Want a free Apple Watch SE 3? Optus is throwing one in with any iPhone 17 series sign up

(Image credit: Future)

If you’ve been holding off on upgrading to any of the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max or even the ultra-thin iPhone Air, then this deal from Optus might just make you pull the trigger on a new phone plan.

The telco is giving away a free Apple Watch SE 3 to customers who sign up for a 24-month or 36-month phone plan for any of the iPhone 17 series phones (and the iPhone Air, which is also discounted by AU$500).

We’ve called the Apple Watch SE 3 the best Apple Watch for most people in our review thanks to its comparable performance to its more expensive siblings – the Apple Watch 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 – while being the cheapest at AU$399 RRP.

If you’re looking to spend the least amount per month for this deal, the most affordable option is the iPhone Air (256 GB) on the Small Choice Plus Plan over 36 months. That will cost AU$91.06 per month – AU$55p/m for the plan and AU$36.06p/m for device repayments.

If the Apple Watch SE 3 isn’t quite your squeeze, Optus is also offering the Apple Watch 11 for AU$180 outright or for an additional $5 per month.

iPhone Air (256GB) + Apple Watch SE 3 | 24- or 36-month contract | from AU$91.06p/m @ Optus

Thanks to an AU$500 discount on the iPhone Air, the ultra-thin handset is the most affordable way to get this deal with the smallest possible handset repayments. Apart from its headline feature of being ultra-thin and lightweight, this phone has the powerful A19 Pro chip found in the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, providing great value for money. With the free Apple Watch, this deal is even harder to pass up if you were eyeing this model.

Minimum total cost: AU$1339.66 (includes one month of plan fees and device repayments)

iPhone 17 (256GB) + Apple Watch SE 3 | 24- or 36-month contract | from AU$93.06p/m @ Optus

This one is the iPhone that we recommend for most people, and the sales numbers so far have been a testament to that. The iPhone 17 boasts a 120Hz display and storage options now start with 256GB, representing a giant leap from its predecessor. Even though the iPhone Air above is cheaper, this handset has a second rear ultra-wide camera and a larger battery (3,692mAh vs the Air’s 3,149mAh).

Minimum total cost: AU$1453.96 (includes one month of plan fees and device repayments)

iPhone 17 Pro (256GB) + Apple Watch SE 3 | 24- or 36-month contract | from AU$110.52p/m @ Optus

The iPhone 17 Pro saw the most radical redesign of the main iPhone lineup since arguably the iPhone X in 2017, while also providing some of the best cameras in smartphones. The A19 Pro processor also makes the handset one of the most powerful. These pro features are also reflected in the price tag, but this deal from Optus makes it more tempting if you’re also shopping for an Apple Watch.

Minimum total cost: AU$2053.72 (includes one month of plan fees and device repayments)

iPhone 17 Pro Max (256GB) + Apple Watch SE 3 | 24- or 36-month contract | from AU$110.52p/m @ Optus

Like previous iPhones, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is mostly identical to the 17 Pro above but with a larger 6.9-inch screen (compared to the Pro’s 6.3-incher) and battery (5,088mAh vs the Pro’s 4,252mAh). Storage options go up to a whopping 2TB, whereas the Pro maxes out at 1TB. These additions make the 17 Pro Max the priciest new iPhone, but this deal should make it easier on the bank account – plus you get a free Apple Watch SE 3, too!

Minimum total cost $2,253.88 (includes one month of plan fees and device repayments)

Nico is an experienced writer and journalist, having previously written for business titles across Australia. While mainly focusing on phones and finding deals and coupon codes at TechRadar Australia, he is also a keen cyclist and occasional hiker, so he also loves related tech like smartwatches and bike computers. Outside of tech, Nico is also a politics, basketball and movie obsessive.

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