How to choose which Apple Watch to buy

Editor's note: Due to a patent dispute with medical device maker Masimo, new Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 units sold in the US no longer have the blood oxygen feature. Older models are unaffected. You can tell if you have a unit with the blood oxygen feature disabled if the part number ends in LW/A.

It used to be easy to pick an Apple Watch. All you had to do was choose whether you wanted the larger model or the smaller one. Then Apple added optional cellular connectivity. Then, a more affordable Watch SE (now in its second generation) and, in 2022, the rugged Apple Watch Ultra (also now in its second generation). Suddenly, there are lots of options.

Now that Apple has announced the Series 10, perfectly good older versions of the Apple Watch will get discounted as retailers try to empty their inventory. You may also see more refurbished versions of these older models pop up. If you're interested in more premium materials, like stainless steel, this is a great way to get a fancier version of last year's watch. You won't be missing out on too much, either. The past few years have seen iterative updates in terms of hardware - and the bulk of new features come from software updates. With that said, keep in mind that watchOS 11 will drop support for the Series 4, 5, and first-gen SE when it arrives later this fall.

Buying refurbished is one way that you may be able to upgrade from an older model without giving up blood oxygen. Due to a patent battle with Masimo, new Series 9 and Ultra 2 models sold in the US after January 18th, 2024, no longer have this feature. This is not a big deal for most people, but if that feature is important to you, older watches and Series 9 and Ultra 2 units sold by Apple before January 18th still had the feature. (As do watches overseas. The ban only impacts US units.)

We're in the process of reviewing the new Series 10. Of course we recommend waiting until we've finished testing, but you can check out our first impressions in our hands-on report if you're dead-set on preordering. In a nutshell, the Series 10 is bigger, brighter, and lighter than previous models, with some new features ported over from the Ultra lineup. A new sleep apnea detection feature is also coming soon, pending FDA clearance. Meanwhile, there are a ton of new colors and finishes, with titanium replacing stainless steel.

So much choice can lead to analysis paralysis. But don't worry. I've tested every single version of the Apple Watch you can buy right now - in addition to basically every other fitness watch and smartwatch on the market- and can steer you in the right direction.

Should you get an Apple Watch?