Apple Watch Series 11
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At a Glance
- The Apple Watch Series 11 starts at $399 for the 42-mm model.
- Trade-in credits can reduce the price by up to $335.
- Carrier plans offer monthly bill credits that can bring the watch to as low as $14 a month.
- Free trials of Apple Music, Apple Fitness Plus, and other services add extra value.
- Why it matters: If you’re eyeing a new smartwatch or upgrading from an older Apple model, the Series 11 balances price and performance, and there are plenty of ways to cut the cost.
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Apple’s newest smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 11, brings refined performance and a familiar design to the lineup. With a starting price of $399 for the 42-mm version, the watch sits comfortably between the older Series 10 and the premium Ultra 3. While the price isn’t a bargain, a mix of trade-ins, carrier promotions, and free service trials can shave hundreds off the final bill.
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Price and Size Options
The Series 11 comes in two sizes:
- 42-mm – starts at $399.
- 46-mm – starts at $429.
Adding cellular connectivity adds $100 to either model. The larger size offers a bigger display, which some users prefer for easier reading of notifications and workouts.
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Color Palette
The watch is available in four finishes:
- Jet black
- Silver
- Rose gold
- Space gray
These colors match the aesthetic of the previous Series 10, allowing users to pick a look that feels familiar while enjoying the latest hardware.
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Is an Upgrade Worth It?
If you own a third-generation Apple Watch or earlier, the Series 11 offers noticeable improvements:
- Faster processor
- Enhanced battery life
- Updated health sensors
- New watchOS features
Our reviewer described it as a “Goldilocks pick,” suggesting it’s just the right balance of new features and price. For those with a newer Series 9 or SE, the upgrade may be less compelling, but the performance gains can still justify the switch.
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How to Cut the Cost
Several strategies can reduce the Series 11’s price.
1. Trade-In Credits
Apple accepts a range of older Apple devices for trade-in. Depending on the model and condition, you can receive between $25 and $335 in credit.
2. Carrier-Based Savings
Many carriers bundle the watch with a new or upgraded line and offer monthly bill credits:
| Carrier | Credit per Month | Total Credit | Resulting Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | $300 over 36 months | $300 | about $14 per month |
| AT&T | $100 over 36 months | $100 | $14-$15 per month |
| T-Mobile | $201 over 24 months | $201 | about $17 per month |
| T-Mobile (Buy One, Get One) | $300 off second watch | $300 | second watch at $99 a month |
These credits are applied as bill reductions, so the initial purchase price stays the same but the monthly cost drops.
3. Apple Card Cash Back
Purchasing with an Apple Card gives you 3% back in daily cash back, which can offset a portion of the cost.
4. Target Circle™ Card
Using a Target Circle™ Card provides an instant 5% discount at Target, though no direct discount is offered on the watch itself.
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Free Service Trials
Buying the Series 11 from certain retailers unlocks free trials of Apple services:
- Walmart: up to 4 months of Apple Music, 3 months of Apple Fitness Plus, 3 months of Apple TV, 4 months of Apple Arcade, and 3 months of Apple News Plus.
- Apple: three free months of Apple Music and three free months of Apple Fitness Plus for new subscribers.
- Carrier offers: up to 4 months of Apple Music and up to 3 months of Apple Fitness Plus when you add a line.
These trials can add significant value, especially for users who want to test Apple’s ecosystem before committing.
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Where to Buy
| Retailer | Current Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apple | $399 (42-mm) | No direct discount, but trade-in available |
| Walmart | $399 | Free service trials, no discount |
| Amazon | $408 (46-mm jet black) | $21 discount, third-party sellers may be present |
| Target | $399 | No discount, but 5% off with Circle card |
| Verizon | $399 | Trade-in credit up to $300, monthly bill credit |
| AT&T | $399 | $100 credit over 36 months |
| T-Mobile | $399 | $201 credit over 24 months |
When shopping, ensure the watch is sold and shipped directly by the retailer to avoid third-party complications.
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How to Maximize Savings
- Check your trade-in value on Apple’s website before purchasing.
- Compare carrier plans to find the lowest monthly cost after credits.
- Use the Apple Card to earn daily cash back.
- Add a new line to your existing carrier plan to trigger the monthly credits.
- Take advantage of free trials at Walmart or Apple to test services.
- Repeat purchases if you need more than one watch; some carriers offer additional discounts.
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Key Takeaways
- The Apple Watch Series 11 starts at $399 for the 42-mm model.
- Trade-in credits can cut up to $335 from the purchase price.
- Carrier bill credits can bring the monthly cost to as low as $14.
- Free trials of Apple Music, Apple Fitness Plus, and other services add extra value.
- The watch is available in four colors and two sizes, with cellular options adding $100.
- If you have an older Apple Watch, upgrading to the Series 11 offers solid performance gains.
By combining trade-ins, carrier credits, and free service trials, buyers can save hundreds while enjoying a smartwatch that feels both familiar and fresh.
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Further Reading
For deals on older models like the Series 10 or Series 9, and for Android alternatives such as Samsung Galaxy Watch or Google Pixel Watch, visit the respective deal roundups.
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