Apple Watch: Everything You Need to Know

Apple has upgraded its flagship Apple Watch wearable regularly since introducing the device in 2015. With all the naming conventions and other small changes, it can be hard to keep up with the latest Apple Watch info. Here's some basic Apple Watch information and more details about Apple's popular wearable device.

What Apple Watches Can I Buy?

Currently, Apple is officially selling several versions of the following models:

• Apple Watch Series 9
• Apple Watch Ultra 2
• Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
• Apple Watch Hermès

The below versions have been discontinued, but you may be able to find them from third-party retailers like Amazon and Adorama, often at a significant discount from their original prices.

• Apple Watch Series 8
• Apple Watch Ultra
• Apple Watch Series 7
• Apple Watch Series 6
• Apple Watch SE
• Apple Watch Series 5
• Apple Watch Series 4
• Apple Watch Series 3
• Apple Watch Series 2
• Apple Watch Series 1
• Apple Watch

Apple Watch Series 9

The Apple Watch Series 9 isn't a dramatic upgrade from the Series 8, but the introduction of watchOS 10 and a new S9 chip bring several new conveniences to your wrist.

One of the most buzzed-about features is the Double-Tap gesture that lets you interact with your watch by using your thumb and index finger. This function can come in handy when you need to answer calls or stop a timer without having to interact with the display.

The Series 9 also boasts an improved and more secure on-device Siri, easier location tracking if you misplace the watch, and a twice-as-bright screen compared to the Series 8. The base model starts at $399.

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Like the Apple Watch Series 9, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 debuted in September 2023 powered by the new S9 chip and watchOS 10. Similarly, most of what it offers mirrors the Series 9: double-tap gesturing and a brighter display (by 1,000 nits over the Ultra).

Where the Ultra 2 sets itself apart, however, is a longer battery life compared to other Apple Series models (36 hours versus the typical 18 and up to 72 in Low Power Mode), a modular watch face, and on-device Siri, who can help without Wi-Fi or cellular.

The Ultra 2 is also hardier than ever with a dive readiness of up to 140 feet and elevation detection from approximately -1,600 to 29,500 feet. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 carries over the Ultra's $799 starting price tag. 

Apple Watch Series 8

The Apple Watch Series 8 looked identical to the Series 7, but it included a new temperature sensor that offered even more information about your health. The Series 8 introduced data protection with end-to-end encryption, so no one (including Apple) can see it.

In addition to crash detection sensors, a Low Power mode doubled the standard 18-hour battery life to 36 hours by disabling some features like the always-on display.

The Apple Watch Series 8 was introduced in three different designs and in seven colors. The standard model started at $399, while the cellular model cost $499.

Apple Watch Ultra

The Apple Watch Ultra was intended for intense workout conditions, particularly for outdoor sports. It was built to be more durable, and it had a longer battery life than any other Apple Watch when it launched. The display was also the biggest and brightest of all Apple Watches.

The watch offered advanced tracking for activities like hiking and swimming, in addition to temperature monitoring. Made from military-grade materials, the Apple Watch Ultra can withstand extreme temperatures from -4 degrees to 131 degrees Fahrenheit.

This high-end smartwatch came with a hefty price tag of $799, with three straps for different conditions (Off-Road, Alpine, and Ocean).

Apple Watch SE 2

The Apple Watch SE 2 is nearly identical to its predecessor with one major innovation: a new set of sensors to detect when you've been in a car crash. As a result, your watch automatically sends alerts to your emergency contents and local emergency services in the event of an accident.

Additionally, the Apple Watch SE 2 is lighter-weight than the original model and has a 20 percent faster processor. Thanks to the new Low Power mode, you can add a few extra hours to the battery life.

With a starting price of $249, the Apple Watch SE 2 is ideal if you don't need all of the features in other models.

Apple Watch Series 7

The Apple Watch Series 7 introduced a new and improved operating system, watchOS 8, which included new workouts, a guided meditation app, and improved fall detection.

The display is 20 percent larger than older models, which allows space for a QWERTY keyboard. The crystal face cover is twice as thick as the Apple Watch Series 6, doubling its durability.

The Apple Watch Series 7 was released with the same price tag as previous models ($399).

Apple Watch Series 6

The Apple Watch Series 6 was unveiled in September 2020 with some notable new features, including a blood oxygen sensor and app for on-demand readings, new watch finishes, and the arrival of watchOS 7.

This OS added a slew of functions to the wearable, including Family Setup (which lets people use their iPhones to pair watches for children, older adults, and anyone who doesn't have an iPhone), sleep tracking, automatic handwashing detection, and much more.

Prices for the Apple Watch Series 6 started at $399.

Apple Watch SE

Also unveiled in September 2020, the Apple Watch SE was the least expensive model in the new lineup. It lacked a blood oxygen sensor, but provided high and low heart rate and irregular heart rhythm alerts. It also debuted with an optical heart sensor, but not an electrical one.

Like the Series 67, the SE shipped with watchOS7, which added a bunch of features from sleep tracking to automatic handwashing detection and Family Setup to allow family members without an iPhone to use an Apple Watch.

The Apple Watch SE with GPS started at $279, while cellular models started at $329.

Apple Watch Nike

The Apple Watch Nike was a variant of the Apple Watch 6 and SE, with many of the same features and options. Its main selling point was that it has the Nike+ Run Club app preinstalled, making it an ideal choice for serious runners.

It also featured a variety of special Nike watch faces optimized for the always-on Retina display. The Apple Watch Nike started at $399.

Apple Watch Hermès

The Apple Watch Hermès is another variant, the result of a partnership with the famous French design house, and it's a gorgeous smartwatch. The Apple Watch Hermès first launched as part of the Series 6 lineup. It's now available for the Series 9, so you'll have the same feature and options and a variety of finishes and designer bands.

Starting at $1,249, this isn't an inexpensive option, but it's certainly stylish.

Apple Watch Series 5

The Apple Watch Series 5 was unveiled in September 2019, introducing a host of new features and functionality that have carried on to the Apple Watch 6 and SE. It debuted the always-on Retina display; the new Noise app, which helps protect your hearing; and dozens of options for customizing your new wearable in Apple Watch Studio.

Series 5 carried over many Series 4 features, such as fall detection, Siri, a compass, and a ground elevation sensor to provide enhanced data about your workouts. A second-generation optical-electrical heart sensor and EGC app were also introduced.

Since the Series 5 Apple Watch has been discontinued, prices will vary depending on what third-party reseller you find.

Apple Watch Edition

The Apple Watch Edition was a special Apple Watch variant that appeared in the Apple Watch Series 3 and 5 lines. It featured an elegant ceramic body as well as a titanium option. This variant has been discontinued, but you may be able to find some on third-party sites.

The Apple Watch Edition was the original high-end version of the Apple Watch and was primarily intended for watch collectors. The original version was configurable up to $17,000 depending on the size and band choice.

Apple Watch Series 3

The Apple Watch Series 3 was released in September 2017 with watchOS 4. Its flagship feature was the availability of cellular connectivity for an additional cost. Series 3 Watches feature 38 mm and 42 mm sizes and are 11.4 mm thick. It boasted fitness features, heart-rate monitoring, sports tracking, and more.

Apple no longer sells the Series 3 Apple Watches, which started at $199 and came in Silver Aluminum, Space Gray, with a variety of bands.

Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2

Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2 were both introduced in fall 2016. Series 1 was an original Apple Watch, with an updated processor for additional speed. It supported brief encounters with water from rain or washing hands but wasn't intended to be submerged.

Series 2, however, was the first Apple Watch that officially supported use in water, featuring water resistance up to 50 meters and fitness tracking for swimming.

Series 1 and Series 2 were available in two sizes: 38 mm and 42 mm. Series 1 was 10.5 mm thick, while Series 2 was 11.4 mm thick. These models have been discontinued.

Apple Watch

The original Apple Watch didn't have a series number but was available in three models: Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport, and Apple Watch Edition.

Apple Watch Sport was the lowest-cost model and featured an aluminum body. Apple Watch was the premium version, made out of stainless steel. Apple Watch Edition was made from 18-karat gold. There was no differentiation in features beyond body material.

Apple announced the first Apple Watch in September 2014, and it became available for purchase in spring 2015.