Are you gearing up for holiday shopping for an Apple Watch but unsure where to begin? Check out our comprehensive Apple Watch 2024 holiday shopping guide, where we explore all available models, their key differences, and expert buying tips.
Note for shoppers: You can find discounted prices on Apple products through Amazon that may not be available directly from Apple.
Apple Watch Shopping Guide
The latest addition to the Apple Watch family is the Apple Watch Series 10, boasting a larger display and the slimmest design to date. If you’re in the market for an Apple Watch, this model is likely what you’re after, starting at $399. It includes a comprehensive range of health and fitness functionalities:
- ECG app for heart health monitoring
- Sleep tracking with alerts for sleep apnea
- Temperature measurement capability integrated with the new Vitals app and advanced cycle tracking
- Depth gauge up to 6 meters and water temperature sensing
The larger display sizes are available in 42mm and 46mm cases, featuring a 40% brighter view from different angles. The screen can adjust its brightness from a peak of 2000 nits down to a minimal 1 nit in darker environments. Plus, select watch faces can even display continuously updating seconds in always-on mode. Rapid charging allows you to reach 80% battery in just 30 minutes, and using low power mode can extend the usage from 18 hours to 36 hours.
Series 10 also offers the most diverse selection of colors and materials. Aluminum options include jet black, rose gold, and silver, while titanium options come in slate, gold, and natural. If you opt for the cellular + GPS model, you can use phone calls, messaging, and streaming audio without needing your iPhone nearby.
Apple Watch Series 10 Review
If you’re seeking superior battery life, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the model for you. Released in September 2023, it still features the same specifications as before, now with an attractive space black titanium option added to the lineup.
What kind of battery life can you expect? Up to double! The Apple Watch Ultra can last up to 36 hours with mixed use, compared to 18 hours for Series 10 and SE 2. In low power mode, that extends up to 72 hours. However, this model is also the thickest Apple Watch, which may appeal to those fond of rugged designs, and its fast charging takes an hour to reach 80%, double that of the Series 10.
The Ultra 2 is explicitly built for extreme physical activities. It features a 49mm case and the brightest display at 3000 nits—surpassing the Series 10’s 2000 nits. Also included is a built-in Siren function, an Action Button for quick access to specific tasks like starting a workout, and support for high-speed water sports and recreational scuba diving up to 40 meters.
All Apple Watch Ultra 2 models come with cellular capabilities in one size of titanium for $799. The choice mainly lies in the color and band configuration.
Hands-On with the New Apple Watch Ultra 2 Color
The Apple Watch SE 2 (second-generation) is often simply referred to as Apple Watch SE. Launched in September 2022, it is the most budget-friendly model in the Apple Watch lineup.
Starting at $249, it is generally characterized by the features it does not include, such as the always-on display, ECG (electrocardiogram), temperature sensing, and sleep apnea notifications.
The SE 2 features a display with the lowest brightness of the range, maxing out at 1000 nits compared to 2000 nits for the Series 10 and 3000 nits for the Ultra 2. The display sizes are also smaller with 40mm and 44mm versions available.
However, the Apple Watch SE 2 remains an excellent choice for first-time smartwatch users. It includes essential features like notifications, Apple Pay, workout tracking, and more, along with heart health monitoring, fall and crash detection.
Other Models
The current Apple Watch lineup includes the Series 10, Ultra 2, and SE 2, but older models are still available. For instance, Series 9 can still be found new in a box at Best Buy, while refurbished models of earlier generations can be purchased on Apple, Amazon, and Best Buy at reduced prices.
The latest watchOS 11 software supports these models:
For the best user experience, it is advisable to avoid older models not listed here. For long-term usability, the processors within the Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 are the most capable.
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