You can still grab an Apple Watch Series 9 for $329 before Apple halts sales

The Apple Watch Series 9 is pretty similar to the last-gen Series 8, though it does come in a new pink shade. | Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The VergeIn case you haven’t heard, Apple is halting Apple...

Dec 19, 2023 - 21:01

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You can still grab an Apple Watch Series 9 for $329 before Apple halts sales

In case you haven’t heard, Apple is halting Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 sales in the US due to a patent dispute. Starting on December 21st at 3PM ET, you won’t be able to buy the wearables from Apple, nor will third-party retailers like Amazon restock inventory after it sells out. Thankfully, both wearables are still in stock and on sale as of right now, with the Apple Watch Series 9 starting at around $329 ($70 off) in the 41mm GPS configuration at Amazon, Target, and Walmart. The Ultra 2, meanwhile, is currently on sale at Amazon with select bands for as low as $699 ($100 off) when you clip the on-page coupon.

Overall, the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Ultra 2 are great fitness trackers for iPhone users. They both feature a second-gen ultra wideband chip and are powered by Apple’s new S9 SiP, which allows for onboard Siri processing and the new double tap feature. The 49mm Ultra 2, however, also comes with a slew of extra features geared toward outdoorsy types, including improved durability, a brighter display, and a customizable Action Button. It also offers a battery that can last for days, along with a useful siren you can activate should you need help while you’re off the grid.

The Apple Watch Series 9 features a brand-new S9 processor that enables offline Siri use, brighter displays, and the double tap gesture. It also has the second-gen ultra wideband chip for Precision Finding if you have an iPhone 15.

The rugged Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes in one size: 49mm. It offers the brightest display of any wearable in Apple’s lineup, along with better battery life and improved performance. It sports Apple’s new S9 SiP, too, allowing you to take advantage of Apple’s new double tap feature.

Looking for a travel-friendly speaker or a gift for the shower singer in your life? Sony’s SRS-XB100 is a good option, one that’s currently on sale at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart (via Video & Audio Center) starting around $38 ($22 off). That matches the speaker’s all-time low, which it first set during Black Friday.

Sony’s SRS-XB100 is a charming Bluetooth speaker that’s smaller than a can of Coke and available in an array of fun colors. Despite its small stature, it offers crisp, clear audio, along with stereo playback when paired with a second XB100. It’s also equipped with IP67 dust and water resistance, so you can take it on the trail or hang it near your shower using the built-in strap. What’s even more convenient is that it can act as a speakerphone when taking calls, which can come in handy when your phone’s not within reach.

Sony’s adorable SRS-XB100 speaker offers USB-C charging, a built-in strap, and great sound for the price, rendering it a terrific travel speaker or home office companion.

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Other deals we’re digging this week

Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy are selling a single AirTag for $23.99 ($5 off), which is just $1 shy of its all-time low. (You can also buy a four-pack at Amazon and Walmart for around $79.99.) The ultra wideband Bluetooth tracker can tap into Apple’s expansive Find My network, letting you keep tabs on your keys and other belongings using your iPhone. Read our review.The Aqara Smart Lock U100, one of our favorite smart locks, is down to $132.99 ($97 off) at Amazon. The long-lasting smart lock supports the newer Matter standard and allows you to unlock your door in multiple ways, including by key, voice, or fingerprint. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll need a compatible smart home hub to access the lock’s full suite of features.Right now, you can pick up 8BitDo’s USB Adapter 2 at Best Buy for just $12.99 ($7 off), its lowest price to date. The handy wireless accessory allows you to use both PlayStation and Xbox controllers — including Sony’s standard-issue DualSense Wireless Controller and Microsoft’s Xbox Wireless Controller — with your Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, PC, and a variety of other platforms.Amazon is selling the Eve Energy smart plug for $33.96 ($6 off), which is $4 shy of its Black Friday price and one of its better prices to date. The Matter-over-Thread plug supports energy monitoring and can add basic smarts to any outlet, giving you a quick way to enable voice controls on your fan or a string of Christmas lights.