Where to pre-order the Apple Watch Ultra – the pros and cons of each retailer

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You can order the new rugged outdoor watch direct from Apple, but that's not your only option

Apple Watch Ultra
(Image credit: Apple)

The Apple Watch Ultra is available to pre-order now, and is expected to start arriving on owners' wrists from Friday September 23. You can place your order on the official Apple store, but that's not your only option. We're here to run down the various stores taking orders for the new watch, and the pros and cons of each one.

If you've decided that the Apple Watch Ultra is the best GPS watch for you, here are your pre-order options:

Apple:

Apple: pre-order for $799 for pick-up or delivery
Pre-ordering the Apple Watch Ultra directly from Apple means you should be able to pick it up in store from September 23, which could be quicker than waiting for a courier. The full range of colors and strap types is available.

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Best Buy:

Best Buy: pre-order for $799 with $200 trade-in
You can save $200 when you pre-order an Apple Watch Ultra at Best Buy if you trade in a working Apple Watch 7 (operating as it should, with no cracks or water damage). The store is offering home delivery, but not in-store pickup. Shipping is currently estimated for release day.

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Amazon:

Amazon: pre-order for $799 for home delivery
You can pre-order the Apple Watch Ultra from Amazon, which is selling most, but not all the possible size and color options. Still, if you have an Amazon Prime subscription, this might be your preferred option. At the time of writing, there's no mention of backorders.

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Verizon:

Verizon: $22/month for 36 months
If you qualify, you can get the Apple Watch Ultra from Verizon for $22 per month with no down payment. All colors and band types and currently listed. You can also get $180 off when you trade in a qualifying smartwatch. Alternatively you can buy it for $799.99 outright. It's now on backorder and expected to ship October 31.

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T-Mobile:

T-Mobile: $26/month for 24 months, plus $174.99
Pre-order the Apple Watch Ultra from T-Mobile and your contract will be shorter, but you'll need to pay $174.99 up front. The watch is now on backorder, with shipping estimated October 7 - November 1.

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The Apple Watch Ultra is Apple's first smartwatch designed for hiking, trail running, climbing, diving, and other outdoor adventures. It has a similar overall look to the Apple Watch 8 (which debuted at the same time), but with several significant differences to make it more practical for life on the trail and at sea.

That includes an aircraft-grade titanium case with a high edge to protect the sapphire crystal lens, a physical button and larger Digital Crown that can be used with gloves, a much larger battery, and three strap options designed for different activities. You can get the full details in our coverage of the launch event.

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Cat Ellis
Cat Ellis
Former editor

Cat is Homes Editor at TechRadar and former editor of Advnture. She's been a journalist for 15 years, and cut her teeth on magazines before moving online. She helps readers choose the right tech for their home, get the best deals, and do more with their new devices.