Apple Watch Series 1 and 2 Updates
The Apple Watch Series 0, now widely referred to by its successors as Series 8, provided a solid foundation for Apple’s platform. In its upgraded form this year – Series 8 with Crash Detection and temperature tracking features.
Upgrade any Series 6, 7, or 8 cell phone for an Apple Watch SE, which offers Crash Detection as well as Menstrual Cycle Tracking functionality.
1. Series 0
Apple’s first entry into the smartwatch market remains an excellent value on the used market, where you may find double- or even triple-digit savings by purchasing these used.
The Series 1 revamp was an ambitious undertaking that included an updated processor to speed up app loading times and new watch faces that allow quick access to information by just raising one’s wrist.
Apple was forced to address a short-lived ban from US Customs for their blood oxygen sensor; this issue was eventually addressed when Apple revised the software that measured your SpO2.
2. Series 1
Apple is making entering the Apple Watch market easier than ever by offering more affordable SE models and providing cellular coverage across all models. The 2022 model contains similar internals as Series 8 watches but comes equipped with Crash Detection capabilities as well as temperature sensors designed specifically to track fertility tracking (though this feature may not yet be FDA-approved).
It has a brighter display and faster S9 SiP that makes features like on-device Siri possible. Aluminum models start at $399 while stainless steel ones cost an extra $100.
3. Series 2
Last update for Series 2 arrived in 2024, adding new fitness features and potentially lifesaving health tools such as temperature sensing. It also introduced a compass, along with on-device Siri processing to answer queries more efficiently.
This update to Apple Watch made it more future-proof by equipping it with faster hardware that allowed for overnight tracking of heart rate for SpO2 monitoring, water resistance up to 50 meters and emergency SOS and car accident detection features.
4. Series 3
Apple has introduced two health features with their latest update – Crash Detection and Temperature Tracking – designed to increase period and fertility tracking (though we don’t advise using Apple Watch as contraception), while Crash Detection could prove lifesaving should you experience an accident or get disoriented while lost.
The Series 3 also boasts a faster processor, making apps feel and run much more efficiently. This device is ideal for future-proofing users who also appreciate larger displays.
5. Series 4
Apple Watch Series 4 achieves the device’s original purpose as an all-in-one computer for use on your wrist, featuring an always-on display and new gestures that enable users to answer calls, play/pause music, stop timers and more with just a double tap.
It includes the latest processor for faster Siri request processing and superior machine learning performance, plus new health features like EKG, Crash Detection and temperature sensors to track menstrual cycles more effectively.
6. Series 5
Apple’s Series 6 boasts stylish looks, impressive fitness features, potentially life-saving health tools and stylish notifications and apps – not to mention an ECG sensor which can detect heart problems as well as monitor oxygen levels in blood.
Redesign of this tablet further refined its form factor, creating space for larger screen sizes within its footprint and including a more powerful processor to facilitate quicker interactions.
Since launch, its price has remained consistent and it offers all of the same functionality as both Ultra and Series 8, including Crash Detection.
7. Series 6
Apple’s older-generation Series 7 watch may no longer be for sale, but you can still access its attractive case colors (such as dark British Racing green and navy blue) not available with its successor model, Series 8. Furthermore, this model supports several helpful features like Crash Detection and G-force sensors to measure car accident impact.
The 2021 update brought faster charging and a slightly bigger screen, as well as new gestures that allow users to open notifications or launch apps with a double tap on their watch face.
8. Series 7
Apple’s Series 7 watches borrow some features from its higher-tier Series 8, such as Crash Detection. But overall experience remains mostly unchanged – except for an added skin temperature sensor which enables menstrual cycle tracking similar to what other wearables use similar hardware for.
Plus, this watch still utilizes the S9 system-in-package used in both Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches, providing improved machine learning performance for reading sensors and voice commands as well as performing unique features like locating lost items.
9. Series 8
The Series 9 may not be the star of this year’s lineup – with its successor Ultra taking that honor and second-gen SE serving as entry level model – but it still offers substantial upgrades, especially those who value accessibility.
Apple Watch Series 4 stands out as being unique by offering features like Double Tap gesture, Raise to Speak for faster onboard Siri requests and brighter screen. Furthermore, Precision Finding helps locate misplaced iPhone 15 with audible and haptic feedback chirps to assist.
