I’ve used various Apple Watch models, including the original one that Apple launched back in 2015. The evolution of Apple’s iconic smartwatch line over the years has been fun to see. But if I had to pick my all-time favorites, only these Apple Watch models make the cut.
1 Apple Watch Series 0: The Model That Started It All
The idea of a smartwatch was still a little hazy before Apple introduced the original model in 2014. Options like Pebble showed that consumers were vaguely interested in a wearable device, but the technology wasn’t up to speed.
Apple was able to pave the way for the technology with the original Apple Watch. However, it was far from perfect—remember the Apple Watch Edition with an 18K gold case that started at $10,000? And let’s not even talk about the slow processor, almost unusable watchOS 1, and the idea that the watch would be all about apps.
Even though Apple originally marketed the device as more of a fashion statement and personal communication device, the original model—now known as Series 0—set a strong foundation for the future of the Apple Watch.
2 Apple Watch Series 3: Cellular Connectivity
Apple focused more on improving watchOS with the introduction of the Series 1 and Series 2 models. However, in 2017, the Apple Watch took a step forward with the introduction of Series 3.
The big addition was cellular connectivity. Before Series 3, your Apple Watch had to be in the range of an iPhone to do anything. That changed with the LTE option. You could make phone calls, send messages, and stream music without your iPhone. The watch used the same number as your iPhone.
Other additions included an altimeter to determine how many flights you climbed, increased RAM for a much faster overall experience, and the ability for Siri to actually speak back instead of just providing text on the screen with an answer.
While most of us still use an Apple Watch and iPhone in tandem, the addition of the LTE option helped make the device more of a standalone option for short periods. Especially when going for a run, being able to leave my iPhone at home and still be connected is a huge plus.
3 Apple Watch Series 4: Moving to a Bigger Screen
For the first three generations, the Apple Watch design remained the same with two size options—38mm and 42mm. However, the Apple Watch Series 4 moved toward bigger 40mm and 44mm size options that offered significantly thinner bezels and rounded corners. This change made everything on the screen easier to read and interact with.
The changes were more than just skin deep. The S4 chip offered a 64-bit processor that was up to twice as fast as the previous generation. It was very obvious how much faster the Apple Watch Series 4 was when using it. Whether I was starting a workout, opening an app, or something else, everything felt fluid, something I hadn’t experienced in previous generations.
In terms of health and fitness, the Apple Watch Series 4 was also the first model to allow users to take an ECG reading to determine if atrial fibrillation (AFib) is detected. You just needed to place your finger on the Digital Crown for 30 seconds to see the results and a heart rhythm classification.
It was the first consumer device ever to receive clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration. The Series 4 model also introduced Fall Detection, which allowed users to automatically initiate a call with emergency services and notify emergency contacts when non-responsive for 60 seconds after the watch detected the fall.
The Apple Watch Series 4 helped cement the product line as a great way to help monitor your health and overall fitness.
4 Apple Watch Series 7: Fast Charging and an Even Larger Display
While Series 5 was notable with its addition of an always-on display and Series 6 was powered with a faster chip and introduced blood oxygen monitoring, Series 7 was another big leap forward for the Apple Watch and still remains one of my favorites.
Once again, Apple redesigned the watch with a significantly larger display—more than 50 percent larger than the Series 3. The rounded corners and reflective edges also looked great when using apps and watch faces.
The larger screen also helped Apple introduce a stock keyboard app, making it much easier to compose longer messages. Other Apple apps, like Stopwatch, Activity, and Alarms, were redesigned to make use of the larger screen area.
This was also the first model with Fast Charging that could take the Apple Watch from 0 to 80 percent in around 45 minutes when using a compatible power adapter.
5 Apple Watch Ultra: The Ultimate Smartwatch
Even though the standard Apple Watch underwent several improvements with each model, some parts of the wearable device—like battery life and basic button layout—remained the same for the simple reason that it was difficult to radically change such a small device.
However, thanks to a desire for a rugged and more durable smartwatch, Apple threw out its playbook with the Apple Watch Ultra, which we reviewed in 2022. Its larger 49mm display is flat and surrounded by a titanium casing. With a much larger battery, you can go for up to 36 hours on a single charge. The display could reach up to 2,000 nits, twice as bright as any previous Apple Watch.
Using the Action button on the Apple Watch Ultra, you can have one-touch access to some features like starting a Workout or using a Shortcut. It also offered other unique features like dual-band GPS, a water temperature sensor, and an 86dB siren to help draw attention to a location.
Put together, the entire package lived up to its name. Even if you’re not a fan of climbing mountains or scuba diving, the Apple Watch Ultra gave users a fresh new experience and took the product line to new heights.
The Apple Watch is a unique part of Apple’s history. Even though the wearable device took a long and interesting road to get to where it is today, it’s still one of the best products Apple has ever made. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this product line.