If you're the owner of an iPhone, Apple Watch is one of the best accessories that money can buy. Originally released in 2015, the Apple Watch has an extensive amount of features that you can utilize, whether you're an athlete or simply interested in the technology. To date, it's said that over 100 million watches have been sold. With so many models currently available, it's not easy to remember when each Apple Watch was released and what features it brought. Luckily, we've compiled every single Apple Watch release in chronological order, so take a look and explore the vast history of Apple's most unique device.
How Many Apple Watch Generations Have There Been?
In total, Apple has released 18 different Apple Watch generations including the latest Series 10. The first Apple Watch was released by Apple in 2014, and the company has released a new model almost yearly since. We've included each of the standard Apple Watch models on this list, in addition to the Special Edition (SE) and Ultra lines.
Every Apple Watch Generation in Order of Release
Apple Watch (1st generation) - April 24, 2015
It's hard to believe that the first Apple Watch debuted almost ten years ago, but it's true - Apple released the first Apple Watch in September 2015. This revolutionary device challenged what a watch could be, allowing users to track steps, heart rate, and more alongside utilizing the device for Apple Pay.
Apple Watch Series 1 - September 16, 2016
Apple Watch Series 1 introduced a dual-core processor to the device for the very first time, providing essentially double the power of the first-generation Apple Watch. The original model was extremely slow at times, and this new chipset alleviated that for the most part. Beyond this, the Series 1 is essentially the same device as the previous generation. This model was made as a refresh for those looking to enter the Apple Watch market at a cheaper price point.
Apple Watch Series 2 - September 16, 2016
Apple Watch Series 2 launched right alongside the Series 1 refresh, offering a few marginal improvements. First, the display is brighter than the prior two Apple Watch models, and this watch uses the same dual-core processor as the Series 1. The Series 2 also introduced GPS for the first time, which opened the door for users to jog or run without their iPhone for tracking. Additionally, the Series 2 provided water resistance for up to 50 meters, acting as the first Apple Watch to do so.
Apple Watch Series 3 - September 22, 2017
2017 brought the Apple Watch Series 3, and this model was the biggest leap forward for Apple Watch yet. A model with cellular connectivity was released, allowing users to take calls, text, and more without the need for an iPhone. Aditionally, the new S3 chip provided a massive performance gain over prior models, which allowed the Series 3 to be capable of much more than its predocessors.
Apple Watch Series 4 - September 21, 2018
Series 4 was a major redesign for Apple Watch, with Apple ditching the boxy style for a more rounded finish. Alongside this design change, the display was enlarged significantly, now stretching closer to the edges of the device. Apple added a new health sensor on the Series 4 that was capable of captured ECGs, a test utilized to determine abnormal heart rhythms.
Apple Watch Series 5 - September 20, 2019
In 2019, Apple released the feature-packed Apple Watch Series 5. This new model offered loads of new features, acting as a substantial upgrade from Series 4. Immediately, the first major feature was the addition of an always-on display, which allowed for the time of day to be displayed on your wrist at all times. Additionally, a new Compass app was added, which was capable of tracking things like elevation, direction, and more.
Apple Watch Series 6 - September 18, 2020
Apple Watch Series 6 was a major release in the health world. Series 6 added a Blood Oxygen sensor, which allows Apple Watch to calculate one's blood oxygen levels in just a few seconds. Alongside this addition, Apple also added multiple features to assist in tracking sleep. You could track how many hours you slept, where you went into each phase, and more. Beyond this, the heart rate sensor was retooled, 5Ghz Wi-Fi support was added, and the display is over twice as bright as Series 5.
Apple Watch SE - September 18, 2020
The Apple Watch SE (Special Edition) was released in 2020, acting as a budget model of sorts compared to the standard Apple Watch Series 6. This device offered many of the same chips and technology that powered Series 6, but it lacked critical features and sensors to cut costs. For example, the Blood Oxygen sensor used on the Series 6 is not present on the SE, nor is the ECG feature. Overall, though, the SE was a great option for those looking to save on an Apple Watch.
Apple Watch Series 7 - October 15, 2021
The Apple Watch Series 7 was quite a major upgrade, as it shrunk the bezels significantly and stretched the display to edge-to-edge. Many new features and UI elements were made possible as a result, including a full size keyboard for the first time on Apple Watch. Durability was a major focus for this release, with IP6X dust resistance and a 50% thicker screen added. Series 7 also featured faster charging, although the battery life stayed put at 18 hours.
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