, said in a previous interview that he's confident in Oura — despite Samsung's dramatic entrance into the smart ring space: 

"We’ve been around for over a decade, and in that time, we have invested heavily in research and development to improve the accuracy of our algorithms and introduce new, innovative features to truly make Oura an everyday health companion."

According to a lawsuit Samsung preemptively filed against Oura to prevent Oura from filing patent claims against the Galaxy Ring, Samsung's new wearable will likely be released "in or around August of this year."

But for more specific details, we'll have to wait until the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event on July 10 at 9 a.m. Eastern.

It's not an event to sleep on.

On September 9, Apple officially unveiled a new Apple Watch for the device's 10th anniversary and it has a lot to offer. 

The Apple Watch Series 10, or "Series X", is the lightest model to date and features a larger display, new sensors, faster charging, and a long-awaited health feature. As of September 20, it's officially available for purchase, too. 

Whether you're thinking about trading in your old Apple Watch or getting ready to buy your first one, there are a few things you should know about the Apple Watch Series 10 before making your final pick. 

See also: Upgrade to the Apple Watch Series 10 and save up to $200 with this exclusive trade-in offer

Here's a look at everything we know about the Apple Watch Series 10 including its price, release date, design, and features. 

Latest news (updated September 20, 2024)

• The Apple Watch Series 10 is brighter, thinner, and can help detect sleep apnea
• Apple September Event 2024: News on the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, Apple Watch 10
• New Apple Watch SE could star in Apple's all-new affordable catalog of devices
• watchOS 11: Supported Apple Watches and expected release date

Apple Watch Series 10: Release date

The Apple Watch Series 10 was released on September 20, 2024, which was spot on with our prediction prior to the watch's announcement on September 9, 2024. Apple's release dates tend to follow a similar pattern every year, which makes it easier to guess when a new device will launch. 

Here's a look at all Apple Watch release dates so far: 

Apple Watch Series 10: Price and where to buy

The Apple Watch Series 10 starts at just $399, the same as the Series 9. That might not come as a surprise considering Apple has kept its Watch prices pretty consistent over the years. All of the main "Series" models have always been at least $300, with the Series 4 through 10 starting at $399. (Of course, the price goes up for premium models featuring different materials, cellular functionality, or special watch bands.) 

You might not have to pay full price for the Apple Watch Series 10, though. There are already some great deals out there that can save you hundreds of dollars on a new Apple Watch, such as this offer from Best Buy: 

To compare the Series 10 to previous models, take a look at this chart of all Apple Watch prices over the years: 

Apple Watch Series 10: Thinner design, larger display

The Apple Watch Series 10 retains the same basic design as previous models, but it's the thinnest version yet. Apple claims the Series 10 is 10% thinner than the Series 9, which might not sound like much, but on a device that's already this small, that can make a tangible difference. 

Despite being thinner than ever, the Apple Watch Series 10 also has a larger display. Apple slightly tweaked the sizes, increasing them to 42mm and 46mm. Don't worry, though. If you have an older Apple Watch in the 41mm and 45mm sizes, your watch straps will still work with the Series 10. 

The display isn't just bigger. It's also wide-angle OLED and 40% brighter when viewed from an angle, meaning it's significantly easier to see outdoors or in bright lighting. 

Apple also added a new color option: Jet Black Aluminum. This sleek, glossy black colorway is one of the base options, so you don't even have to pay extra for it. Some people may be disappointed that it replaced the classic Space Gray and Midnight aluminum options, though. 

Apple Watch Series 10: New sensors

One of the highlights of Apple's announcement for the Apple Watch Series 10 was the unveiling of Sleep Apnea Detection. This feature isn't exclusive to the Series 10, though. When it launches it will be available on the Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2.

Sleep Apnea Detection monitors your breathing while you sleep and records sleep disturbances (indicated by breathing changes). This data can hint at a possible case of sleep apnea if it persists over time. The Health app will notify users if it detects signs of sleep apnea and collect Watch data into a convenient PDF for users to take to their doctor.

This feature could be a major motivator for many people with older Apple Watches to upgrade since sleep apnea is a highly under-diagnosed condition that can have serious long-term effects. 

Apple also added some water-focused sensing capabilities to the Series 10 including a water temperature sensor and depth guage. The Apple Watch Series 10 still isn't a fully-fledged SCUBA diving watch, but these new sensors are helpful for a wide variety of other water activities like surfing, swimming, snorkeling, and more. 

Apple Watch Series 10: watchOS 11

Sleep apnea detection and new water-focused sensors aren't the only new features on the Apple Watch Series 10. It will launch with watchOS 11, which brings even more new tools and capabilities announced back at WWDC 2024. 

For example, the new Tides app allows you to track tides directly from your watch and view nearby beaches. Similarly, the Oceanic+ app offers features specifically for snorkeling, helping you find nearby snorkeling spots and routes and view conditions like temperature and depth.  

The new Training Load feature improves workout tracking by using an algorithm to calculate an "effort rating" for workouts. This allows you to track the intensity of your workouts and monitor workout intensity trends, which can help prevent injuries from doing too many intense workouts in a row. You can adjust the effort rating for workouts, as well, if you want to tweak the algorithm's estimated rating. 

watchOS 11 will also include a new Vitals app, which will allow you to view health data in greater detail. This is helpful for people who use their Apple Watch to monitor medical conditions or changes in certain health metrics since the Vitals app can notify you if any of your metrics go outside of your normal range. Similarly, the Health app is getting a Cycle Tracking feature in watchOS 11, which can also monitor the progress of pregnancies. 

watchOS 11 isn't just bringing new health features. It will also include a live translation app that can use machine learning to translate words and phrases directly from your Watch. There will be a new safety feature, as well, called Check In, which can use your Watch's location data to let a designated contact know when you've return home safe, such as after a late-night run. 

Apple Watch Series 10: Should you upgrade?

The Apple Watch Series 10 (or "Series X") officially arrived in stores on September 20, so it's now available to buy. If you have an older Apple Watch, it's definitely worth upgrading, especially if health tracking features are important to you. This is especially true if you have a Series 5 or earlier since these older watches are no longer receiving watchOS updates. 

However, if you have a Series 9, it might not be worth upgrading. The Series 9 has most of the main features of the Series 10 and will get watchOS 11 and Sleep Apnea Detection. 

While the Apple Watch Series 10 isn't the drastic redesign many rumors suggested, it still includes some welcome updates and a thinner chassis. So, overall, it's a solid entry for the Apple Watch's 10th anniversary. 

Laptop Mag will be covering all the latest news on Apple's latest devices so stay tuned for more details. 

More from Laptop Mag

• The Apple Watch Series 10 is brighter, thinner, and can help detect sleep apnea
• watchOS 11: Supported Apple Watches and expected release date
• Apple is gearing up for M4 Mac launch — here’s a look at the release window and all the new chips

Do you remember the 21st night of September? As a reminder, it was the night before the release of the Apple Watch Series 9. 

Since its launch, Apple's best-selling wearable has racked up positive reviews from tech sites, including our esteemed Editor's Choice Award. 

Though it normally costs $399, the Apple Watch Series 9 is now on sale for $299 at Amazon. That's $100 off in what appears to be a somewhat pre-Prime Day deal. 

Amazon is known to drop subtle hints of discounts to expect during its annual July sale. It's one of the best Apple Watch deals I've seen this year. 

Apple's most efficient smartwatch yet, the Apple Watch Series 9, improves upon the previous-gen Apple Watch Series 8. This latest release features an enhanced S9 chip, a brighter 2000-nit display, and a new double-tap gesture. 

With the Apple Watch Series 9, you can monitor your vitals and get help when you need it most. It features heart rate and blood oxygen level tracking, crash detection, and emergency SOS. 

Heck, the Apple Watch does double duty as a Bluetooth tracker for your luggage, as seen in a recent New York Times report. 

If you're shopping for a smartwatch for your wrist or a last-minute Father's Day gift, you can't miss the Apple Watch Series 9.

This deal ends on June 17, though, so act fast.

Today's best Apple Watch deal