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.
Here’s a guide to the Apple Watch and its uses.
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.
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.
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:
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
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
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
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
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).
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Size: 49mm
Nomad launched updated versions of its Stand One and Stand One Max wireless chargers Tuesday, bringing support for the new Qi2.2 standard. It enables 25W fast charging for compatible iPhones. The upgrade matches the charging speeds of Apple’s latest MagSafe chargers and represents a significant improvement over the 15W charging supported by previous Qi2 models.
A decade after Apple Watch launched, WhatsApp finally launched a dedicated app for the smartwatch Tuesday — ending years of frustration for users who could only respond to notifications from their wrist. The messaging service brings full chat functionality to your wrist with support for messages, voice notes and calls, Meta said.
The iPhone App Store is now accessible on a Mac. And iPad users can research what macOS applications are available. Anyone can see what Apple Watch apps are available. All of these are possible now that Apple finally put the App Store on the web Monday.
It’s long overdue, and still missing a feature many users would like.
Record numbers of customers upgrading their gear helped push up Apple’s revenue into record territory last quarter, and that’s boosting AAPL’s stock price.
Here are the products that the company says are the most popular with upgraders in Q4 2025. Some you might be able to guess, but there’s a very conspicuous absence from the list.
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, Puerto Rico or West Virginia, 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.
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.
★★★★☆
In the evolving landscape of wireless charging, Ugreen has positioned itself at the forefront with the MagFlow 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger — one of the first products to receive official Qi2.2 certification from the Wireless Power Consortium. With that boost from 15 watts (Qi2) to 25W (Qi2.2) for late-model iPhones, it’s great — but not without some minor problems.
An Apple each day becomes your doctor someday. That’s the rumor anyway: Apple is reportedly prepping a Health+ service for launch in 2026 that will use AI to dispense advice on nutrition, exercise and more.
Whether the service will someday give out medical diagnoses remains a much murkier question.
Apple is preparing for a major internal reorganization ahead of COO Jeff Williams’ retirement later this year. As part of the rejig, Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, will oversee the health and fitness team.
Meanwhile, leadership of the watchOS division will move to Craig Federighi, Apple’s head of software engineering.
Shockingly, many of the amazing discounts on Apple gear that we saw during Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days remain available for anyone who blinked and missed them. Some disappeared, but some actually got better!
We double-checked the deals early Thursday. Below, you can see all the best Prime Big Deal Days sales still going on Apple gear, from AirPods to iPads to MacBooks to the Studio Display. And that includes Apple audio subsidiary Beats, too.
Be aware that Amazon’s pricing often changes, and we have no idea how long any of these amazing Apple deals will last.
A hot-off-the-presses deal on Apple Watch Series 11 drops at least one version of the new smartwatch to $389. That’s a $10 discount off Apple’s MSRP.
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.
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:
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.
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?
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.
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 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.
The update is out now; here’s what to expect.
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.
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.
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.
Here’s how to take advantage of this capability.
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.
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:
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 redesigned blood oxygen measurement capability will arrive Thursday for Apple Watch models that lost access to the feature due to a patent dispute.
Apple found a workaround that involves the Apple Watch testing the user’s blood oxygenation level, then displaying the reading on a paired iPhone.
Update: Apple released iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 with the promised workaround.
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.
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!
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.
And right now, you can get the snappy little charger for just $62.99. It’s on sale for a limited time at Amazon and direct from Anker.