The design of Apple Watches with the iconic bitten apple logo has remained mostly consistent since the first generation, featuring a recognizable rectangular shape with the Digital Crown wheel on the right side. However, each successive series of the Apple Watch consistently outperforms its predecessor in terms of features and capabilities. Let's explore the advancements in each line to understand their innovations.

Apple Watch Ultra 2

In the second release of Ultra models, Apple limited itself to point changes. This is still the most advanced Apple smartwatch in a durable titanium case with dimensions of 49 mm. Peak brightness of the wearable OLED display breaks all unimaginable records — its threshold reaches 3000 nits. Moreover, the smartwatch can automatically adjust the brightness depending on the intensity of external light. A special Modular Ultra dial, which conveniently displays detailed information about workouts, is a separate line in the characteristics of the display.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 has increased its performance by a good third, and the watch performs artificial intelligence tasks two times faster. To control calls, music and some other functions of the smartwatch without touching the screen, the model has implemented support for Double Tap — the device recognizes the touch of the pads of the thumb and index finger. Voice assistant Siri in the second Ultra model can work without connection to a smartphone and internet connection.

The Ultra 2 is available in a single version, with integrated Cellular module and a titanium case with sapphire crystal on top of the dial. The model articles may vary depending on the sales market: A2986 or A2987.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the most advanced, biggest and brightly colored.

The second-generation Apple Watch Ultra is not a cheap pleasure. However, it is still the most advanced smartwatch in the lineup. It has the largest and brightest display, the longest battery life (up to 72 hours in power-saving mode) and the best GPS among all Apple Watch Ultra models. In addition, the wearable gadget looks great on the wrist.

Apple Watch Ultra Series

Apple Watch 9

In the ninth generation, Apple's smartwatch continued to be improved to perfection. Externally, this generation is almost unchanged, but looking deeper reveals some very interesting facts. So, the maximum brightness of the OLED-type display of the smartwatch was doubled (up to 2000 nits), in order to make all the information visible even in a sunny July afternoon. In terms of hardware, the model got a more powerful Apple S9 processor, reinforced by a quad-core neural engine - the smartwatch provides the ability to communicate with Siri without using a smartphone and supports control through new gestures (in particular, the contact of the pads of the thumb and index finger of the hand by Double Tap).

Apple Watch 9 has more accurate location thanks to the ultra-wideband U2 chip, an updated heart rate sensor, and a battery that can last for about 18 hours on a single charge.

The simplest models of the 9th generation smartwatch with Wi-Fi and GPS modules are labeled A2978 and A2980 (case sizes 41 mm and 45 mm, respectively). Modifications with built-in eSIM are labeled A2982 and A2983 for the 41 mm case, A2984 and A2985 for the 45 mm case.

The Double Tap algorithm detects signs of tiny wrist movements and blood flow changes when the index finger and thumb perform double tapping.

The Apple Watch 9 is available in these designs:

  • Steel — stainless steel case in silver, graphite or gold color;
  • Aluminium — ceramic back panel, aluminium case in the dark night, shining star, silver, pink or red colors;
  • Nike — dark night or shining star colored aluminium, ceramic back panel with Nike logo, perforated straps;
  • Hermes — ceramic back with Hermes logo, stainless steel case, silver and black space colors, sapphire crystal on the dial.

Apple Watch 9 Series

Apple Watch Ultra

Ultra is Apple's evolution of wearables for travelers, outdoor enthusiasts and divers. The watch was introduced in 2022 in parallel with the editions of Apple Watch 8 and Apple Watch SE 2.

The top-tier model of the Apple Watch is constructed with a sturdy titanium case, making it suitable for deep diving. It can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -20 °C to +50 °C and adheres to the protection standards of the American military standard MIL-STD-810H. The watch boasts a large flat screen with a remarkably high peak brightness of 2000 nits. It also features an advanced multi-band GPS module and even includes a built-in alarm siren with a volume of 86 dB. Additionally, this line of gadgets comes with the capability to detect car accidents and automatically alert emergency services in specific regions across the globe.

The Apple Watch Ultra comes with a Cellular phone module. For different markets, the model is available with article numbers A2622 / A2684 / A2859.

The Apple Watch Ultra is a durable smart watch for travelers, outdoor enthusiasts and divers.

The watch can operate for 36 hours continuously with all sensors active in offline mode. When the energy-saving mode is enabled, it can run for up to 60 hours without requiring a recharge. To complement its durability, the Ultra line also offers wear-resistant straps.

Apple Watch Ultra

Apple Watch 8

In 2022, Apple introduced the eighth generation of its smartwatches. The series maintained the design of the previous seventh edition, focusing on significant improvements in internal features. The Apple Watch 8 is available in two case sizes: 41 mm and 45 mm.

The Apple Watch in this series serves as a comprehensive health and activity monitor, aiding users in achieving their fitness goals. It tracks various parameters such as activity levels, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and even conducts electrocardiograms. Additionally, it now includes a new sensor for measuring body temperature, enhancing its capabilities further. The watch is equipped with a 3-axis gyroscope and a high-acceleration force accelerometer, enabling the Crash Detection driving safety feature. This feature can identify different types of collisions and accidents, including rollovers, frontal, rear, and side impacts. In case of an accident, the watch can automatically call for rescue services, but this function is limited to specific regions.

The eighth edition of the Apple Watch comes in various versions within the line. The basic models with Wi-Fi and GPS are identified by the article numbers A2770 and A2771. On the other hand, the LTE-enabled versions, denoted by the "Cellular" prefix, have different article numbers — A2772/A2773/A2857 for the 41 mm versions and A2774/A2775/A2858 for the 45 mm models.

The eighth edition Apple Watch debuted the Crash Detection driving safety feature.

"Smart" watches from the Apple product line at number "8" are available in the following varieties:

  • Steel — stainless steel case in silver, graphite or gold;
  • Aluminium — ceramic back, aluminium case in "dark night", "shining star", silver or red (RED);
  • Nike — "Dark Night" or "Shining Star" aluminium, ceramic back with Nike logo, perforated straps;
  • Hermes — stainless steel in the body materials, silver and "space black" colors, sapphire crystal over the dial.
Apple Watch Series 8

Apple Watch SE 2

The Apple Watch SE 2 made its debut alongside the eighth series. This line offers simplified versions of smartwatches from Apple, catering to a broader audience. It serves as the successor to the previous SE family models.

The watches in the SE 2 line have reduced functionality compared to the "eight" series. They lack a body temperature sensor, ECG capability, and blood oxygen saturation monitoring. Additionally, they do not support fast charging. However, the SE 2 models boast improved performance and speed thanks to the Apple S8 processor. They also feature enhanced display brightness and more accurate women's calendar algorithms.

The manufacturer's labeling for the Apple Watch SE 2 includes different article numbers for various versions. The 40-mm edition without a telephone module is labeled A2722, and the 44-mm version is marked as A2723. On the other hand, the LTE-enabled models are identified by article numbers A2725 / A2726 / A2855 for the 40 mm case and A2724 / A2727 / A2856 for the 44 mm models.

The Apple Watch SE 2 is the simplest of the trio of Apple smart watches introduced in 2022.

In terms of the variety of modifications of the SE 2 series, there is nothing special to brag about. On the shelves of stores, the overwhelming majority is the version of the Aluminium smart watch in an aluminium case with a back panel made of composite molded nylon. The watches of the line are available in the colors "dark night" and "shining star" or in silver. Occasionally, an Apple Watch SE 2 Nike edition is also found.

Apple Watch SE 2

Apple Watch 7

The Apple Watch Series 7 was a relatively minor update compared to the previous 6th generation. While no major innovations were introduced, the engineers focused on enhancing the display of the wearable device. By significantly reducing the bezels, the screen size increased by approximately 20%. This additional screen real estate enabled a redesign of the watchOS interface, featuring larger app buttons and a full keyboard. Moreover, the Apple Watch 7 offers new exclusive watch faces that were not available on earlier models.

Despite a significant increase in the usable display area, the size of the seventh-generation Apple Watch has only grown by 1 mm for each version, now measuring 41 mm and 45 mm instead of the previous 40 mm and 44 mm. The line of watches comes equipped with various sensors, including a pulse oximeter, an ECG sensor, sleep monitoring sensors, and an NFC chip. Additionally, the watch battery supports fast charging with a USB-C connector, allowing it to replenish up to 80% of its charge in just 40 minutes when fully drained.

Apple Watch 7 modifications with a Wi-Fi adapter are assigned the article numbers A2473 and A2474, with the Cellular phone module — A2475 / A2476 / A2477 / A2478.

Thanks to the reduction of the frames, the screen of the Apple Watch 7 has a much larger usable area.

By execution, the "Apple" watches of the seventh line are divided into the following camps:

  • Steel — stainless steel case in silver, graphite or gold;
  • Aluminium — ceramic back, aluminium case in "dark night", "shining star", green, blue or red (RED);
  • Nike — "Dark Night" or "Shining Star" aluminium, ceramic back with Nike logo, perforated straps;
  • Hermes — stainless steel in body materials, silver and "space black" colors, sapphire crystal over the dial;
  • Titanium — a titanium case in light or "space black" color, sapphire crystal as a screen cover.
Apple Watch Series 7

Apple Watch 6

In 2020, Apple introduced the Series 6 smartwatch, which expanded its range of smart wrist devices. The Series 6 retained the familiar appearance from the fifth edition of smartwatches while incorporating various enhancements in terms of features and equipment.

The Series 6 smartwatch brought significant improvements to the Apple lineup. The always-on Retina display now shines 2.5 times brighter in sunlight, and the 7-nanometer Apple S6 chipset offers a 20% boost in performance. However, the most crucial innovations lie in the addition of new sensors for enhanced sleep monitoring and a built-in pulse oximeter to measure oxygen saturation levels, which can be helpful in detecting COVID-19 symptoms. The watch also features a permanent altimeter that accurately determines height above sea level using barometer data, GPS, and nearby Wi-Fi networks.

Since the sixth generation, Apple smart watches have been available in a new RED version with bright red trim. By tradition, the model is produced without a telephone module (articles A2291, A2292) and in the Cellular configuration with an LTE modem (articles A2293 / A2375, A2294 / A2376).

A new "trick" of the 6th series of Apple watches is an on-board pulse oximeter to determine the level of blood oxygen saturation.

The division by modifications of the 6th is as follows:

  • Steel — in a stainless steel case;
  • Aluminium — in an aluminium "wrapper";
  • Nike — in space gray aluminium "body" with perforated straps;
  • Hermes — in a steel case with a Hermès dial and fashion brand engraving on the back;
  • Edition — in a titanium case.
Apple Watch Series 6

Apple Watch SE

In parallel with the Series 6, a “lightweight” model of the Apple Watch SE was released to the masses. The emphasis in it is on accessibility to a wide audience. The device is positioned as a replacement for the third series of "apple" smart watches.

The model has undergone simplification in various aspects. It utilizes the previous generation Apple S5 chip as its "iron" component. Notably, the watch lacks the Always on Display mode, pulse oximeter, and ECG sensor. However, it includes features like fall detection for the user's safety, a permanent altimeter, and a compass for navigation.

Compared to the third-generation version, the smart wrist device has grown by 2 mm in each of the versions. The smaller size is now 40 mm, and the larger one is 44 mm. There are two types of watch modifications: those with only GPS and Bluetooth 5.0 are marked with article numbers A2351 and A2352, while those with Cellular support are indicated by article numbers A2353 / A2355 and A2354 / A2356.

A simplified SE model was released along with the 6th in September 2020.

Differentiation within the SE line was the most modest of the existing ones. The release of “lightweight” Apple smartwatches has been launched in two editions:

  • Aluminium — in "space gray" aluminium, gold or silver;
  • Nike — in space gray aluminium "body" with perforated straps.
Apple Watch SE Series

Apple Watch 5

The fifth-generation Apple smartwatches closely resembles its predecessor in appearance. However, it introduces several notable improvements. The watch now features an LTPO screen with the Always on Display option, which reduces the refresh rate to 1 Hz in the "always on" mode, conserving battery life. Additionally, it includes a built-in compass, providing spatial orientation, and a function for determining the angle of movement, beneficial for skiers and snowboarders. Moreover, the onboard memory has been upgraded to 32 GB, allowing users to store more music on the device.

The watch is made from recycled aluminium and is available in silver, gold and gray colors. The steel version of the gadget is available in gold, silver and "space black" colors. Within the fifth series, the models are divided into regular (articles A2092, A2093) and with Cellular telephone support (articles A2094 / A2156, A2095 / A2157).

The screen of the fifth Apple Watch never goes blank.

The breakdown by modifications for the Apple Watch 5 is completely peeped from the fourth generation watch:

  • Steel — in a stainless steel case;
  • Aluminium — in an aluminium "wrapper";
  • Nike — in space gray aluminium "body" with perforated straps;
  • Hermes — in a steel case with a Hermès dial and fashion brand engraving on the back;
  • Edition — in a titanium or white ceramic case.
Apple Watch Series 5

Apple Watch 4

The fourth revision of Apple's smartwatches introduced larger screen sizes compared to previous generations. The smaller version now comes in a 40 mm case with a 1.57-inch diagonal display, while the larger version is housed in a 44 mm body with a 1.78-inch screen.

The model has seen improvements in various components. The speaker and microphone have been enhanced, with the speaker becoming louder and the microphone more powerful. The Digital Crown now provides feedback for better usability. The Apple S4 chip has significantly boosted performance, offering a twofold increase. The back panel of the watch is made of ceramic, and the heart rate sensor is protected by sapphire crystal.

Among other innovations, the wrist gadget now includes electrodes in the "Crown" for taking an ECG and has the ability to track the user's falls . If a fall is detected, the watch prompts the user to call an ambulance, and if no response is received within a minute, it can automatically call for help (in certain regions). The watch also offers the feature of identifying arrhythmias. For sports enthusiasts, there are new workout modes and challenges to compete with other Apple Watch owners.

For the first time, electrodes for ECG recording appeared on board the 4th.

The fourth series of "apple" watches is presented in versions with Wi-Fi (articles A2092, A2093) and LTE modules (articles A2094 / A2156, A2095 / A2157). The latter is called Cellular. In addition, the series devices are classified as follows:

  • Steel — in a stainless steel case;
  • Aluminium — in an aluminium "wrapper";
  • Nike — in an aluminium "body" in the color of "space series" and with perforated straps;
  • Hermes — in a steel case with a Hermès dial and fashion brand engraving on the back;
  • Edition — in a titanium or white ceramic case.
Apple Watch Series 4

Apple Watch 3

The Apple Watch 3 has played a vital role in bolstering Apple's position in the global wearable smart gadget market. A significant innovation in the series is the introduction of several modifications with a built-in LTE modem, enabling cellular support through the eSIM technology. Apple Watch 3 versions with the phone module are easily distinguishable by the red dot on the Digital Crown wheel and the "Cellular" inscription in the expanded name.

The SIM-free smartwatch of the 3rd series in the 38 mm size carries the article A1858, in the 42 mm case — A1859. Devices with eSIM are marked with several articles depending on the sales market: 38 mm - A1860 / A1889 / A1890, 42 mm — A1861 / A1891 / A1892.

The Apple Watch 3 introduced several notable upgrades, including a new dual-core S3 processor, a W2 microchip for improved wireless communication, 768 MB of RAM, and 16 GB of permanent memory in the LTE versions. It also added a barometric altimeter and a Bluetooth module with version 4.2. Apart from these enhancements, the series remained largely unchanged compared to the previous model, the Apple Watch 2.

The red circle on the Digital Crown is a distinctive feature of Series 3 models with a built-in LTE modem.

The third edition is available in several varieties:

  • standard with a steel case and sapphire crystal over a Retina screen;
  • Aluminium — a modification in aluminium "armor" of the color "space gray", "rose gold", gold or silver. The watch uses a ceramic back and uses Ion-X glass;
  • Nike+ is an aluminium edition with a ceramic back plate engraved with the Nike logo. The watch came with rubber or silicone straps, and the Nike+ Run Club sports app for runners was installed out of the box;
  • Hermes is a steel version of the watch in collaboration with the famous brand Hermes. The modification is equipped with a ceramic back and a sapphire crystal over the display;
  • Edition — in a pearl white ceramic case, "under the guise" of a sapphire glass.
Apple Watch Series 3

Apple Watch 2

The second-generation Apple Watch introduced several significant improvements. The screen brightness doubled to 1000 nits compared to the previous model's 450 nits. The Apple S2 processor gained an additional core, enhancing its performance. The watch now includes a GPS geopositioning module, and it is fully water-resistant, allowing it to withstand diving to depths of up to 50 meters.

In the manufacturer's marking, the 38 mm edition of the gadget received the article A1757, and with the case dimensions of 42 mm — A1758.

Starting with the Series 2, Apple Watch became waterfowl.

The second series was represented by the following models:

  • standard with steel body ;
  • Aluminium ;
  • Nike+ ;
  • Hermes ;
  • Edition.

In order not to repeat once again, the description of each subspecies can be read a little higher — in the legend of the Apple Watch 3.

Apple Watch 1

The Series 1 watch was released to replace the Original version in 2016. The delegates from it are divided into two camps: with case sizes of 38 mm (article A1802) and 42 mm (article A1803).

The Apple Watch featured a single-core Apple S1 processor, an 8 GB internal storage, and 512 MB of RAM. The battery capacity varied, with the smaller version having 205 mAh and the full-sized version having 250 mAh.

The rectangular form factor of the "apple" watch remains recognizable to this day.

The Series 1 smartwatch introduced Force Touch, allowing the screen to recognize the force of pressing. The device's body is protected from dust and splashes, complying with the IP67 standard. The watch was available in different variants, including a standard steel case, an Aluminium version and a premium Edition with a gold-plated case.

Apple Watch Original

On April 24, 2015, the Apple Watch made its debut, and the first model in the lineup was named Original. This wrist smartwatch could make and receive calls and send SMS when paired with an "iPhone". It featured heart rate monitoring and tracked various activities like steps taken, distance traveled, and calories burned. The watch also included the voice assistant Siri for added functionality.

On the shelves of the stores, the model was presented in two dimensions: 38 mm (article A1553) and 42 mm (article A1554). The division according to the dimensional grid is still valid, only from the 4th generation of Apple Watch have added plus 2 mm in size.

The Apple Watch Original debuted in 2014.

The Original version includes three modifications of the "apple" smart watch:

  • with sapphire crystal over the dial — in a steel case;
  • Sport — in an anodized aluminium body with a silicone strap and Ion-X glass surface on the dial;
  • Edition — representative segment. The Edition watch is housed in an 18K rose or yellow gold case and has a Retina display covered by a sapphire crystal.


Which Apple Watch to buy is up to you. Choose wisely, relying on the difference between the generations of smart watches and the thickness of your own wallet!