Apple Watch SE 2 Hits Record Low $179 Before Prime Day

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Reviewed by Meg Flores

The second-generation Apple Watch SE has hit another record-breaking price point, and this time it is happening just ahead of Amazon's Prime Day. CNET reports that the GPS-only 40mm model has dropped to $179, down from its original $249 price tag. Meanwhile, the 40mm GPS + Cellular version is available for $189, and 44mm models start at $199. One of the biggest discounts yet on Apple's budget-friendly smartwatch. If you have been eyeing an Apple Watch without torching your budget, this is it.

Why this deal actually matters for your wallet

Let's break it down. The Apple Watch SE 2 launched at $249. At $179, you get a $70 discount that pushes it into genuinely affordable territory. And since PCMag still rates the Apple Watch as the best smartwatch for iPhone users, this price buys you the gold standard of iOS integration without making your credit card cry.

The timing says a lot about the market right now. Retailers are clearing SE 2 inventory because ZDNet confirms that the Watch SE 3 officially retired the SE 2 model with fresh upgrades. That clearance translates to real benefits for savvy buyers, like guaranteed authentic hardware at closeout pricing and better chances at the color or band combo you actually want. MacRumors has been tracking these prices and confirms this matches the best price ever seen on the Apple Watch SE, so it is a historic window, not hype.

What you are actually getting at this price point

The Apple Watch SE 2 runs on Apple’s S8 chip, and PCMag says it performs user tasks 20 percent faster than its predecessor. Apple rates battery life at up to 18 hours, but in actual testing the watch has consistently delivered 37 hours on a single charge. Enough to wear it overnight for sleep tracking and still have juice the next day.

Health and safety features cover the stuff people use daily: reliable heart rate monitoring during workouts, automatic workout detection for walks, runs, swimming, cycling, elliptical, and rowing, plus Emergency SOS and Fall Detection for peace of mind. You can even set it up for family members without an iPhone using Apple’s Family Setup, handy for mixed-device households.

What is missing compared to higher-end models? No always-on display, no ECG, no blood oxygen monitoring, no temperature sensing. For most users, Tom's Guide notes those omissions do not change day-to-day use much. You still get 50-meter water resistance, 32GB of storage, and a second-gen design with an aluminum shell and nylon composite back that stays light, durable, and comfortable.

How this compares to Apple's current lineup

The pricing picture gets interesting fast. ZDNet reports that the Apple Watch SE 3 starts at $250, which is $150 less than the Series 11 and $550 less than the Ultra 3. The SE 2 at $179 undercuts all of them, a strong value for budget-focused buyers.

The newer SE 3 brings upgrades like the S10 chip, Always-On Display, 5G support, and temperature sensing, features that used to sit behind higher price tags. If you can live without those, the SE 2 delivers what Live Mint calls 80 percent of the experience for 50 percent of the cost.

What keeps the SE 2 relevant in 2025 is continued software support. It runs watchOS 26 at the time of writing and sticks with the iconic rounded design, haptic crown, and dependable water resistance. You are not buying a relic, you are getting a current-feeling Apple Watch with proven reliability.

Making the most of this Prime Day opportunity

Bottom line, this deal fits specific buyers. New to smartwatches, want fitness tracking and notifications, or testing the Apple Watch waters before paying up, the SE 2 at $179 is easy to recommend. Automatic workout detection covers the activities most people do, heart rate data is dependable enough for everyday training, and safety features like Fall Detection add quiet confidence.

The integration perks matter more than spec sheets suggest. The SE 2 taps your iPhone for quick replies, calls, and app notifications, supports Apple Pay for tap-to-pay, and keeps you in the App Store’s sizable watch app ecosystem. Day in, day out, those conveniences often beat niche health sensors you might only glance at.

It is not for everyone. If you need advanced health monitoring for medical tracking, the longest battery life for extended outdoor time, or cutting-edge connectivity like 5G for standalone use, aim for the SE 3 or watch for deals on higher-end models. For everyone else, this historic price gets you a capable, well-built Apple Watch that nails the essentials, saves real money, and leaves very little on the table.