Selecting between the Apple Watch Extremely and Extremely 2 may be difficult, and never solely as a result of these are two of one of the best smartwatches cash should buy.
In typical Apple vogue, the 2 generations exhibit few variations. The outward designs are just about equivalent; they’ll run the identical software program, and the always-on battery life is rated the identical.
It’s a giant cause, maybe, why Apple didn’t launch the Ultra 3 in 2024; it’s nonetheless figuring out the best way to ship a significant change to its premier smartwatch line.
Nonetheless, regardless of the overwhelming similarities, there are nonetheless just a few notable variations between the 2 Extremely fashions. We imagine that individually, none of those variations are substantial sufficient to justify upgrading to the Extremely 2 for present customers.
Total, the Extremely 2 is unquestionably a better option for first-timers in 2025.
Beneath, we’ll clarify why and element all the important thing variations between the 2.
Additionally think about:
Value overview
The potential worth distinction is among the few causes to think about the unique Apple Watch Extremely. If you happen to can nonetheless discover it in inventory, you would possibly be capable to avoid wasting cash.
Nonetheless, whereas which may be true, the value is definitely one of many fundamental causes we advocate the Extremely 2 over the OG mannequin. Merely put, Extremely 1 inventory shouldn’t be straightforward to seek out. Moreover, even in case you do discover one, the Extremely 2 is now being discounted as nicely, which suggests the value distinction isn’t as drastic because it was in 2023 (or early 2024).
If you could find a mega deal on the Extremely 1 utilizing the widgets above, it might nonetheless be value pulling the set off. Nonetheless, for the explanations talked about above and others that we are going to define beneath, the higher choice on the time of writing is to search for a superb Extremely 2 deal.
Design, show, and variations
The Extremely 2 shares the identical design language as the unique Extremely. Each function a 49mm case physique, equivalent thickness, and a customizable Motion button that isn’t accessible on another Apple Watch.
They could look the identical, however the Extremely 2’s design has been improved. It’s accessible in a further black titanium end proven beneath (in addition to the OG titanium above) and presents higher brightness capability. The rise to three,000 nits from the Extremely’s 2000 nits is noticeable and is a nice-to-have function in case you spend quite a lot of time in direct daylight.
This enchancment additionally makes the flashlight slightly brighter. We don’t typically use this function, so we haven’t observed a big distinction, however energy customers will certainly respect this enhancement in low-light circumstances as nicely.
Concerning these finishes, we don’t have a choice both approach, and the sturdiness has remained constant in our long-term testing. Scratches are barely extra noticeable on the black as a result of distinction with the underlying titanium, however this isn’t a big distinction.
We also needs to notice that the Extremely 2 and Extremely 1 have equivalent sturdiness specs. Each can stand up to the identical depths (40m), are safeguarded in opposition to the identical stage of ingress, and have the identical scratch-resistant glass overlaying.
They’re each carbon-neutral instances as nicely, however the carbon offset from manufacturing has modified because the Extremely 1 launch. Pairing both with the most recent Path Loop or Alpine Loop designs makes it carbon impartial. Nonetheless, it’s not the case you probably have the older variations of these bands or the Ocean Band.
Software program, smarts, and efficiency
Provided that these are current-gen and last-gen Apple Watch fashions, they’re nonetheless very a lot inside the arc of the annual watchOS updates. Nonetheless, a few key inside variations hold the expertise from being equivalent.
So, whereas lots of the latest updates brought through watchOS 11 are accessible through each Extremely fashions, the unique runs barely slower (by 30%, based on Apple) due to the S8 chip. The Extremely 2, as a substitute, options the newer S9 variant. This doesn’t manifest as an enormous distinction in day-to-day use, however it’s noticeable when the pair are facet by facet.
It’s an analogous story with storage. The unique boasts 32GB, whereas the Extremely 2 doubles that. It’s not an enormous distinction for many, we don’t suppose, however it could possibly be the distinction for you in case you’re planning to obtain tons of maps or music for offline use.
Subsequent to that larger storage can be a brand new model of the ultrawideband chip, which offers directional suggestions in case you’re looking for your Extremely. Once more, a doubtlessly enormous quality-of-life improve in case you’re susceptible to misplacing your watch, even when it’s not a serious function for all.
Then there are the meatier variations in options unlocked by that S9 chip, just like the on-watch Siri that may course of domestically for improved pace and accuracy.
With the newer chip, the Apple Watch Extremely 2 additionally beneficial properties a brand new double-tap gesture function.
As proven above, pinching your index finger and thumb prompts the accelerometer, gyroscope, and optical coronary heart charge sensor, providing you with one-hand management of issues like calls or scrolling by the Sensible Stack view.
That is additionally set to increase within the coming years, with watchOS 11 granting third-party builders entry to the function.
Sports activities and well being monitoring
The Extremely 1 and a pair of present the identical sports activities monitoring expertise, whether or not you like path working, diving, mountaineering, or another exercise.
The precision dual-frequency GNSS continues to impress us in our long-term testing—confirmed off on this Chicago Marathon test—and each fashions are appropriate for diving, now with the added capacity to save lots of particulars of your dive information on the devoted Watch app.
Since watchOS 10, each watches can connect with Bluetooth-enabled biking sensors for added metrics reminiscent of pace and cadence. Moreover, watchOS 11 introduces options like Coaching Load and the flexibility to pause Exercise Rings.
With no new well being sensors launched within the Extremely 2, it’s comprehensible to suppose there haven’t been any unique upgrades in well being monitoring. That is principally correct—new upgrades have largely been software-based, such because the Vitals app and enhanced being pregnant monitoring.
Nonetheless, sleep apnea notifications launched in September 2024 are solely accessible on the Extremely 2 due to the newer S9 chip. Aside from that, you’ll have an equivalent expertise.
Battery life
If you happen to had been hoping for extra battery life on the Apple Watch Extremely 2, you’re (principally) out of luck.
Apple presents the identical 36 hours of typical utilization in every mannequin, which in real-world testing has typically at all times translated to round 48-60 hours of medium-heavy use. That’s remained pretty constant all through software program updates, although the Extremely 2 does it by a reasonably indiscernible chunk.
The larger distinction is the ability you’ll be able to count on within the model’s Low Power Mode. With this mode enabled, the OG Extremely is estimated to solely final 60 hours, whereas the Extremely 2 can obtain 72 hours in the identical circumstances.
Nonetheless, you’re getting one of the best battery life on an Apple Watch with these fashions, together with the hefty 46mm Apple Watch Series 10.
Verdict: Which do you have to select?
Whereas the Apple Watch Extremely 2 may not signify a big generational leap, there are sufficient minor upgrades to boost it as a smartwatch in comparison with its predecessor.
A brighter display, elevated storage, Double Faucet, sleep apnea detection, a barely longer battery life in Low Energy Mode, and an improved Extremely Wideband chip for Discover My aren’t essentially causes to improve. Nonetheless, they do contribute to creating this really feel like a unique and enhanced expertise.
With inventory of the unique mannequin additionally laborious to return by, it not essentially being that less expensive than the Extremely 2 in offers holidays, and software program help probably not lasting so long as the Extremely 2, we predict this one is a little bit of a no brainer.
Nonetheless, it’s additionally true—as we’ve identified in our Apple Watch buyer’s guide—that we’re quick approaching the potential arrival of the Extremely 3. We now advocate holding off on the Extremely 2 except you could find an excellent deal (otherwise you don’t love the rumored upgrades).
