Since its debut in 2015, the Apple Watch has become an integral part of the Apple ecosystem and a dominant player in the smartwatch industry. Apple’s focus on health, design, and seamless integration with iPhones has elevated its status over the years. But with frequent releases, you might be wondering, “How many Apple Watch series are there?” This comprehensive guide aims to answer that question and more.
The First Chapter: Original Apple Watch
The journey began with the Original Apple Watch, released in April 2015. It was Apple’s first foray into wearables and boasted a sleek design, although it was relatively limited in terms of functionality. Over the years, however, software updates brought many new features.
Series 1 and Series 2: Building on the Basics
In September 2016, Apple decided to streamline its offering by launching the Series 1 and Series 2 watches. While the Series 1 was a revamped version of the original, the Series 2 boasted better water resistance and GPS functionalities.
Series 3: Introducing Cellular Connectivity
Launched in September 2017, the Series 3 marked a significant leap by offering a cellular variant. This meant you could make calls, send texts, and even stream music without needing your iPhone nearby.
Series 4: A Focus on Health
Released in September 2018, the Series 4 became popular for its health-centric features, such as fall detection and the ability to take an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Series 5: The Always-On Display
The Apple Watch Series 5, launched in September 2019, featured an always-on Retina display. It allowed users to check time and notifications without having to raise their wrist.
Series 6: More Health Tracking
Launched in September 2020, the Series 6 included a Blood Oxygen app and new color options. It maintained the always-on display feature of its predecessor.
Series 7: Redefined User Experience
Apple upped the game in September 2021 with the Series 7 by offering a more durable design and a larger, more advanced Retina display.
What’s Next: Future Releases
As of 2023, Apple has yet to announce any new Series post the Series 7, but given their track record of annual releases, a Series 8 could be on the horizon.
FAQs
How can I find out which series my Apple Watch is?
You can find this information in the “About” section in the “General” settings on your Apple Watch, or via the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
What is the price range for the Apple Watch Series?
The price varies depending on the series and additional features like cellular connectivity. Generally, prices range from around $199 for older models to upwards of $399 for newer releases.
How do I know if my Apple Watch is compatible with the latest watchOS?
Apple provides a list of compatible devices whenever a new watchOS version is released. You can find this information on the Apple website.
Which Apple Watch Series is the best?
The “best” series depends on what features are most important to you. If you need advanced health tracking, for instance, you might want to consider the Series 6 or Series 7.
When is the new Apple Watch series likely to be released?
Apple usually releases new watch series in September, alongside the latest iPhone models.
Conclusion
From the Original Apple Watch to the Series 7, Apple has consistently made improvements to its smartwatch lineup. Each series brought something new to the table, whether it was basic functionality, health features, or design. Although it’s hard to predict what Apple will do next, it’s safe to say they’ll continue to innovate in the smartwatch space, providing users with even more advanced features in the future.
