How to choose between the three Apple Watches currently on sale at Apple?
Most of the Apple Watch features released over the past four years have been pretty much the same, except for the ultra-durable Apple Watch Ultra. The same watchOS system looks and works similarly, with the same 18 hours of battery life. Therefore, the main factors in choosing a new Apple Watch are the updated appearance, screen, health monitoring features, etc.
How to choose between the three Apple Watches currently on sale at Apple?
Apple currently sells three Apple Watches. Below we will detail the differences between the Series 9, Ultra 2, and the 2nd generation SE.
How to choose between the three Apple Watches currently on sale at Apple?
Apple Watch Series 9
Very similar to the Series 8 released last year (the Series 8 is in turn very similar to the Series 7). The Series 9 has the same look, screen, battery life, and is priced at the same price as the Series 8. In addition to a more powerful and faster processor, the Series 9's main differences are the addition of a new "pin-and-click" feature (which is only available on iPhone 15 series models), a brighter display, and some basic one-handed operations with a "double tap."
If you currently have a Series 7 or Series 8, it doesn't make much sense to upgrade to a Series 9.
How to choose between the three Apple Watches currently on sale at Apple?
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Released in 2022, it is a brand new Apple Watch. In 2023, Apple gave it a slight upgrade with the launch of the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Ultra 2 is the largest, brightest, most rugged, most powerful, longest-lasting, and most expensive Apple Watch Apple Watch ever released. It's a smartwatch designed for extreme athletes and adventurous people, including recreational divers, and of course, the Ultra 2 is also a great option for those who want to have Apple's best smartwatch (or simply because you want a very large display).
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is Apple's best and most powerful smartwatch out there, but it's also the most expensive. So before you buy, you need to be sure you're going to be using these extra features. Otherwise, it is enough to simply buy a Series 9. If you just bought an Ultra last year, it doesn't make much sense to upgrade to the Ultra 2, as the two watches have almost the same features.
How to choose between the three Apple Watches currently on sale at Apple?
Apple Watch SE 2 (第二代)
Very similar to the first generation SE released in 2020, it has the same look, how it is used, and most of its features. The main difference of the new Apple Watch SE is that it comes with a faster processor and offers new color options, while the starting price is also reduced to 1999 yuan. However, compared to the Series 8, the SE still lacks an always-on display and many health monitoring features, such as the inability to track a woman's cycle or her sleep.
This is a great choice for first-time smartwatch buyers, and it is also the best value for money Apple Watch.
How to choose between the three Apple Watches currently on sale at Apple?
Are other Apple Watch models worth buying?
Apple has currently discontinued all older Apple Watch models such as the 2022 Series 8 and 2017 Series 3 because these watches are outdated in terms of performance, speed, and appearance.
Apple Watch Ultra (第一代)
The Apple Watch Ultra (1st generation) has almost identical features to Ultra 2, except that it lacks some newer features such as double-tap on-screen gesture controls, pinpoint functionality, and Siri handling on the device. Also, its display isn't as bright as the Ultra 2.
If the price is very right, then the first-generation Ultra is still a great smartwatch that is worth buying.
How to choose between the three Apple Watches currently on sale at Apple?
Apple Watch Series 8
If you want a full-featured and affordable Apple Watch, then the Series 8 is a great choice. It has almost all the latest features and is able to meet the daily needs of most users.
How to choose between the three Apple Watches currently on sale at Apple?
Apple Watch Series 6
Released in 2020, it features a continuous display, a blood oxygen sensor, and an altimeter. In addition, it comes with a faster processor as well as a slightly brighter display. If you're thinking about buying a Series 6 or SE, the main difference is whether you need a solid display or not. Apple no longer sells the Series 6, but you can shop for it on second-hand platforms.
How to choose between the three Apple Watches currently on sale at Apple?
Apple Watch SE (第一代)
Much like the Series 6, the two have the same size display, most of the same sensors (including gyroscope, compass, fall detection, and altimeter), and the same battery life. The difference is that the SE lacks a solid display and two sensors for monitoring health: an ECG sensor (which makes it impossible to perform an ECG) and a blood oxygen sensor.
This one is really not recommended to buy, and if you want to buy an entry-level Apple Watch, it is recommended to go for the new SE (released in 2022).
How to choose between the three Apple Watches currently on sale at Apple?
Apple Watch Series 5
The main highlight of the Series 5 is that it is the first Apple Watch to feature a continuous display. However, this feature is no longer unusual, as the new Apple Watch also comes with a continuous display and is even more featured. The SE has an ECG and an optical heart rate sensor to be able to perform ECGs, but lacks the blood oxygen sensor of the new Apple Watch. Apple has been discontinuing the Series 5 for two years, so it's hard to find the watch.
It would be better to opt for the Series 8 or the new SE, the Series 5 is outdated and is not recommended to buy.
How to choose between the three Apple Watches currently on sale at Apple?
Apple Watch Series 4
It was the first redesigned Apple Watch with a larger display and narrower bezels, and the appearance was the same as that of the Series 5, SE and Series 6 that followed. Like the Series 5, the Series 4 has been obsolete for a few years. The Series 4 is outdated.
How to choose between the three Apple Watches currently on sale at Apple?
Apple Watch Series 3
Apple officially discontinued the Series 3 in the fall of 2022. This smartwatch, which was released six years ago, has an outdated design and looks very old. It comes with built-in GPS as well as an optical heart rate sensor for basic fitness tracking, but it lacks an altimeter and a built-in compass, so it may not be suitable for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Series 3 is only available in a GPS version.
The Series 3 is outdated and doesn't run the latest watchOS well.
How to choose between the three Apple Watches currently on sale at Apple?
All in all, whether or not you should upgrade your Apple Watch depends on the model of watch you currently have and the features you want. If you own an Apple Watch released in 2017 or earlier, the upgrade is a noticeable boost. If you own an Apple Watch that was released in 2018 or 2019, upgrading to a new watch can still make some difference. If you have an Apple Watch released in 2020 or 2021, upgrading to a new watch may not be much of a need.