The Apple Watch, which started as a tech/fashion accessory and evolved into a health and fitness devices, is the world’s most popular smartwatch. It can handle a wide variety of the iPhone’s most popular functions — alerts, phone calls, playing music, etc. — and also track a user’s heart rate, sleep patterns and other health-related metrics.
It is an “incredibly accurate timepiece, an intimate and immediate communication device and a groundbreaking health and fitness companion,” Apple said at the product’s launch.
Apple CEO Tim Cook unveiled the original Apple Watch on September 9, 2014, calling it “the most personal device we’ve ever created.” But then the company made anxious consumers wait seven months for the first Apple Watch’s launch on April 24, 2015. With fancy showcases and a $17,000 gold model (called Apple Watch Edition), Apple focused on fashion.
From the very beginning, Apple Watch straps came in a wide variety of colors and were constructed from an array of materials. Plus, they were easily interchangeable, so someone could, for instance, wear a comfortable silicone Apple Watch band during a sweaty gym session, then switch to something much more luxurious for a dinner date.
Additionally, users can customize watch faces, manage notifications and install apps tailored to their preferences, using Apple’s Watch app on the iPhone.
Like the iPhone, the Apple Watch utilizes a touchscreen for most interactions. Apple Watch owners also can use Siri voice commands.
Digital Crown and Taptic Engine
The Apple Watch also introduced several innovative features that set it apart from traditional timepieces. The Digital Crown, a small knob on the side of the watch that doubles as a push button, lets users scroll, zoom and interact with the interface without obstructing the display. The Taptic Engine provides subtle haptic feedback, notifying users of incoming notifications or providing prompts during workouts.
When the Apple Watch was released on April 24, 2015, it was met with both excitement and skepticism. Critics questioned its utility and wondered if it would become a niche gadget. However, consumers quickly embraced its sleek design, customizable interface, and array of features.
Apple Watch is fully integrated with other Apple devices, particularly the iPhone (which is required to use the smartwatch). Apple Watch can, for instance, be used to unlock a Mac. This seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem helped solidify the device’s place in the market. It quickly became the bestselling smartwatch in the world.
watchOS: The Apple Watch operating system
Just as the iPhone runs on iOS, the Apple Watch runs on watchOS. Apple upgrades the operating system every year, adding features exclusive to new devices as well some for older models. New versions of watchOS typically add new Apple Watch faces as well.
watchOS 1 powered the original Apple Watch. It included nearly two dozen stock apps, including Activity, Alarm, Calendar, Camera Remote, Mail, Maps, Messages, Music, Passbook (which will become Wallet in later versions), Phone, Photos, Remote, Settings, Siri, Stocks, Stopwatch, Timer, Weather, Workout and World Clock.
Key additions over the years include:
Home App, Scribble, Emergency SOS and the Breath app (watchOS 3).
Redesigned Music and Workout apps (watchOS 4).
Podcasts app and Walk-Talkie (watchOS 5).
Cycle Tracking, Noise, Calculator and Voice Memos apps, plus a new App Store for Apple Watch apps (watchOS 6).
Blood Oxygen app for Apple Watch Series 6 models, Activity app renamed to Fitness, plus new Memoji app and automatic handwashing detection (watchOS 7).
Crash Detection and Ovulation apps for Apple Watch Series 8 models (watchOS 9).
Double tap gesture for Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 (watchOS 10).
Apple Watch models
Apple Watch (1st generation)
Released on April 24, 2015, the original Apple Watch came in three models: the entry-level Apple Watch Sport with an aluminum body, the “regular” Apple Watch with a stainless steel casing and the Apple Watch Edition with a gold body, which cost $10,000-plus. All came with a built-in heart rate sensor powered by infrared and visible-light LEDs and photodiodes.
Apple’s first wearable introduced the Digital Crown and the Taptic Engine for subtle taps on the wearer’s wrist. It ran apps and allowed notifications, and offered health- and fitness-tracking capabilities. It allowed customization through Apple Watch faces and a variety of Apple Watch bands. However, the underpowered single-core S1 chip in the first-gen Apple Watch led to laggy performance.
Sizes: 38mm and 42mm
Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2
Both released on September 16, 2016, these second-gen Apple Watch models benefited from upgraded processors that improved performance. The Series 1 ran on the Apple S1P, a variant of the dual-core Apple S2 chip with the processor’s GPS capability removed. It also added water resistance for swimming.
Apple Watch Series 2 ran on the Apple S2 with GPS enabled for for tracking outdoor workouts. It came with a brighter display and water resistance up to 50 meters. An Apple Watch Series 2 Edition model came with a white ceramic case.
Sizes: 38mm and 42mm
Apple Watch Series 3
Unveiled on September 22, 2017, Apple Watch Series 3 ran on a dual-core Apple S3 chip and came with an altimeter for tracking elevation. A variant with LTE cellular connectivity via an innovative eSIM allowed calls and streaming of Apple Music tracks and podcasts.
Sizes: 38mm and 42mm
Apple Watch Series 4
Announced on September 21, 2018, Apple Watch Series 4 brought the smartwatch’s first big redesign. Thinner bezels meant a bigger display, and the overall design was streamlined. The display was also much brighter than previous models. A new sensor worked with the ECG app to enable electrocardiograms. (Apple received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the watch’s ECG feature.)
With Apple’s S4 chip, a 64-bit dual-core processor, Series 4 also gained a performance boost. The smartwatch’s improved accelerometer and gyroscope boosted fitness tracking. And a new fall-detection feature could automatically call emergency features if the wearer suffered a fall.
Sizes: 40mm and 44mm
Apple Watch Series 5
Unveiled on September 10, 2019, during Apple’s “By Innovation Only” event, the Apple Watch Series 5 was the first model to feature an always-on Retina display. Clever animations allowed apps to “activate” when the watch was lifted, conserving battery power when the watch was lowered. A more energy-efficient Apple S5 chip brought better performance. And a built-in compass appealed to the outdoors crowd. Apple also added an International Emergency Calling feature for cellular models.
Apple Watch Series 5 Edition models arrived in three case options: ceramic and two titanium finishes (natural and space black).
Apple Watch Series 6
Released on September 15, 2020, during Apple’s “Time Flies” event, the Apple Watch Series 6 added a new sensor capable of monitoring the wearer’s blood oxygen saturation (SpO2). Coming at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was a perfect health-related feature.
The Apple S6 chip brought increased performance, while the Apple U1 chip enabled support for ultra-wideband technology for short-range communication with other compatible devices. The always-on display was 2.5 times brighter than the one in Series 5. Apple Watch Series 6 also added an always-on altimeter, 5 GHz Wi-Fi support and faster charging.
Sizes: 40mm and 44mm
Apple Watch SE
A budget model also released on September 18, 2020, the first-gen Apple Watch SE ran on the Series 5’s S5 chip. It lacked key features such as an always-on display, ECG and blood oxygen sensors, and support for ultra-wideband and 5 GHz Wi-Fi.
Sizes: 40mm and 44mm
Apple Watch Series 7
Released on October 15, 2021, Apple Watch Series 7 boasted a larger, more durable display with even thinner bezels. It added faster charging, slightly longer battery life and anIP6X dust-resistance rating.
Sizes: 41mm and 45mm
Apple Watch Series 8
Announced at Apple’s Far Out event on September 7, 2022, Apple Watch Series 8 added a new temperature sensor to power women’s health features like cycle tracking and ovulation estimates. It runs on a faster Apple SP8 chip and also adds more precise accelerometers, and a new Crash Detection feature that can call authorities after a car or motorcycle accident.
Sizes: 41mm and 45mm
Apple Watch Ultra
Also announced at the Far Out event, Apple Watch Ultra is a beefier model aimed at endurance athletes. A larger titanium case (49mm) with a flat front crystal makes it look more like a rugged sports watch. A brighter display proves better for outdoor activities.
A new Action button, which can trigger a specified app or function with a single touch, makes it easier to use in certain situations (like when wearing ski gloves or underwater). Integrated multi-band GPS, a water temperature sensor and a built-in siren also appeal to outdoor adventurers.
Size: 49mm
Apple Watch SE (second generation)
The final of three smartwatches unveiled at the Far Out event, the second-gen Apple Watch SE also runs on the SP8 chip and offers Crash Detection thanks to advanced accelerometers. However, the updated budget model does not feature an always-on display, a temperature sensor or ECG capabilities.
Sizes: 40mm and 44mm
Apple Watch Series 9
Announced at Apple’s “Wonderlust” event on September 12, 2023, the Apple Watch Series 9 runs on a more-efficient Apple S9 chip with a faster GPU and Neural Engine that enable on-device Siri. The main addition is a new “double tap” gesture: When the wearer taps a thumb and forefinger together, it’s as if they tapped the watch’s touchscreen. Series 9 also added a second-generation UWB chip for increased range and precision.
Sizes: 41mm and 45mm
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Also unveiled at the Wonderlust event, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 packs an even brighter display (up to 3,000 nits) as well as the new S9 chip for on-device Siri. The design remains the same, as do many of the rugged watch’s capabilities.
Eleven states or territories, including Georgia, are fully on board. Image: Georgia Department of Driver Services
When will you be able to add your driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet on your iPhone? In the United States, it varies by where you live. It’s not up to Apple: Each state and territory maintains a completely independent registry of drivers and identification cards, so each one must independently pass legislation and implement digital IDs.
If you live in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio or Puerto Rico, you can do it today. (Our guide will show you how to add your driver’s license to Apple Wallet.) Otherwise, check our map and lists below to see how likely your state is to let you add your ID to Apple Wallet, and when it might happen.
Get a gorgeous state ID in Apple Wallet. Image: Apple
In several states, Apple’s digital ID initiative enables iPhones and Apple Watch to hold a digital copy of the user’s driver’s license, in the same way these devices store credit cards and airline tickets.
The day when an iPhone can completely take the place of an old-fashioned wallet is still years away, but it’s a goal Apple is working toward. Apple Pay is making progress on replacing credit cards, you can put airline tickets in the Wallet app, and the same goes for loyalty cards.
But no wallet is complete unless it can hold a driver’s license. And that’s where Apple’s digital ID initiative comes in.
Here’s what you need to know to add your driver’s license and ID to your Apple Wallet.
Currently, we’re seeing this discount only on the jet black 42 mm version with a black Sport Band. However, these things can change rapidly. Other models could be discounted as well — or the sale could end abruptly. (The first discount on AirPods Pro 3 disappeared pretty quickly.)
So, if you want to get the latest Apple Watch at the lowest possible price, you should jump on this Series 11 deal.
Liquid Glass isn't the only thing going on in iOS 26. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Now that we’re all running the latest software versions on our iPhones and Apple Watches, it’s time to go over the coolest new features.
Yes, Apple’s new Liquid Glass user interface takes some getting used to, but it’s pretty sweet in the end. And there are a bunch of other great additions we love. Join us for the conversation!
Also on The CultCast:
A MacBook Pro with a touchscreen?!? It might be in the pipeline.
The updates in iPadOS 26 finally fix the tablet’s multitasking problem.
The Mac App Store is currently broken — but there’s a workaround.
Cult of Mac’s buyback program buys everything from AirPods and iPhones to MacBooks and Magic Keyboards, damaged or not. Get your quote now.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
Don't ditch your Apple Watch Ultra 2 for the Ultra 3. Photo: Apple/Rajesh Pandey/CultOfMac
Compare the Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. the Ultra 2, and you will see that the new model looks quite similar to its predecessor. You’ll need to squint to notice the Ultra 3’s slightly larger display. And most other changes are internal, like faster charging, longer battery life and satellite connectivity.
Otherwise, this is basically the same rugged smartwatch that Apple launched two years ago. So, if you already own an Apple Watch Ultra 2, should you consider upgrading to the Ultra 3? Or should you save your money instead?
New Apple Watch Hypertension Notifications use existing sensors. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
A major new health feature for recent Apple Watch models can alert users to possible hypertension (aka high blood pressure) by analyzing patterns in their heart data over time. Apple offered a document earlier this week explaining how the Hypertension Notifications feature works using existing sensors.
Available with watchOS 26, the feature works on Apple Watch Series 9 and later models, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later.
Extended battery life is the biggest upgrade over Apple Watch 10. Photo: Apple
Early reviews of Apple Watch Series 11 seem to agree that while it looks just like its predecessor, this incremental update delivers meaningful improvements in some areas.
The biggest upgrade: longer battery life. But those with an Apple Watch Series 9 or 10 can skip this round unless you really want the six-hour battery boost. Check out review notes and review videos below.
watchOS 26 comes with some smart new enhancements. Image: Apple
watchOS 26 is a more modest update with one headlining new feature, Workout Buddy — on top of 15 other new tweaks. You might overlook the Apple Watch after the excitement of Liquid Glass on your iPhone and Mac, but your tiniest screen still has some stuff worth checking out.
There are loads of smart new features for those with the latest and greatest. A new wrist flick gesture silences timers and calls. Your volume automatically lowers in quiet rooms. And everyone can appreciate that the Notes app finally makes its way to the watch.
Watch the event in just 2.1% of the time. Image: Apple
During Tuesday’s Awe Dropping event, Apple announced AirPods Pro 3, refreshed every model of Apple Watch and unveiled four all-new iPhones, including the first iPhone Air. It’s an impressive set of products in a pretty quick event.
But if you want to watch an even faster event, you can get the gist in 90 seconds with our Awe Dropping event video recap.
Like some other Apple Watch health features, hypertension monitoring will run in the background. Photo: Apple
Apple’s innovative new high blood pressure alerts will not be exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch Series 11. The feature is coming to several older models, giving millions of Apple Watch owners access to potentially lifesaving hypertension alerts.
Your iPhone can charge your AirPods. It’s easy. Image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
In a pinch, you can charge your AirPods with your iPhone. This feature is very convenient if you know how to use it. You can also use your iPhone to charge your Apple Watch, or even another iPhone.
Apple Watch Series 11 might bring a rush of new features. Or maybe not. Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
With the launch of Apple Watch Series 11 likely just weeks away, rumors about what to expect remain surprisingly rare. Still, we know a fair amount about what’s coming, based on watchOS 26 and Apple’s usual moves. Additionally, some rumored Apple Watch Ultra 3 features might arrive on the regular model, too.
So, will Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 bring only minor upgrades, as in the last few years? Or will 2025 be the year Apple recaptures the buzz surrounding its smartwatch, adding exciting new features?
Here’s what we know about Apple Watch Series 11 so far.
The latest TechWoven leaks trigger us a little with memories of FineWoven. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: A string of leaks from Majin Bu showcase a new line of “TechWoven” iPhone cases. This looks to be Apple’s replacement for the hated FineWoven cases, with a new material that will make the whole thing less sucky.
But does the world really need a replacement for leather iPhone cases?
Also on The CultCast:
iPhone 17e might take a welcome trip to the Dynamic Island, and the Apple Watch might add Touch ID.
An eye-popping eight-display setup leaves us slightly amazed and full of questions.
Anker’s brand-new iPhone power bank is super-slim and super-cool.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video version, embedded below.
A feature missing from U.S. Apple Watches frustrates users. Image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
When we polled Cult of Mac readers on what feature they want most in Apple Watch Series 11, the answer came through loud and clear: Bring back the Blood Oxygen app! None of the rumored upcoming Apple Watch features drew more attention than one that went missing last year over a patent dispute.
Unfortunately, the Blood Oxygen app remains tied up in U.S. courts. Apple needs to work out the problem, and soon. The missing Blood Oxygen app is undoubtedly hurting Apple Watch sales and angering customers. And it’s only going to get worse when the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 launch next month — assuming Apple doesn’t come up with a workaround.
The Blood Oxygen app lets you measure oxygen saturation in just 15 seconds. Photo: Apple
Strap on a refurbished Apple Watch Series 6 — with the elusive Blood Oxygen app and cellular connectivity — for just $123.99 (regularly $399).
If you’ve been thinking about getting an Apple Watch but aren’t interested in paying full price for the newest model, the Apple Watch Series 6 is a smart, cost-effective option. This refurbished 44mm GPS + Cellular version works for fitness tracking, everyday health monitoring and basic communication. And, unlike on more recent models, you can track your blood oxygen levels!
Anker's little 3-in-1 charger folds up tiny to go. Photo: Anker
How many times have you been out and about only to find your iPhone, Apple Watch or AirPods battery dead or running on empty right when you need it? That’s why Anker offered its MagGo 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station. The tiny Anker travel charger folds up so you can forget about it in your bag or coat pocket until the need for charging arises.
If you really want that Workout Buddy. Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
You can download the watchOS 26 public beta right now. With it, you can try out the great new Liquid Glass design coming to the Apple Watch before Apple ships the update to everyone. And you can check out Workout Buddy, the AI-powered coach that gives you encouragement during your workouts.
Of course, there are a few things you should look out for. Beta software is buggy and can lead to data loss or apps that don’t work. This particular beta is a rough one, with lots of broken animations and features. A lot of apps you use probably won’t work correctly. I strongly recommend that you at least wait for the public beta — it’ll be available starting in July.
If you’re still sure you want to try it out, you’ll need to install iOS 26 on your iPhone first. I’ll show you how.
This 3-in-1 MagSafe charging pad from Belkin is 43% off for Prime Day. Photo: Belkin
There’s still plenty of time left in Amazon Prime Day this week to snag deals on multi-device MagSafe chargers from Belkin and other makers. So if you want, say, Belkin’s MagSafe 3-in-1 Fast Wireless Charging Pad for nearly half off — or other good deals on chargers for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods from various companies — see the Amazon links below. And note that Prime Day prices may fluctuate.
Score an Apple Watch Series 10 at a big discount. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
This year’s Amazon Prime Day sale may be the best one yet to score a deeply discounted Apple Watch — if supplies last.
Last year, models like the Apple Watch SE and Series 9 hit their lowest ever prices on Prime Day. This year sees all the major Apple Watch models at record lows, including the latest Series 10, the already low-price SE and the refreshed Ultra 2.
However, there’s a strong possibility stock may sell out before the four-day sale ends.
You don’t have to wait until autumn to find out what the Apple Watch Ultra 3 has to offer. Photo: Apple
After a very modest refresh last year, rumors indicate the Apple Watch Ultra 3 — set to launch this September alongside the iPhone 17 series — will mark Apple’s most ambitious wearable update yet.
Here’s what we’re expecting in 2025’s major overhaul of Apple’s rugged smartwatch. Keep reading or check out our latest video.
Before they ship, Apple products survive tough durability tests. Photo: AppleTrack
Despite their sleek designs, Apple products boast impressive durability. And now, for the first time, the company has provided a look into one of its 200 durability labs, where it rigorously torture tests its products.
Apple conducts several types of trials on its devices, including environmental, liquid, drop and vibration stress tests.
Apple wants a low-end MacBook that's colorful and more affordable than ever. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Apple reportedly plans to release its cheapest MacBook ever next year. This low-cost laptop might run on an iPhone chip and help Apple convince more people to switch from Windows machines.
Could playful colors — and possibly a plastic case — make this low-end Apple laptop a hit?
Also on The CultCast:
Apple might lean on Anthropic’s Claude or OpenAI’s ChatGPT to power the long-delayed smarter Siri.
A new timeline lays out what to expect from the next three years of Apple Vision headsets and smart glasses.
In the how-to segment, we discuss our picks for the best Apple Watch faces. We also talk about why you might want to change things up.
In the new listener question segment, we explain what to do when you’re low on iCloud storage.
And in an all-new Under Review, Leander describes the benefits of three inexpensive aftermarket CarPlay screens.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video, embedded below.
There are so many options — and several good ones. Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Out of the many dozens of options, which is the coolest Apple Watch face? Every time I see someone wearing an Apple Watch, I try to scope out which watch face they use. Nine times out of 10, they use either the Modular face or the Photo face (with a Sport band).
This is despite the Apple Watch offering dozens of watch faces, allowing for all kinds of customizability.
If you want to spice up and individualize your Apple Watch, here are the best and coolest faces. And in our video, I rank every watch face on a tier list.
The upcoming Galaxy Watch Ultra (current model pictured) and other other models could bring some pretty impressive new health features. Apple should take notice. Photo: Samsung
Looks like Samsung might push the boundaries of wearable health technology with its upcoming Galaxy Watch, due in July. Its features go beyond what Apple Watch currently offers. Galaxy will include a groundbreaking, needle-free blood analysis tool among other intriguing features, according to a new report.
The new capabilities might offer a prescription of sorts for future Apple Watch upgrades.
