“New year, new you”—as the saying goes. If Apple’s recent ad showcasing the Apple Watch as the ultimate tool for staying motivated and sticking to your New Year’s resolutions has caught your eye, now is the perfect time to snag one. Amazon and Best Buy are offering incredible discounts, some of the lowest prices we’ve seen since Black Friday.

The deals mentioned here were independently selected by the Contributor and do not include affiliate links.

Huge Savings on GPS Apple Watch Models

These offers are specifically for Apple Watch models with GPS functionality (without cellular connectivity). Both the 42mm and 46mm models have received significant price drops, with $70 off their original prices.

On Amazon, the 42mm model, originally priced at $399, is now available for just $329, an 18% discount. Similarly, the larger 46mm model, which originally cost $429, has dropped to $359, reflecting a 16% savings. However, note that the deals don’t apply to all color and strap combinations, so options may vary.

42mm Apple Watch Variants and Pricing

For the 42mm case size, the following aluminum models are included in the sale:

• Jet Black Aluminum with a Black Sport Band
• Jet Black Aluminum with an Ink Sport Loop
• Rose Gold Aluminum with a Plum Sport Loop
• Rose Gold Aluminum with a Light Blush Sport Band
• Silver Aluminum with a Blue Sport Loop

Each of these combinations is priced at $329 on Amazon. However, the Silver Aluminum case paired with a Denim Sport Band is listed at $383.28.

46mm Apple Watch Variants and Pricing

For the larger 46mm case size, the following aluminum models are available for $359:

• Jet Black Aluminum with a Black Sport Band
• Jet Black Aluminum with an Ink Sport Loop
• Rose Gold Aluminum with a Light Blush Sport Band
• Rose Gold Aluminum with a Plum Sport Loop
• Silver Aluminum with a Denim Sport Band

An exception is the Silver Aluminum case with a Blue Sport Loop, which is priced at $419.99.

Best Buy’s Competitive Deals

Best Buy offers similar discounts, giving shoppers another option for these incredible deals. The 42mm aluminum models are available for $329 in the following combinations:

• Rose Gold Aluminum with a Light Blush Sport Band
• Silver Aluminum with a Denim Sport Band
• Jet Black Aluminum with a Black Sport Band

For the 46mm models, the same color and strap combinations are offered at $359.

Additionally, Best Buy features other 42mm aluminum models priced at $329:

• Silver Aluminum with a Blue Cloud Sport Loop
• Jet Black Aluminum with an Ink Sport Loop
• Rose Gold Aluminum with a Plum Sport Loop

The 46mm case options with the same colors and straps are also available for $359.

Why These Deals Are Worth Your Attention

Whether you’re striving to hit your fitness goals, stay organized, or explore the advanced features of the Apple Watch, these discounts provide an excellent chance to own one of the most popular smartwatches on the market. With prices starting as low as $329, this is the ideal moment to upgrade your tech without overspending.

Don’t miss out on these limited-time offers, and let the Apple Watch help you achieve your goals for the year ahead!

Apple’s AirTag has quickly become an essential travel companion for frequent flyers and occasional travelers alike, offering peace of mind for those concerned about misplaced or lost luggage.

Introduced in 2021, the compact, button-sized device arrived just in time to address the post-pandemic surge in travel—and the accompanying spike in lost baggage. Now, Apple is gearing up to launch the next-generation AirTag 2, expected to hit the market by mid-2025.

Smarter, More Advanced AirTag 2

According to renowned Apple insider Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, the AirTag 2 is already advancing through manufacturing tests under the codename B589. The upgraded device will bring improvements across three critical areas:

1. Enhanced Precision-Finding Range
   The AirTag 2 will feature a brand-new ultrawide-band (UWB) chip, capable of tripling the precision-finding range of the first-generation model. While the original AirTag can locate items from 10 to 30 meters away, the AirTag 2 will extend that range to an impressive 30 to 90 meters.
2. Improved Location Accuracy in Remote Areas
   Accompanying the upgraded UWB chip is a new wireless chip that enhances accuracy in sparsely populated regions, where there are fewer iPhones and devices contributing to Apple’s Find My network. This network leverages Bluetooth technology to ‘crowdsource’ the location of AirTags, and the enhancements promise a more reliable experience even in less connected areas.
3. Stronger Privacy and Anti-Stalking Measures
   Apple plans to address privacy concerns and enhance security with improved anti-stalking features in the AirTag 2. While AirTags have revolutionized item tracking, they’ve also been criticized for enabling unwanted tracking and stalking. As privacy remains a cornerstone of Apple’s ethos, the company is expected to implement robust measures to ensure safer usage and rebuild trust among users—a move that could help boost AirTag adoption further.

Airlines Join the AirTag Revolution

AirTag’s widespread popularity has even caught the attention of airlines. Qantas is collaborating with Apple to integrate AirTag tracking features into its app, allowing travelers to locate missing luggage more seamlessly. This feature is expected to roll out early next year, raising awareness of AirTag’s capabilities among passengers and enhancing the travel experience.

With the AirTag 2, Apple aims to solidify its dominance in the item-tracking market by offering more precision, greater reliability, and improved security—all while addressing consumer concerns head-on. As the mid-2025 launch nears, the next generation of AirTags promises to be a game-changer for travelers and everyday users alike.

Over the past three months, we’ve had the opportunity to wear both the HUAWEI Watch Ultimate and the HUAWEI Watch GT 5, and they stand out as some of the most impressive smartwatches we’ve experienced. As Christmas approaches, these devices could make excellent gift options for your loved ones.

Design and Build

Key Highlights:

• Sophisticated craftsmanship
• Ideal choice for professionals
• Comes with versatile accessories

The HUAWEI Watch Ultimate sits at the top of the brand’s smartwatch lineup, making it the ultimate pick for business professionals, those who appreciate classic luxury paired with modern technology, or individuals who enjoy exploring the great outdoors.

During my time wearing the Ultimate, it consistently attracted attention and sparked conversations. Its case is crafted from zirconium-based Liquid Metal, which is 4.5 times stronger than stainless steel and 17% lighter. The bezel is made from nano-microcrystalline ceramic, while the additional titanium strap included in the box further elevates its premium feel.

The package also includes three additional straps: a Rubber Strap, a Diver Strap, and a Woven Strap. These options cater to different scenarios—be it formal events, active sports, or diving adventures. The titanium strap is ideal for formal occasions, while the woven strap works well for light sports or social gatherings, thanks to its stylish yet sweat-resistant design. The rubber strap is better suited for intense sports like tennis, and the Diver Strap, with its extended length, is perfect for diving activities.

Switching between straps is simple, thanks to a convenient clasp mechanism. Paired with a wide variety of customizable watch faces, the HUAWEI Watch Ultimate adapts seamlessly to any occasion. It combines elegance and versatility in a way that traditional mechanical watches can’t match.

If you’re looking for the ultimate experience, pairing the HUAWEI Watch Ultimate with the recently launched HUAWEI Mate X6 smartphone could provide a top-notch tech duo.

HUAWEI Watch GT 5

Key Highlights:

• Stylish and well-balanced design
• Lightweight yet powerful
• Versatile everyday performance

The HUAWEI Watch GT5 offers a more balanced option with its sleek design and thinner profile. Its case is constructed from stainless steel and features a mix of frosted and polished surfaces, adding a touch of refinement. The smartwatch includes physical buttons for navigating features, ensuring nothing essential is missing.

The watch comes with a single strap made from a rubber and fabric mix, offering both durability and a sophisticated look. For those seeking more variety, third-party straps can be purchased. Weighing about a third less than the Ultimate, the GT 5 feels noticeably lighter and is ideal for sports tracking and everyday use. Its lighter build makes it a perfect choice for active individuals.

Available in two sizes, 46mm and 41mm, the GT 5 offers options for both men and women. The 41mm version features a more rounded and sleek design, making it suitable for smaller wrists and possibly appealing as a family smartwatch.

While both the Ultimate and the GT 5 have their strengths, the lighter GT 5 is better suited to day-to-day activities. However, for business professionals or those attending formal events, the Ultimate remains the superior choice.

Features

HUAWEI Watch Ultimate

• Golf Mode:
  The Ultimate is one of the few conventional-looking smartwatches to feature a dedicated Golf Mode. It tracks advanced metrics such as swing speed, swing tempo, backswing time, and downswing time. Additionally, it allows you to download golf course maps to improve your performance on the course.
• 100m Diving Mode:
  Designed for diving enthusiasts, the 100-meter diving mode offers specialized options, including no-decompression time suggestions. This is the first smartwatch to offer such a feature, making it a go-to choice for divers. Its three crowns provide easy navigation underwater, addressing the challenge of using a touchscreen in aquatic environments.
• Health Tracking:
  The Ultimate excels in health tracking, offering features like step counts, heart rate monitoring, and sleep analysis. Its built-in ECG functionality is approved in multiple countries and helps detect irregular heart rhythms, offering potentially life-saving insights.
• Expedition Mode:
  This mode uses dual-band, five-system GNSS for accurate positioning, even in remote areas. Offline maps and route-back navigation ensure you can find your way even without a GPS signal, making it perfect for outdoor adventurers.
• Ultra-Long Battery Life:
  With up to 14 days of battery life, the Ultimate eliminates the frequent charging woes common in many wearables. Even with the Always-On Display (AOD) activated, it can last up to four days, making it ideal for frequent travelers and busy professionals.

HUAWEI Watch GT 5
The GT 5 retains many of the core features of the Ultimate while maintaining a lighter and more affordable design.

• TruSense System:
  This advanced health monitoring system delivers accurate readings for daily activities, and its lightweight build makes it comfortable to wear even while sleeping.
• Fitness Tracking:
  With IP69K waterproofing, the GT 5 is ready for various fitness activities, including swimming. Its single strap is versatile enough for workouts and casual wear.
• Super-Long Battery Life:
  The GT 5 boasts up to 14 days of battery life, making it an excellent option for users who prefer long-lasting performance. In our experience, it consistently lasted over a week on a single charge.

For those seeking more advanced features like ECG, Golf Mode, and diving capabilities, the upcoming GT 5 Pro may be worth considering. It combines a lightweight build with high-end functionalities, bridging the gap between the GT 5 and the Ultimate.

Verdict

After three months of use, both the HUAWEI Watch Ultimate and GT 5 have proven impressive in their own ways. The Ultimate offers a luxurious design with high-end materials and advanced features, making it perfect for business professionals or formal events. Meanwhile, the GT 5 provides a lightweight and versatile alternative for those who prioritize comfort and everyday functionality.

With Christmas just around the corner, both watches make excellent gifts for yourself or loved ones. They are packed with features and come with festive offers, ensuring you’ll find the perfect wearable for the holiday season.