Since its debut in 2015, the Apple Watch has undergone a remarkable transformation. What began as a fashionable extension of your iPhone is now a must-have wearable packed with health features, productivity tools, and smart integrations. In this article, we explore the evolution of the Apple Watch—from Series 1 to Series 10—and what the future might hold.
Apple Watch Evolution: From Series 1 to 10 and What’s Next
The Apple Watch was the first new product line launched by Tim Cook. When he unveiled it in April 2015, it ushered in a new era for the tech behemoth as it entered the then-fledgling smartwatch/wearables market.
The purpose of the Apple Watch was to help free people from their iPhones while still giving them a way to stay connected to the important stuff they need in this digital age. It was poised to be a device that couldn’t be used for hours like smartphones.
Instead, it would filter out the noise and only serve essential information. This was a revolutionary step forward because Apple had, till then, spent three decades pioneering devices that held our attention for as long as possible.
Therefore, right from the outset, the Apple Watch was conceptualized as a device that would help us stay connected in less invasive ways than our smartphones. Since then, each iteration has increased the focus on improving health and wellness. Let’s look at the changes over the years:
Apple Watch Series 1 (2015): The Bold Beginning
The Apple Watch broke away from the company’s usual practice of offering a narrow range of product options. Instead, the first Apple Watch had three variants: Sport, Watch, and Edition.
Although the aluminum $349 Sport performed precisely the same functions as the premium $17,000 Edition made of 18-carat gold, they were very different products targeted at distinct users.
Apple took cues from the watch industry to offer personalization and options for various tastes and budgets. Thus, it offered different sizes, materials, bands, and internal customization through watch faces and complications.
Fun fact: If you’ve ever wondered why the widgets on the Apple Watch are called “complications,” it’s a term used in high-end watchmaking that refers to the functions a watch performs beyond telling the hour and minute.
All three variants came in 38mm and 42mm sizes and had Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities. Features included a digital crown, digital touch, force touch, multi-touch, and a side button. The device also had a heart rate sensor and was, of course, designed to integrate with iOS.
The other features were either Apple-specific, such as Siri, FaceTime, etc., or specially designed for functionality. The latter included an email reader (Read Mail), a GPS-directed travel buddy (Transit), and health and fitness trackers.
However, these features could quickly drain the watch’s battery, defeating the purpose. Although it was possible to set the Apple Watch to basic watch mode when charging, it interrupted fitness tracking, disrupting the user experience.
Another issue with the Apple Watch that prevails to date is its dependence on maintaining a reliable connection with the paired iPhone. This led to the assumption that the watch was an unnecessary extra device if you had to carry your iPhone around with you anyway.
Series 2 (2016): GPS and Water Resistance
The 2016 version of the Apple Watch came with some key improvements. Perhaps the most important was the addition of GPS, which means you could use it for navigation even when you didn’t have your iPhone.
While the fitness tracking features remained the same, the second-generation Apple Watch was also water-resistant up to 50 meters, so you could wear it while swimming. It also had a brighter display and a faster processor. Unfortunately, the short battery life prevailed.
Series 3 (2017): The Breakout Hit
2017 was the year that Apple Watch finally took off in popularity and cemented its place as more than just an iPhone add-on. The Series 3 is the oldest Apple Watch (still in production in 2021 and available at various price points).
It was a considerable step forward from the Series 2 with the faster Apple S3 processor, updated Bluetooth connectivity, more RAM, and a Siri that can speak (like on the iPhone), not just respond to commands.
Moreover, it comes in two models, one with GPS and cellular and one with GPS. Both have a barometric altimeter to provide even greater navigation capabilities. The cellular version can also make phone calls if the watch is on the same phone plan as an iPhone.
Series 4 (2018): Redesign and ECG
September 2018 gave us the Apple Watch Series 4 in various styles with different materials, straps, and sizes. For instance, you could get a 40mm gray aluminum case with a matching strap or opt for something bigger and brighter with a 44mm gold case and pink strap.
In addition to the customizable exterior, the Apple Watch has a powerful 64-bit Dual-Core processor chip inside. This significantly increases the speed and smoothness of the watchOS, making it capable of running more sophisticated apps. This improved functionality further enhances the Apple Watch’s position as a necessary device rather than just a superfluous accessory.
Other improvements in the Apple Watch 4 included better Bluetooth, enhanced movement and location meters (including a gyroscope, accelerometer, and altimeter), and more advanced health and fitness tracking. It introduced fall detection, a potentially life-saving function for older adults.
The highlight was the heart-monitoring tech, which included electrocardiogram testing called ECG. Typically, such electrocardiograms are done in hospitals using a ten-pad electrical node. The Apple Watch achieves this by using a single-lead node, offering critical health data.
The American Heart Association has also supported, albeit not endorsed, this ECG app because it can potentially speed up diagnosing and treating heart conditions and forewarn cardiac emergencies.
Series 5 (2019): Always-On Display
The highlight of the Apple Watch Series 5 was its Always-on display, which didn’t have any other significant changes. The always-on display allowed you to flaunt the watch face and complications you customized. Although battery life was an issue, it could be conserved because the display would automatically tune down to an ambient setting when you weren’t looking at it.
Ceramic and titanium cases, available in two sizes, 40 mm and 44 mm, were new additions to the aluminum and stainless steel options.
Series 6 and SE (2020): Wellness Meets Affordability
The latest Apple Watch, Series 6, is the ultimate smartwatch for a healthy life. It’s available in stainless steel, titanium, and 100% recycled aluminum with an always-on retina display. It’s water-resistant up to 165 feet and includes a blood oxygen monitor.
Apple Watch SE – Pocket-friendly:
The Apple Watch SE launched alongside the Apple Watch Series 6, offered similar features at a lower price. It’s equipped with an S5 chipset, whereas the Series 6 comes with the latest S6 chipset.
Apart from this, it misses out on the always-on display, ECG, and blood oxygen monitor. But this does not stop it from being one of the best wearables you can get, especially for fitness tracking. Further, the single-loop silicon or braided yarn bands add a contemporary look.
Series 7 (2021): Bigger Display, Better Durability
Released in September 2021, the Series 7 got a crisp edge-to-edge display. The 41mm and 45mm displays boasted 40% smaller in size, increasing the visible screen by 20%. Moreover, it’s 70% brighter when in always-on mode. Thanks to the increased real estate, we got features like:
- A full-sized QWERTY on-screen keyboard
- Calculator buttons are now larger
- Text messages display
Furthermore, Apple made this model more robust and dust-resistant, with IP6X certification. The model also comes with three different build materials: aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium.
Apple has used a new S7 SiP processor and the same core CPU as Series 6. Therefore, the display capabilities, fall detection, and other features are enhanced to the next level. Also, you will see an optimized battery with 33% quicker charging. Hence, the Apple Watch can track eight hours of sleep with just eight minutes of charging and reach 80% within 45 minutes.
Series 8 and SE 2 (2022): Temperature and Safety
The Apple Watch Series 8 launched on September 7, 2022, with many new features. The new temperature sensor in the Apple Watch Series 8 vows to improve women’s health. According to Apple, sensors on the watch’s bottom and just under the touchscreen can detect temperature changes as little as 0.1 degrees Celsius every 5 seconds.
The advanced cycle tracking feature provides nearly accurate ovulation estimations. Therefore, the new automated retroactive ovulation alerts will be helpful for couples in family planning. Changes to the cycle tracking app in WatchOS 9 and iOS 16 will also alert users to irregular menstrual cycles.
Apple highlighted that all data is end-to-end encrypted. Another new feature of the Apple Watch Series 8 is crash detection. Apple has added two new motion sensors, accelerometers and gyroscopes, to determine whether you’ve been in a severe vehicle accident. The watch can gauge the force of any vehicle’s frontal, side, rear, and roll-over collision. All crash detection data will be stored only on your watch.
Apple Watch is also adopting an advanced Low Power Mode. This mode disables features like the always-on display and only allows emergency services and other essential functions. Thus, the battery life will be extended by up to 36 hours overall. On Series 4 and subsequent Watches, the mode will be accessible in watchOS 9.
The price of a Series 8 Watch, which comes in a wide variety of new hues and bands, is $399 for regular Wi-Fi and $499 for cellular plus Wi-Fi.
Apple Watch SE 2:
The second-generation Apple Watch SE provides all essential Apple Watch functionality at a lower cost. Apple has developed a new nylon composite material to match the rear cover’s color: Midnight, Starlight, and Silver. The S8 processor and motion sensors, like the Apple Watch Series 8, will make the Apple Watch SE 2 20% quicker and include crash detection functionality.
The SE 2 will also allow international roaming by linking up with an iPhone’s roaming plan. The original SE 2’s usual features, including the Retina OLED display, optical heart rate sensor, fall detection, emergency SOS, and 50-meter water resistance, are still present.
Parents who want a means to contact school-aged kids without committing to an iPhone often choose the SE’s cellular version. Apple revealed that the new SE would have the Family Setup feature. So you can connect multiple Apple Watches to your iPhone. The SE 2 has a 30% larger display than the Series 3.
The new SE will be $30 less expensive than the original SE at $249 for the GPS variant and $299 for the cellular one.
Apple Watch Ultra (2022): The Adventure Watch
The ultimate rugged high-end Apple Watch Ultra has started a new era in Apple Watch history. The watch debuts a unique style with a larger display and 49mm titanium casing, specially made for outdoor activities and exploration. The display is 2,000 nits bright and has a sapphire crystal for more visibility.
For outdoor sportsmen, the buttons and crowns must function with gloves on. So, Apple has updated the digital crown with night mode and added a new Action button on the side with multiple functionalities. Besides, it offers up to 36 hours of standard battery life.
Also, the upcoming battery optimization will extend the battery by over 60 hours with GPS and heart rate monitoring. Apple has enhanced the dual GPS with a brand-new L1+L5 frequency. Additionally, you can use the WayFinder feature to start a trackback route and alert others using the 86-decibel Siren.
Besides on-ground adventures and sports, Apple Watch Ultra is also equipped for scuba diving. It features WR 100 water resistance and EN 13319 certification. When underwater, a new depth app called Oceanic+ immediately displays the time, depth, and temperature. The best part is all the diving data will be stored for future reference.
Along with all the existing features, you will get three new band options: Alpine, Trail, and Ocean. They are made to withstand “extended runs, harsh falls, and rippling currents” and are tailored to various settings. The Apple Watch Ultra starts at $799.
Series 9 and Ultra 2 (2023): Smarter and More Sustainable
Apple Watch Series 9 launched on September 12, 2023, with the next generation S9 SiP, making it the most potent in history. It has a new dual-core CPU housing 5.6 billion transistors. So, it’s 60% faster compared to the Series 8. Also, the new four-core Neural Engine processes machine learning tasks 2x quickly.
This advancement enabled the new Double Tap gesture to control the watch with only one hand. In terms of display, the size is the same, 1.9 inches; only the screen is 2000 nits brighter, two times more than before. So you can easily read the display outside in the sun. Additionally, the display can dim to just 1 nit, which is ideal for low-light settings like a movie theater.
Moreover, Apple has upgraded Siri to process requests quicker and more securely only on your device. You can ask Siri about your health information and dictate to record your health details. Additionally, Siri’s dictation is up to 25% more accurate.
Thanks to the second-generation Ultra Wideband processor, you can integrate your Apple Watch with your HomePod and control it. It also brought another great feature: Precision Finding. The Series 9 watch can navigate you in the direction of your iPhone’s location. When you draw near, haptic stimulation, an auditory chirp, and a visual cue assist you in finding it.
Overall, the Apple Watch Series 9 brings more convenience for daily activities, especially with the incredible watchOS 10. The best thing is that the Apple Watch Series 9 comes with the first carbon-neutral watch case and band set. Series 9 costs the same as Series 8: $399 for GPS and $499 for GPS+cellular. However, if you choose a stainless steel watchcase, the price goes up to $699.
Apple Watch Ultra 2:
With the Apple Watch Ultra, we have already witnessed the highest capabilities a smartwatch can reach. Apple advanced the Ultra lineup further this year. Apple Watch Ultra 2 is powered by the brand-new S9 SiP, supporting the Double Tap gesture. While the design and build are the same, the display is 3000 nits brighter.
Also, Night Mode now turns on automatically in the dark. Additionally, a brand-new watch face displays dynamic information along the borders, such as altitude, depth, or seconds. Watch Ultra 2’s case is more rigid than the previous model’s and has MIL-STD 810H certification, 100m water resistance, and IP6X dust resistance.
Besides, the Low Power mode offers up to 72 hours of battery life. Sports enthusiasts can also take advantage of Ultra 2’s enhanced activity tracking and precise dual-frequency GPS. You can connect to cycling gear like power meters and monitor your cycling sessions as a Live Activity on your iPhone.
Moreover, Apple has tested this rugged watch at -20 ° C to 55° C temperature and 0 -500m to 9000m altitude to withstand the harshest environment. Similar to Series 9, you may select a carbon-neutral case and band set. The price of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the same: $799.
Series 10 (2024): A Decade of Innovation
The Apple Watch Series 10 was introduced in September of 2024 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch. It has a wide body design, which is thinner and lighter than previous versions. The Apple Watch now comes in two new sizes, 42mm and 46mm, with its largest display to date. The LTPO3 OLED display is incredibly bright and easy to read in direct sunlight.
In terms of color options, Apple added Jet Black, Silver, and Rose Gold in aluminum and Natural, Gold, and Slate in titanium. The Series 10 is packed with health features, including sleep apnea detection, heart monitoring, and improved fall detection. Apple also integrated a new water temperature sensor and depth gauge, so it’s ideal for water sports enthusiasts!
Internally, the new S10 chip makes the watch faster and smoother. The battery life is still approximately 18 hours, but it charges much faster than before (0-80% in 30 minutes). The improved Ultra-Wideband chip offers additional convenient features such as double-tap gestures and better location tracking.
Overall, the Apple Watch Series 10 is a solid upgrade. Compared to the Series 9, the overall design may feel very similar to that of a previous Apple watch, but with upgrades in design, speed, and health features, it is worth a glance.
What’s Next for the Apple Watch in 2025?
By the end of 2025, we can expect three new Apple Watches—Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3—with some exciting updates.
The Apple Watch Series 11 may potentially have a blood pressure monitoring feature. It might not give exact readings, but it will help users track changes and spot possible issues. A faster S11 chip and better battery life with display improvements are also expected.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 will likely focus on outdoor use. It may include satellite texting, which is great for hiking or traveling in remote areas. Like Series 11, it could have blood pressure tracking and faster 5G RedCap support.
The budget-friendly Apple Watch SE 3 might get a new look, possibly with a plastic casing. It could also include an updated chip and maybe some health features like sleep tracking—making it a great deal.
Overall, Apple is expected to improve health tools, connectivity, and design across all models to make the Apple Watch more useful than ever.
Time flies!
From a luxury accessory to a fitness-focused tech companion, the Apple Watch has evolved into a vital part of the Apple ecosystem. Each model becomes more essential, especially for health-conscious and active users.
Whether you’re considering an upgrade or exploring what’s ahead, the Apple Watch continues to define what a smartwatch should be.
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