Get the Apple Watch Series 11 at an Amazing Price! A Comprehensive Analysis of Its Appeal

1. Why the Apple Watch Series 11 Became "Cheaper Than Ever"

In the United States, the 40mm GPS model of the Apple Watch Series 11 has dropped to $349.99, making headlines as the first significant discount since its release.
The regular price is $399.99, so it's effectively a $50 discount, approximately 12% off.The Verge

This price drop is part of an "early sale" leading up to Thanksgiving and Black Friday, characterized by being offered at major retailers like Amazon and Walmart, rather than the official Apple Store.
Apple products are known for being resistant to price drops, but in recent years, there has been an increasing pattern of substantial discounts through "non-official sales channels" during sale periods.

Meanwhile, in Japan, the Apple Watch Series 11 is priced from 64,800 yen including tax for the 42mm model on Apple's official online store.Apple
Due to differences in exchange rates and sales strategies, many people may feel a significant perceived gap between the "sale price in the U.S." and the "list price in Japan."

2. What's Impressive About Series 11? Key New Features and Improvements

The Apple Watch Series 11 is not a "minor update of Series 10" but a flagship model that emphasizes enhanced healthcare features.

The first notable feature is the Hypertension Notification function.
This feature combines sensors and algorithms to monitor long-term blood pressure trends and notify users of potential hypertension based on certain patterns. It has also received FDA approval in the United States.The Verge+1

Additionally, the already familiar

• ECG (Electrocardiogram) App

• High and Low Heart Rate Notifications

• Irregular Rhythm Notifications

• Blood Oxygen Wellness App

• Sleep Score and Sleep Apnea Notifications

are also included, making it a highly complete "health check device on your wrist."Apple

In Series 11, the Vitals App has also been enhanced.
It visualizes information such as heart rate, respiratory rate, sleep duration, wrist skin temperature, and blood oxygen, making it easier to notice changes in your condition.Apple

Furthermore, it includes a feature for Estimating Ovulation Timing using a skin temperature sensor, providing useful information for managing women's cycles.

Unlike traditional "menstrual prediction apps," it estimates past ovulation from nighttime skin temperature data, allowing for more accurate cycle tracking.Apple

3. Usability of Display, Battery, and Gesture Controls

The Series 11 display maintains the same 42mm/46mm size as the previous generation, but with thinner bezels and a brightness of up to 2,000 nits.Apple

This makes it easier to see the watch face and notifications even in bright outdoor sunlight, improving visibility for running or cycling commutes.

Regarding the battery, Apple officially anticipates "up to about 24 hours" of use, and with low power mode, it can be operated for nearly two full days.The Verge+1

For those who want to track sleep while using it with an always-on display during the day, it seems to maintain a "line of confidence for all-day use."

In terms of operation, wrist flick gestures and double tap are practical.
You can send notifications by lightly moving your arm up and down, or answer calls and stop timers by tapping your thumb and index finger together, increasing operations that can be completed without touching the screen.The Verge+1

4. What You Can Do with 5G Support & Cellular Model

In addition to the GPS model, Series 11 offers a 5G-compatible cellular model.Apple
With a supported carrier and plan, you can make calls, send and receive messages, and stream music on the watch alone, even if you go running without your iPhone.

In Japan,

• those who want to train while leaving their smartphone in a locker at the gym or while running

• those who want to give it to their children for safety during commutes

• those who want to reduce their load and move more freely during work

have strong needs, and the benefits of the cellular model are surprisingly significant.

However, since monthly communication fees are added, for those who mainly use it in Wi-Fi environments and don't use it much outside, the GPS model may be sufficient.
It's important to consider the balance between price and usage to determine which model suits you best.

5. Comparing Japan's Official Price with America's Sale Price

In Japan, on Apple's official online store, the Apple Watch Series 11 is priced at

• 42mm aluminum case (GPS model) starting from 64,800 yen (including tax)
  .Apple
  
  

On the other hand, the sale price in the U.S. is

• 40mm GPS model: $349.99 (about $50 off)The Verge

Assuming an exchange rate of about 150 yen per dollar,
$349.99 × 150 yen ≒ around 52,500 yen,
adding local taxes and costs for bringing it into Japan,it becomes "barely competitive" with Japan's list price..

It's not simply "cheaper in America, so it's better to import it personally."

• Considerations of customs duties and consumption tax

• Regional differences in warranty (AppleCare+)

• Support windows for repairs
  suggest that for users residing in Japan,buying through official domestic channels is often ultimately more secure and reliable..
  
  

However,

• if you plan to travel or go on a business trip to the U.S.

• or can purchase through local family or friends
  , it might be worth considering "taking advantage of the sale" after calculating the total cost.

6. Comparison with Apple Watch SE 3 and Ultra 3

In Apple's current lineup, the Apple Watch SE 3 and Ultra 3 are also available.
Based on the specifications comparison on Apple's official site, let's roughly compare Series 11 and SE 3.Apple

Price Range (Japan)

• SE 3: From 37,800 yen (including tax)

• Series 11: From 64,800 yen (including tax)

Main Differences

• ECG and Blood Oxygen Apps: Only on Series 11

• Display Brightness: Series 11 up to 2,000 nits, SE 3 up to 1,000 nits

• Skin Temperature Sensor/Ovulation Estimation: Only on Series 11

• Depth Gauge and Water Temperature Sensor: Only on Series 11

• Both come with S10 chip, 5G support, sleep apnea notifications, wrist flick, and double tap

Considering this,

• "I just want an affordable Apple Watch" → SE 3

• "I want to fully utilize it for health, fertility, and fitness" → Series 11
  is how they are divided.

Additionally, there is the outdoor-oriented Apple Watch Ultra 3, but

• with tougher titanium cases

• wider GPS range

• support for diving and mountaineering
  , it is more "professional-grade" with a higher price.

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