Whether or not you are new to smartwatches or upgrading, realizing which Apple Watch is greatest may be complicated. This information explains how to decide on your subsequent Apple smartwatch.
We get requested two questions greater than another right here at Wareable: ‘Ought to I purchase [insert Apple Watch model]?’ and ‘Ought to I improve from [insert Apple Watch model]?’.
This information solutions these questions. It’s the definitive cheat sheet for deciding which Apple Watch is greatest and whether or not that is the appropriate time to purchase it.
We’ve examined and lived with each Apple Watch launched for the reason that first era in 2015, which means we’re well-placed to inform you if one continues to be price contemplating.
We additionally replace our suggestions month-to-month based mostly on the newest rumors, updates, and proximity to anticipated releases.
Discover beneath to search out summaries of every Apple Watch and our purchasing and improve suggestions. And ensure you read our guide to the best Apple Watch alternatives.
How we advocate Apple Watch variations: The visitors gentle system
- Inexperienced = A wonderful Apple Watch that comes totally really useful for the following few years no less than
- Orange = Nonetheless a stable Apple Watch, however comes with a serious caveat (often associated to worth or software program assist)
- Pink = What was as soon as an incredible Apple Watch is now now not a viable possibility (often associated to a mixture of availability, worth, efficiency, or software program assist)
The following era: What Apple is more likely to launch in 2025
Under, we’ll use our visitors gentle system (outlined above) to ship a definitive advice about what Apple at the moment gives. Nonetheless, on condition that we’re now round three months from the annual September refresh, it’s important so as to add some context to our (principally) orange lights.
That is very true in 2025, with Apple reportedly making ready three new smartwatches for launch, in keeping with credible trade insiders. If it materializes, it could characterize probably the most important refresh since 2022, when each the unique Extremely and current-gen SE have been launched.
We gained’t delve into the specifics of what the upcoming era could function right here, however suffice it to say that this isn’t the perfect time to purchase a brand new Apple smartwatch. Usually, until you’ll find an incredible deal on one thing you’ve been eyeing and don’t thoughts lacking out on the newest tech, we advocate holding off.
The present Apple Watch era: Extremely 2, Sequence 10, SE 2
The 2024 Apple Watch refresh was barely underwhelming, with the model solely releasing an replace to the mid-range Sequence units. Meaning the complete current-gen lineup consists of fashions more likely to be refreshed in late 2025.
In consequence, our suggestions for the older fashions—Extremely 2 and SE 2—are much less simple. However on the plus aspect, their age does imply they’re obtainable at a reduction price in most areas.
Apple Watch Extremely 2
- Launch 12 months: 2023
- Anticipated improve date: September 2025
- Do you have to buy standing: Orange
Although the Apple Watch Extremely 2 wasn’t up to date in 2024, it stays the perfect Apple Watch expertise cash can purchase. It has a wholesome two-day battery life, the vary’s most sturdy and brilliant show, and simply boasts probably the most persona.
It’s additionally the most costly, and the massive, daring design gained’t swimsuit each wrist kind. It’s additionally anticipated to get replaced by an Apple Watch Ultra 3 in 2025. This ensured its worth lastly began cuts round financial savings holidays in 2024, however its reign on the prime could solely final one other 7 months.
It’s nonetheless really useful, as you’re getting a premium smartwatch that may stay appropriate with Apple’s annual software program updates. Nonetheless, it’s now one we’re leaning towards solely recommending at a lowered worth.
Apple Watch Sequence 10
- Launch 12 months: 2024
- Anticipated improve date: September 2025
- Do you have to buy standing: Orange
As with each fourth Apple Watch era, the Sequence 10 represents a (barely) new design path. That is the thinnest and lightest Apple Sequence smartwatch launched and has the largest (and most) edge-to-edge show but, much more than the Extremely 1/2.
It’s a significantly highly effective smartwatch, however the downside of single-day battery life stays the present mid-range possibility’s Achilles heel. The ultra-large show can be lots to deal with on the wrist, compounded by the truth that it’s solely obtainable in 42mm and 46mm case sizes.
Like each different Sequence gadget, that is the perfect Apple Look ahead to most individuals. It’ll additionally stay a prime gadget for a few years to come back, and, if Apple’s design philosophy holds, be the up-to-date look till the Sequence 13 is launched.
With all that stated, we’re now (on the time of writing) inside a number of months of the Sequence 11’s anticipated arrival, so we’ve added an orange label to this entry. It’s nonetheless a wonderful decide, however we wouldn’t blame anyone for ready till September.
Apple Watch SE 2
- Launch 12 months: 2022
- Anticipated improve date: September 2025
- Do you have to buy standing: Orange
The Apple Watch SE 2 is a curious case. Just like the Extremely 2, it was broadly anticipated to get an replace in 2024 however was passed over. Meaning this entry-level possibility nonetheless sports activities the identical design because the now-very-dated Sequence 4-6, moderately than the third iteration current within the Sequence 7-9.
Regardless of this and the identical poor, single-day battery life because the Sequence fashions, it surprisingly stays a really useful expertise. As I wrote after a re-test of the SE 2 in November 2024, it’s nonetheless able to operating watchOS 11 with out situation and offers you entry to all the superb fundamentals of iPhone integration.
Nonetheless, with a significant upgrade reportedly coming in a few months and the SE 2 unlikely to assist software program updates previous watchOS 12, it’s in all probability now not price taking a punt on.
The earlier Apple Watch era: Extremely, Sequence 9, SE
The earlier era of Apple Watch units are now not produced in factories, or offered in Apple shops.
Nonetheless, in some instances, they continue to be an excellent different to the newest releases. And third-party retailers are inclined to have loads of inventory within the first 12 months or two after discontinuation. This implies it will probably characterize among the best methods to economize on an Apple Watch and nonetheless get an expertise that may final years.
Apple Watch Extremely
- Launch 12 months: 2022
- Do you have to buy standing: Orange
- Do you have to improve to Extremely 2: No
As detailed in our comparison of Apple’s super outdoor smartwatches, the OG Apple Watch Extremely is extremely just like the Extremely 2. On paper, this makes it an incredible candidate for saving some money. Nonetheless, it’s not essentially that simple.
Now two years since its preliminary launch and a 12 months from its discontinuation, inventory ranges are usually fairly onerous to come back by. Even when you do handle to snag one, it’s not that less expensive than the Extremely 2 (which, as we coated above, is now starting to see worth cuts).
From a software program assist and value perspective, the Extremely continues to be really useful. Nonetheless, if the worth distinction is below $200, we propose selecting the Extremely 2 over it.
Due to the newer and extra highly effective chip, you’ll in all probability seize an additional 12 months of watchOS assist, plus extras like Double Faucet assist and the choice to pick out a black titanium case.
Apple Watch Sequence 9
- Launch 12 months: 2023
- Do you have to purchase standing: Inexperienced
- Do you have to improve to Sequence 10: No
The Sequence 9 is definitely probably the most simple advice of the last-gen fashions. It options the earlier design requirements — which means the general measurement is smaller and thicker and has no possibility for a titanium case — however we expect most individuals gained’t be capable of spot the distinction.
As we coated with the Sequence 10, the bigger general case footprint in each case sizes additionally gained’t swimsuit each wrist – so that is probably a win-win when you’re after an Apple Watch with a smaller profile.
Plus, it’s nonetheless highly effective sufficient to deal with the following few watchOS updates, and inventory ranges seem stable. We predict selecting it’s an apparent route to avoid wasting cash, however you may nonetheless weigh up all the differences between the Series 9 and Series 10 when you’re torn.
Apple Watch SE (2020)
- Launch 12 months: 2020
- Do you have to purchase standing: Pink
- Do you have to improve to SE 2: No
- Do you have to improve to Sequence 10/Extremely 2: Sure
With the newer Apple Watch SE 2 now on the sting of our suggestions, it will likely be no shock that we advise avoiding the unique SE (when you may even discover inventory).
When you have this mannequin, it’s time to improve. It now not helps the newest software program (watchOS 11), which suggests you’re lacking out on the newest options. Plus, the record of main {hardware} options launched since 2020 can be starting so as to add up.
Just like the SE 2, the design variations between the Sequence 7-9, Sequence 10, and Extremely 1/2 are large.
Improve information for older fashions: Sequence 0-8
This part contains the remainder of the Apple Watch generations launched since 2014. Other than refurbished fashions, the very fact these are now not manufactured means they’re nearly inconceivable to select up brand-new.
Nonetheless, with little or no have to improve Apple Watch year-on-year, you possible personal one of many units beneath and are contemplating whether or not it’s time to improve. Right here’s what we expect.
Apple Watch Sequence 8
- Launch 12 months: 2022
- Do you have to purchase standing: Orange
- Do you have to improve: No
The Sequence 8 isn’t a lot completely different from the Sequence 9, which itself isn’t an enormous downgrade from the Sequence 10 launched in 2024. The main exclusives you miss in comparison with the newer generations are Double Faucet, carbon-neutral designs, and the potential for a thinner/lighter case with a much bigger show.
But, this nonetheless has loads of life in it, and we wouldn’t take into account changing it till the Sequence 11 or Sequence 12 until you fancy a full swap to the Extremely 2. You would additionally do worse as an affordable second-hand buy, although it’s nearer to the top of its software program assist life than the beginning.
Apple Watch Sequence 7
- Launch 12 months: 2021
- Do you have to purchase standing: Orange
- Do you have to improve: No
The Sequence 7 lacks the temperature sensor within the Sequence 8, which powers extra insightful menstrual cycle monitoring, and people different upgrades talked about above. Nonetheless, on condition that it options the identical design as the 2 fashions that succeeded it, it nonetheless holds up most often.
Like with the Sequence 8, that is solely price upgrading in case you have your eye on the Extremely 2. And on condition that subsequent 12 months’s watchOS 12 improve will possible be the final main software program replace it will probably deal with, it’s not one we advocate shopping for second-hand with nice conviction.
Apple Watch Sequence 6
- Launch 12 months: 2020
- Do you have to purchase standing: Pink
- Do you have to improve: Start thinking about
With the Sequence 6 that includes the identical dated design because the SE line and virtually actually in its final 12 months of watchOS assist, it will get the thumbs-down from us.
In case you personal it, the very fact it will probably nonetheless run watchOS 11 means it’s (nearly) viable heading into 2025. Nonetheless, just like the SE 2, we advise contemplating your subsequent Apple Watch over the approaching 12 months.
Apple Watch Sequence 5
- Launch 12 months: 2019
- Do you have to purchase standing: Pink
- Do you have to improve: Sure
The Sequence 5 now not helps the newest software program and is lacking main {hardware} upgrades made during the last half-decade.
There’s no good purpose to purchase it these days, and you’ll expertise an enormous improve when you jumped to the Sequence 9-10 or Extremely 2.
Apple Watch Sequence 4
- Launch 12 months: 2018
- Do you have to purchase standing: Pink
- Do you have to improve: Sure
Used to debut ECG and the topic of the primary main redesign, the Sequence 4 is now very lengthy within the tooth. Just like the Sequence 5, it’s time to improve if that is nonetheless your each day driver.
In any case, it doesn’t even boast an always-on show.
Apple Watch Sequence 3
- Launch 12 months: 2017
- Do you have to purchase standing: Pink
- Do you have to improve: Sure
We will nonetheless keep in mind being wowed by the Sequence 3’s separate mobile capabilities – however solely faintly as a result of it was launched a lifetime in the past.
Do the appropriate factor and deal with your self to the Sequence 9-10, or maintain off till the SE 3 arrives.
Apple Watch Sequence 2
- Launch 12 months: 2016
- Do you have to purchase standing: Pink
- Do you have to improve: Sure
With watchOS 6 the final main software program replace the Sequence 2 may deal with, we’d be impressed when you’re nonetheless utilizing it for something aside from decorative causes.
Just like the Sequence 3, decide up the Sequence 9-10 or take into account ready for subsequent 12 months’s SE 3 for maximal software program assist.
Apple Watch Sequence 0/Sequence 1
- Launch 12 months: 2015
- Do you have to purchase standing: Pink
- Do you have to improve: Sure
Except you’re a collector, fanatic, or hoarder, there’s no purpose both of those ought to be in your possession – not to mention nonetheless in lively service.
If this was your sole Apple Watch expertise, you would technically improve to any and be higher off. Nonetheless, do your self a favor and decide up one in every of our green-lit suggestions.
