Ten years after its debut, the Apple Watch has cemented itself as a cornerstone of Apple’s product ecosystem. Since its launch in 2015, the company has released at least one new model annually, each iteration refining the smartwatch experience. As the device hits its milestone anniversary, we revisit its evolution, highlighting key features and advancements that have kept it ahead of the competition.
The Beginning: Apple Watch and Series 1
The original Apple Watch, released in April 2015, and its successor, the Series 1, introduced in September 2016, laid the foundation for what would become the world’s most popular smartwatch. Though physically identical, the Series 1 featured improved internals. At the time, the ability to make calls, send texts, and access apps from the wrist felt revolutionary, evoking the futuristic gadgets of comic strips like Dick Tracy. While not as transformative as the iPhone, the first Apple Watch earned praise for its sleek design and early fitness tracking capabilities, setting the stage for future innovations.
Series 2: GPS and Water Resistance
With the Series 2, Apple addressed two major limitations: the lack of built-in GPS and water resistance. Released alongside the Series 1 in 2016, this model offered a brighter display, faster performance, and more accurate fitness tracking. However, battery life remained a concern, especially when using GPS. The introduction of Siri voice control and an improved dock screen enhanced usability, though the watch still fell short of dedicated fitness trackers in areas like sleep monitoring and continuous heart rate tracking.
Series 3: The Rise of Standalone Connectivity
The Series 3 marked a turning point with the addition of LTE cellular connectivity, reducing reliance on the iPhone. This model also introduced advanced health features, including GymKit compatibility for gym equipment pairing and improved heart rate monitoring. Despite these upgrades, battery life suffered when using LTE, and the absence of 24/7 heart rate tracking outside workouts remained a drawback. Still, the Series 3 solidified the Apple Watch’s reputation as a versatile smartwatch and fitness companion.
Series 4: A Leap in Health and Safety
The Series 4 brought groundbreaking health innovations, including ECG readings and fall detection, alongside a larger, crisper display. It was the first Apple Watch to earn PCMag’s Editors’ Choice award, praised for its fitness tracking accuracy and safety features. While battery life and pricing drew criticism, the Series 4 narrowed the gap between smartwatches and dedicated fitness devices, offering detailed metrics like cadence and pace for runners.
Series 5: The Always-On Display Era
With the Series 5, Apple introduced an always-on display—a game-changer for usability. This model retained the Editors’ Choice distinction, adding features like a built-in compass, cycle tracking, and noise monitoring. Though sleep tracking was still missing, the Activity Trends app provided valuable long-term fitness insights. The Series 5 demonstrated Apple’s commitment to refining both hardware and software, further distancing itself from competitors.
Series 6: Health Features for a Pandemic World
Launched in 2020, the Series 6 debuted during the COVID-19 pandemic, introducing a blood oxygen sensor, sleep tracking, and a handwashing timer—features that resonated with health-conscious consumers. Its brighter always-on display and improved altimeter rounded out the upgrades, earning it the highest rating yet for an Apple Watch. PCMag hailed it as the best smartwatch on the market, a testament to Apple’s ability to adapt to global needs.
Apple Watch SE: Affordable Excellence
The Apple Watch SE, released alongside the Series 6, offered a budget-friendly alternative by omitting the always-on display and advanced health sensors. Despite these compromises, it retained core features like fall detection, Emergency SOS, and access to Apple’s vast app ecosystem. PCMag recommended it as an ideal choice for families, particularly for children and older adults.
Series 7: Bigger Screen, Enhanced Durability
The Series 7 expanded the display further and improved durability with a crack-resistant front crystal. Though incremental in upgrades, it continued Apple’s streak of delivering polished, user-friendly smartwatches. Each generation has reinforced the Apple Watch’s dominance, proving that a decade in, it remains the standard by which all others are measured.
