The Black Friday shopping season for the Apple Watch has begun, and the Apple Watch 6, last year's version of Apple's popular smartwatch, may be the ultimate bargain of the sale season.

Not only is the Apple Watch 6 only a year old, but it offers nearly the same experience as the new Apple Watch 7. It is compatible with refreshed watchOS 8 software and uses the same chipset as the best smartwatches today.

The main difference between the Apple Watch 7 and the Apple Watch 6 is the former's larger display. This is a welcome upgrade, and I (as a smartwatch reviewer) consider it a game changer in making Apple's wearable easier to use. However, for first-time smartwatch users or those who have been using Apple Watches for several years, the Apple Watch 6 may be a smarter purchase. [For example, Walmart sells the Apple Watch 6 for $349, compared to $399 for the Series 6 when it first launched. This is also the current price for the Apple Watch 7, which is not yet available for standalone pricing on Black Friday.

And this isn't even the best Apple Watch Black Friday price we're expecting; the Apple Watch 6 sells for $249, and retailers are trying to clear out their previous generation wrist candy inventory. If you are in no serious hurry, I suggest practicing patience. They could get cheaper in the coming weeks.

We could also see the first real deal on the Apple Watch 7 soon; the Apple Watch 6 was a bargain on Black Friday last year, and the Apple Watch 7 launched close to a full month into the holiday shopping season, but I would be surprised if the price was not reduced I would be surprised if the price was not reduced.

Which retailers will get their hands on it first? My guess is that Amazon's Black Friday sales season will discount the Apple Watch 7, even if only to list it a few dollars cheaper.

We have established that both the Apple Watch 7 and Apple Watch 6 should see more discounts in the Black Friday deals.

In most cases, the Apple Watch 6 is the better deal. After all, the Series 6 was my favorite smartwatch not long ago thanks to its always-on display, rich health features, and seamless integration with other Apple devices; I'd like to see it close to the Apple Watch SE's starting price of $279 and under $300!

Apple Watch.

If the Apple Watch 7 is eventually released, compare it to the Apple Watch 6's current discounted price; for a price difference of less than $50, I'd recommend the new Apple Watch. Yes, it's not that much of a difference, but the software tweaks made to the larger display will make it more optimized. Also, if you want to upgrade in a few years, the trade-in value will be higher.