The largest information in Apple Watches at the moment is the approaching unlock of watch OS 26 — new instrument that features a Exercise Good friend and enhance for a wrist flick gesture — and the recovery of the blood oxygen tracking characteristic. Each the running gadget and restored characteristic solely observe to the flagship Apple Watch Sequence 10 and the adventure-geared Apple Watch Extremely 2. The 1/3 wearable within the lineup, the budget-focused Apple Watch SE, nonetheless has its benefits, particularly worth and robust fitness-tracking chops. In fact, all 3 fashions could also be changed after Apple’s anticipated iPhone 17 tournament in September. But when you wish to have lend a hand choosing the most efficient Apple Look ahead to you at the moment, this information can lend a hand. We’ll stroll you in the course of the specifications, sensors and different options, in conjunction with our opinions in response to our opinions.
Desk of contents
Easiest Apple Watch in 2025
Picture by way of Cherlynn Low / Engadget
Chip: S10 SiP | Sensors: ECG, center fee, temperature, compass, altimeter, accelerometer, fall/crash detection | Show: At all times‑on Retina wide-angle OLED show, max 2,000 nits brightness | Battery lifestyles: 18 hours | Case measurement: 42mm or 46mm
Learn our complete evaluation of the Apple Watch Sequence 10
After a couple of years of the similar measurement choices for Apple’s flagship wearable, the Apple Watch Sequence 10 now comes with a larger display matched with a thinner total design. As a substitute of 41 and 45mm case sizes, you’ll now get the watch in both 42mm or 46mm. And, due to a redesigned steel again that integrates the antenna into the housing, it’s now simply 9.7mm thick, a complete millimeter thinner than the Sequence 9.
In her evaluation, Engadget’s Cherlynn Low mentioned the brand new watch used to be noticeably thinner and lighter, despite the fact that that didn’t make an enormous distinction in convenience between the brand new model and its predecessor. The bigger display did make some issues clearer, akin to street names in Maps. The wide-angle OLED show additionally made it more straightforward to learn the face when now not having a look immediately at it.
The Sequence 10 delivers extra tough speaker output, too. Cherlynn famous that the audio system are most definitely now not one thing you’ll wish to depend on for prolonged listening, and so they indisputably paintings higher in quiet environments. But when you wish to have to listen to a track or just a little of a podcast sooner or later, your watch can be higher provided to take action. Any other {hardware} improve comes with the addition of a intensity gauge. It’s now not supposed for diving, because the gauge is solely rated to 6 meters, however it might provide you with insights when snorkeling or swimming.
Along with sleep monitoring, the watch now additionally helps sleep apnea detection, a situation that’s significantly under-diagnosed. Whilst it’s now not supposed for individuals who already know they have got the dysfunction, it might lend a hand determine sure respiring patterns all over sleep that are meant to be looked at by way of a physician. That characteristic may also be to be had at the Apple Watch Sequence 9 with watchOS 11.
Battery lifestyles didn’t trade tremendously — Apple nonetheless guarantees an 18-hour stretch consistent with price — and that relatively brief span has continually been our largest criticism with the watch. The charging velocity, then again, did get a spice up. You will have to now have the ability to get your watch as much as 80 % in only a part an hour the usage of a fast-charge-certified charger.
In fact, the brand new options aren’t the one reason why to shop for an Apple Watch Sequence 10. It simply occurs to be the most efficient better half you’ll get for an iPhone. The watch will stay you on best of your notifications (presenting fewer distractions than your telephone), whilst the task monitoring and health options can lend a hand stay you motivated, if that’s one thing you’re into. It may additionally remind you to take meds, observe your moods and log your length for cycle monitoring and predictions.
In the long run, we expect the Apple Watch Sequence 10 is a brilliant purchase for iOS customers who’re both new to Apple Watches or coming from a Sequence 8 or older. In case you’ve were given a Sequence 9, you’ll most definitely wait on an improve.
- Thinner and lighter construct
- Doubtlessly useful sleep apnea detection
- The most efficient better half for an iPhone
- Helpful new water sports activities options
- Nonetheless solely has an 18-hour battery lifestyles
Cherlynn Low for Engadget
Chip: S8 SiP | Sensors: Center fee, compass, altimeter, accelerometer, fall/crash detection | Show: Retina show, max 1,000 nits brightness | Battery lifestyles: 18 hours | Case measurement: 40mm or 44mm
Learn our complete evaluation of the Apple Watch SE
Over again, Apple didn’t pop out with a brand new era of the Apple Watch SE when it introduced the Apple Watch 10 and different Apple gadgets in September. A brand new plastic model is reportedly within the works (and we have now some concepts on what Apple can reinforce). However for now, this $250 smartwatch is Apple’s price range possibility.
Cherlynn additionally reviewed the SE when it got here out in 2022, calling it “the most efficient smartwatch for the cash.” It makes use of the similar chip as the unique Extremely and the Sequence 8, and in our evaluation of the brand new Sequence 9, Cherlynn “slightly spotted a distinction in efficiency” in comparison to the older Apple Watch.
That mentioned, there are some trade-offs. You received’t get an always-on show, blood oxygen tracking or a temperature sensor. The SE can even’t enhance the brand new Double Faucet characteristic and calls for your telephone to be close by for Siri requests (when you don’t have a cellular-enabled fashion). Fabrics-wise, the SE face is roofed in Ion-X glass, which is much less tough than the sapphire crystal on both the stainless-steel Sequence 9 or the Extremely 2.
However the SE has extra in not unusual with its pricier sibling than now not, together with crash detection, center fee tracking, emergency SOS calling, and 50 meters of water resistance. And, in fact, the watch does all of the fundamentals neatly, like sharing notifications, controlling your track playback and atmosphere timers and alarms.
Even though the display isn’t fairly as brilliant because the pricier fashions, we concept it used to be crisp and simple to learn, even in brilliant daylight. The health monitoring is correct, the design is light-weight and relaxed and the processor is snappy. In case you’re on the lookout for a starter smartwatch and don’t thoughts the few lacking options, the SE continues to be how one can pass.
- Inexpensive worth
- Nice well being and health monitoring
- Extends the application of an iPhone
- Lacks blood oxygen and temperature sensors
- Does not enhance Double Faucet
- No always-on show
Cherlynn Low for Engadget
Chip: S9 SiP | Sensors: ECG, center fee, temperature, compass, altimeter, accelerometer, fall/crash detection, intensity gauge | Show: At all times-on Retina show, max 3,000 nits brightness | Battery lifestyles: 36 hours | Case measurement: 49mm
Learn our complete evaluation of the Apple Watch Extremely
Apple introduced the Apple Watch Extremely 2 on the similar tournament because the Sequence 9 however, the next 12 months, we didn’t get an Apple Watch Extremely 3. As a substitute, Apple introduced a brand new satin black colorway created with a “diamond-like carbon bodily vapor deposition” procedure that you just’ll now and again in finding used on high-end knife blades.
Engadget’s Cherlynn Low took the former fashion Extremely out on a hike to make the most of its outdoor-specific options and the Back down serve as if truth be told stored her and our video manufacturer Brian from taking an accidental detour within the flawed course. The serve as lives throughout the Compass app and allows you to set waypoints akin to marking the automobile parking space ahead of you place out. There’s an onboard siren that’s loud sufficient to alert passersby or emergency staff for your whereabouts when you will have to want it.
For water-based actions, the Extremely 2 packs diving options that may measure water temperature, dive period and gauge as much as 40 meters of intensity. For workout routines nearer to house, the dual-frequency GPS provides you with extra correct path monitoring and tempo calculations. And the motion button may also be programmed to start out a exercise, regulate the stopwatch, cause the flashlight, set a waypoint and extra. Simply observe that we discovered it lovely simple to unintentionally cause the motion button when looking to press the crown, so it is going to take just a little apply.
The S9 SiP chip allows Double Faucet and on-device Siri processing. The display has been bumped as much as 3,000 nits and whilst we didn’t get to take the brand new fashion on a hike, the unique at 2,000 nits used to be lots brilliant sufficient in direct daylight. We adore how the brand new Modular Extremely watch face makes nice use of the outsized display (despite the fact that that’s additionally to be had at the unique AWU.) The battery lifestyles stays the similar at 36 hours, and we were given about 3 days of average use out of the Extremely ahead of wanting a recharge. The low energy mode is especially spectacular, squeezing out many further hours from a near-empty watch.
- Tough construct
- Specialised options for outdoors actions
- Huge display shows numerous information
- Dear
- Huge case can really feel cumbersome on smaller wrists
What to search for in an Apple Watch
Like every Apple merchandise, Apple Watches will solely paintings with different gadgets from the emblem’s ecosystem. You will not be able to pair any Apple Watch for your Android telephone. Be aware that you just can pair different wearables (like a Garmin tracker or a Fitbit band) along with your iPhone. There are some extra options which can be particular to Apple Watches and that set every of the 3 fashions except one any other.
Chips and sensors
The brand new Apple Watch Sequence 10 has an S10 SiP (gadget in a package deal) chip with a four-core Neural Engine. The Extremely 2 used to be up to date September 2023 with Apple’s S9 SiP. Each chips permit for on-device processing of Siri requests in addition to dictation, translation, automated exercise detection and the Double Faucet gesture that allows you to solution calls or prevent an alarm by way of tapping your thumb and forefinger in combination two times. It additionally allows quicker device finding out efficiency for decoding sensor knowledge, speech popularity and acting different “considering” duties. The Apple Watch SE nonetheless is dependent upon the S8 SiP, which used to be extensively utilized within the Sequence 8 and the unique Extremely.
Each the Sequence 10 and Extremely 2 can measure sure important indicators like center fee, and each have an ECG app. Temperature sensors can lend a hand monitor ovulation, whilst underwater temperature sensors would possibly come in useful whilst swimming and snorkeling. Each additionally enhance fall-detection and crash-detection as a security characteristic. All 3 fashions have a compass and altimeter. The Apple Watch Extremely 2 has an onboard SOS siren, in addition to dive options like a intensity gauge. Water options have been added to the Apple Watch Sequence 10, however with a shallower intensity ranking (simply six meters, as in comparison to 40 meters at the Extremely).
All 3 fashions enhance close to box conversation (NFC), the chip that permits Apple Pay. If you set it up the usage of the Apple Watch app in your iPhone, you’ll pay for stuff at any retailer that accepts Apple Pay, even supposing you do not need your telephone with you.
Blood oxygen characteristic
You might have heard a few patent dispute over blood oxygen tracking era that pressured Apple to prevent promoting its watches for a couple of months again in 2023. The corporate then began promoting the watches with the blood oxygen app disabled. Now the characteristic is again — Apple introduced in August of 2025 that it could be restoring the characteristic to any Sequence 9, Sequence 10 and Apple Watch Extremely 2 fashions that lack it. Doing so calls for an replace to iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1. You’ll be able to view your blood oxygen dimension ends up in the Respiration segment of the Well being app in your telephone.
Shows and case sizes
The wide-angle OLED show at the Apple Watch 10 allows you to see the always-on show from extra angles. The Extremely 2 additionally has an always-on show, however you’ll have to raise your wrist to inform time or learn notifications at the SE. The SE can succeed in a most brightness of one,000 nits, the Sequence 10 can get as brilliant as 2,000 and the Extremely 2 hits 3,000 nits. Each higher-end monitors can dim to a unmarried nit, making them much less distracting at midnight.
The Apple Watch Sequence 10 got here with a brand new end and case subject material — a shiny anodized jet black end at the aluminum fashion and the choice for a titanium case. The Extremely 2 additionally were given a brand new end, satin black, that makes use of a PVD (bodily vapor deposition) procedure to use the colour.
As for case sizes, the SE is to be had in 40 or 44mm. The Sequence 10 higher in measurement from the prior era and now has a collection of a 42 or 46mm case. The Extremely 2 is available in only one measurement measuring 49mm. You additionally get the chance to pick out the duration and elegance for watch bands. The SE and Sequence 10 are available in small/medium or medium/huge and the Extremely 2 provides you with the collection of small, medium or huge.
The Sequence 10 (left) and Sequence 9 (proper).
(Cherlynn Low for Engadget)
Battery lifestyles
Because it’s the biggest wearable, the Apple Watch Extremely 2 sports activities the largest battery and will remaining for a claimed 36 hours on a price. That quantity jumps as much as 72 hours when you activate low energy mode. Each the Apple Watch 10 and the SE are rated by way of Apple to move for 18 hours ahead of they want a discuss with to the charger, and longer when the usage of battery saver mode. That implies if you wish to use both of the ones fashions ceaselessly for sleep monitoring, it’s possible you’ll wish to recharge them just a little ahead of mattress.
Health and wellness options
Consider it or now not, all 3 Apple Watches have equivalent health tracker chops. The Task app makes use of 3 “rings” to stay tabs on how a lot you’re shifting in an afternoon: The Transfer ring tracks your lively energy; the Workout ring displays the mins you’ve spent strolling, operating, doing yoga and so forth; and the Stand ring tells you what number of hours in an afternoon you’ve stood up and moved round for no less than one minute.
Other inside sensors hit upon the ones actions, for instance the accelerometer senses whilst you’re shifting as opposed to sitting nonetheless, and the optical center fee sensor judges how exhausting you might be figuring out and what number of energy you’ve burned. You’ll be able to set your objectives for every ring and also you’ll earn badges and animations whilst you hit them.
The Exercise app allows you to get started and monitor an workout consultation. The sensors will even auto-detect whilst you’re figuring out, tapping your wrist to indicate you monitor the task. Apple Watches will combine with Apple’s Health+ subscription, exhibiting actual time center fee and calorie burn knowledge in your iPhone, iPad and even Apple TV 4K as you are taking a category. Health+ additionally comprises audio-guided walks and runs with simply your watch and Bluetooth earbuds. All 3 fashions enhance the Task and Exercise apps totally free. The Health+ app additionally works with all Apple Watches, however prices $10 monthly.
New options enabled with watchOS 11 come with Coaching Load that gauges your frame’s reaction to workout routines over the years, which might lend a hand athletes higher get ready for occasions like marathons. Customers too can now skip an afternoon (or extra) from health monitoring metrics once they wish to leisure or aren’t feeling as much as the problem of last their rings. The brand new OS additionally helps offline maps, which might end up helpful when mountaineering some distance from mobile protection. Upcoming options of the following running gadget (watchOS 26) will come with an AI Exercise Good friend to train you thru your subsequent run by way of your attached Airpods.
Siri
You’ll be able to get the elements, get started a exercise, determine a track and dictate a textual content simply by asking Siri. All Apple Watch fashions enhance the Carry to Discuss characteristic that bypasses the wish to say “Whats up Siri” and can as a substitute pay attention in your request whilst you elevate your wrist close to your mouth.
Each the Sequence 10 and the Extremely 2 make the most of onboard processing of Siri requests. That implies executing easy requests like beginning workout routines and timers are sooner, as they received’t wish to get entry to exterior networks. Then again, requests like sending texts or getting climate forecasts nonetheless wish to keep up a correspondence with Wi-Fi or mobile, so that you’ll wish to have your telephone close by you probably have a GPS-only fashion.
Carbon impartial choices
The Apple Watch Sequence 9 with the aluminum case used to be the corporate’s first carbon impartial product. Apple defines its carbon impartial merchandise as those who use “100% blank electrical energy for production and product use, 30 % recycled or renewable subject material by way of weight and 50 % of delivery with out using air transportation.” Blended, Apple says the ones adjustments lowered the emissions by way of round 75 %, and the corporate will use credit so make up for the remainder emissions.
Recently, the Apple Watch Sequence 10 in both aluminum or titanium with the game loop band, braided solo loop or Milanese loop, and the Apple Watch Extremely 2 with the path loop or alpine loop bands are designated as carbon impartial merchandise. If you choose, say the rubber Game Band, the carbon impartial ranking would not observe.
Value
There’s a $550 distinction between the most affordable and costliest Apple Watches. For $250 you’ll get the 40mm Apple Watch SE with GPS-only connectivity; including mobile connectivity ups the cost by way of $50. The Apple Watch Sequence 10 begins at $399 for the 42mm, non-cellular fashion in aluminum and is going as excessive as $749 for the 46mm titanium case (which is solely to be had with GPS and mobile). The Apple Watch Extremely 2 has only one worth: $799 for a titanium 49mm case with each GPS and mobile energy — despite the fact that if you need the titanium Apple Watch Band, the cost is going up. For any fashion you select, you can most definitely additionally need a couple of Apple Watch equipment, so it’s possible you’ll wish to issue that into your buying determination. Be aware that each one fashions pass on sale rather steadily — however solely at third-party realtors. You will not in finding many sale’s on Apple.com, despite the fact that the website does be offering reductions whilst you commerce to your outdated gadgets.
How we examined Apple Watches
Engadget has been reviewing Apple Watches because the first one got here out in 2015. Since then, we’ve examined each and every next fashion Apple has launched, together with the Extremely and SE fashions, spending no less than a couple of days or perhaps a couple weeks with one strapped to our wrists. All over that point, we run, hit the gymnasium, pass on hikes and put on it whilst slumbering, all of the whilst gauging the way it tracks more than a few metrics, integrates with the iPhone and plays each and every different trick Apple claims its smartwatches can do.
Since we additionally evaluation smartwatches from different corporations, akin to Samsung‘s Galaxy Watches and Google Pixels, our editors can evaluate Apple Watches now not simply to earlier generations, but in addition to different wearables in the marketplace. Our purchasing guides and proposals depend on first-hand checking out by way of Engadget group of workers.
Apple Watch comparability chart
Product | Apple Watch Sequence 10 | Apple Watch Extremely 2 | Apple Watch SE (Gen 2) |
Unencumber date | September 2024 | September 2023 | September 2022 |
Case sizes | 42mm or 46mm | 49mm | 40mm or 44mm |
Case subject material | Aluminum or titanium | Titanium | Aluminum |
Show | LTPO3 OLED At all times-On | LTPO2 OLED At all times-On | LTPO OLED |
Max brightness | 2,000 nits | 3,000 nits | 1,000 nits |
Chip | S10 SiP | S9 SiP | S8 SiP |
Max battery lifestyles | 18 h./36 h. low energy | 36 h./72 h. low energy | 18 h. |
Water resistance | 50 m. | 100 m. | 50 m. |
Featured sensors | ECG, electric center fee, optical center fee, water temp, altimeter, compass, gyroscope, sleep monitoring, sleep apnea, wrist temp | ECG, electric center fee, optical center fee, water temp, expanded-range altimeter, compass, gyroscope, sleep monitoring, sleep apnea, wrist temp | ECG, optical center fee, altimeter, compass, gyroscope, sleep monitoring |
Apple Watch FAQs
What are the most efficient Apple Watch apps for health monitoring?
All 3 watches use the similar Health and Exercise apps to trace your growth, and so they all have sensors to trace velocity, cadence, distance and center fee. However the Apple Watch Extremely 2 and the Apple Watch Sequence 10 have extra sensors than the Apple Watch SE. Those come with {an electrical} center fee sensor and a intensity gauge. The 2 watches actually have a blood oxygen app and an ECG app, all of which would possibly provide you with a greater image of your total well being. The Sequence 10 and Extremely 2 also are the one fashions like minded with the AI-powered Exercise Good friend from watchOS 26 (the characteristic additionally calls for an AI-compatible iPhone).
Are any of the Apple Watch collection water-proof?
All 3 fashions are water resistant. However they may be able to all maintain immersion in water, together with a swim. The Apple Watch SE and Sequence 10 can maintain a intensity of as much as 50 meters whilst the Extremely 2 may also be submerged as much as 100 meters.
