If you’re the owner of an iPhone, Apple Watch is one of the best accessories that money can buy. Originally released in 2015, the Apple Watch has an extensive amount of features that you can utilize, whether you’re an athlete or simply interested in the technology. To date, it’s said that over 100 million watches have been sold. With so many models available, it’s not easy to remember when each Apple Watch was released and what features it brought. Luckily, we’ve compiled every single Apple Watch release in chronological order, so take a look and explore the vast history of Apple’s most unique device.
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How Many Apple Watch Generations Have There Been?
In total, Apple has released 14 different Apple Watch generations. The first Apple Watch was released by Apple in 2014, and the company has released a new model almost yearly since. We’ve included each of the standard Apple Watch models on this list, in addition to the Special Edition (SE) and Ultra lines.
Every Apple Watch Generation in Order of Release
Apple Watch (1st generation) – April 24, 2015
It’s hard to believe that the first Apple Watch debuted almost ten years ago, but it’s true – Apple released the first Apple Watch in September 2015. This revolutionary device challenged what a watch could be, allowing users to track steps, heart rate, and more alongside utilizing the device for Apple Pay.
Apple Watch Series 1 – September 16, 2016
Apple Watch Series 1 introduced a dual-core processor to the device for the very first time, providing essentially double the power of the first-generation Apple Watch. The original model was extremely slow at times, and this new chipset alleviated that for the most part. Beyond this, the Series 1 is essentially the same device as the previous generation. This model was made as a refresh for those looking to enter the Apple Watch market at a cheaper price point.
Apple Watch Series 2 – September 16, 2016
Apple Watch Series 2 launched right alongside the Series 1 refresh, offering a few marginal improvements. First, the display is brighter than the prior two Apple Watch models, and this watch uses the same dual-core processor as the Series 1. The Series 2 also introduced GPS for the first time, which opened the door for users to jog or run without their iPhone for tracking. Additionally, the Series 2 provided water resistance for up to 50 meters, acting as the first Apple Watch to do so.
Apple Watch Series 3 – September 22, 2017
2017 brought the Apple Watch Series 3, and this model was the biggest leap forward for Apple Watch yet. A model with cellular connectivity was released, allowing users to take calls, text, and more without the need for an iPhone. Aditionally, the new S3 chip provided a massive performance gain over prior models, which allowed the Series 3 to be capable of much more than its predocessors.
Apple Watch Series 4 – September 21, 2018
Series 4 was a major redesign for Apple Watch, with Apple ditching the boxy style for a more rounded finish. Alongside this design change, the display was enlarged significantly, now stretching closer to the edges of the device. Apple added a new health sensor on the Series 4 that was capable of captured ECGs, a test utilized to determine abnormal heart rhythms.
Apple Watch Series 5 – September 20, 2019
In 2019, Apple released the feature-packed Apple Watch Series 5. This new model offered loads of new features, acting as a substantial upgrade from Series 4. Immediately, the first major feature was the addition of an always-on display, which allowed for the time of day to be displayed on your wrist at all times. Additionally, a new Compass app was added, which was capable of tracking things like elevation, direction, and more.
Apple Watch Series 6 – September 18, 2020
Apple Watch Series 6 was a major release in the health world. Series 6 added a Blood Oxygen sensor, which allows Apple Watch to calculate one’s blood oxygen levels in just a few seconds. Alongside this addition, Apple also added multiple features to assist in tracking sleep. You could track how many hours you slept, where you went into each phase, and more. Beyond this, the heart rate sensor was retooled, 5Ghz Wi-Fi support was added, and the display is over twice as bright as Series 5.
Apple Watch SE – September 18, 2020
The Apple Watch SE (Special Edition) was released in 2020, acting as a budget model of sorts compared to the standard Apple Watch Series 6. This device offered many of the same chips and technology that powered Series 6, but it lacked critical features and sensors to cut costs. For example, the Blood Oxygen sensor used on the Series 6 is not present on the SE, nor is the ECG feature. Overall, though, the SE was a great option for those looking to save on an Apple Watch.
Apple Watch Series 7 – October 15, 2021
The Apple Watch Series 7 was quite a major upgrade, as it shrunk the bezels significantly and stretched the display to edge-to-edge. Many new features and UI elements were made possible as a result, including a full size keyboard for the first time on Apple Watch. Durability was a major focus for this release, with IP6X dust resistance and a 50% thicker screen added. Series 7 also featured faster charging, although the battery life stayed put at 18 hours.
Apple Watch Series 8 – September 16, 2022
Apple Watch Series 8 offered plenty for new users and those looking to upgrade. First, Crash Detection was added, offering a way for Apple to instantly contact loved ones in the event of an accident. Additionally, a temperature sensor was added to track your temperature over time as you sleep. This sensor is also utilized to assist in tracking ovulation for women, which can detect changes in wrist temperature on the go.
Apple Watch SE 2 – September 16, 2022
Apple Watch SE 2 brough a refresh to the Apple Watch SE after two years. Overall, there are only a few minor upgrades from the Apple Watch SE, but the SE 2 is still an improvement. The main upgrade is a move to the newer S8 chip, offering a sizeable performance boost from the original SE model. Additionally, the SE 2 offers Crash Detection, which is powered by a new gyroscope. While this isn’t a major feature, it’s certainly nice to have as authorities and family members can be instantly notified if you are involved in an accident.
Apple Watch Ultra – September 23, 2022
Apple Watch Ultra was Apple’s take on the ultimate Apple Watch. This is a device that is capable in any environment, whether you’re on the bike, trail, or even underwater. Since it offers complete water resistance, you can take the device up to 130 feet underwater on a scuba dive. With the largest-ever display of 49mm, the Ultra offers extremely thin bezels with a rugged design. The Ultra boasts up to 36 hours of battery life off of a single charge, which is a massive step up from any prior Apple Watch. Overall, no previous Apple Watch compares to the abilities and offerings of the Ultra.
Apple Watch Series 9 – September 22, 2023
Powered by the S9 chip, the Apple Watch Series 9 boasts 60% more transistors than the S8, leading to over twice the amount of performance for certain functions. Series 9 introduced Gestures, such as Double Tap, which allow you to control actions on Apple Watch by simply moving your fingers. Additionally, the brightness of the display is drastically improved, with a peak of 2000 nits and a minimum of 1 nit for areas like a movie theater. Finally, a new health sensor was added that can track your temperature while you are asleep.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 – September 22, 2023
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offered a few key upgrades from the Apple Watch Ultra, starting with double the storage capacity. Additionally, the watch features a display that is 50% brighter than its predocessor, which is great for low light conditions. Besides these features, other new additions included on-board Siri, dual-band GPS, and increased water resistance.
When Is the Apple Watch Series 10 Coming Out?
As of now, we still do not have any concrete information from Apple on the Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch SE 3, or Apple Watch Ultra 3. It is expected that Apple will release all three sometime later in 2024, likely sometime in September. These models will likely release after the iPhone 16.
Currently, the Apple Watch Series 10, or Series X as it is rumored to be called, is said to bring multiple features only present on Apple Watch Ultra. This includes the Action Button, which is a programmable side button that you can set to any feature, such as turn on the flashlight. Additionally, a blood pressure monitor and sleep apnea feature are both rumored to appear on this year’s model.
Not much is known about either the Apple Watch SE 3 or Apple Watch Ultra 3. Though for the latter, it’s likely that all features from the Apple Watch Series X will carry over to the premium model.
