If you have an iPhone, Apple Watch is best wearable to go with it. But which version should you buy? This question has become more complicated recently. Last year, a court ruling ordered Apple not to sell its two latest watches, the Series 9 and Ultra Watch 2, which have blood oxygen sensors. Health technology company Masimo alleged that Apple had infringed on its patents. (Apple later lost a lawsuit alleging that it had monopolized heart rate appBut a larger antitrust lawsuit is happening.)
These suits come even as we approach the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch. Apple recently announced a brand new design with Apple Watch Series 10But are last year’s Series 9 and Ultra Watch 2 still worth buying? Yes, especially if you’re upgrading from an older model that’s now discontinued. I love the Apple Watch. It’s the watch I’d wear if I weren’t constantly testing new health tracker. I test each new one for two weeks and often for months after that. (Now my children Try them out too.)
How can you tell them apart when they all look pretty similar and share a bunch of features? We break down which one is best for you and whether older models are worth the price. Wondering what operating systems these watches run on? Check out our guide to Top New Features in WatchOS and all about the new Apple Intelligence Features in iOS18. As always, don’t forget to check out our other buying guides, like The best iPads, Best SmartwatchAnd The best iPhones.
Updated September 2024: We’ve added first impressions of the new Watch Series 10 and an update to the Watch Ultra 2.
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