We on the WIRED Gear team agree: If you have an iPhone, the Apple Watch is the best wearable to go with it. But which version should you buy? This question has recently gotten more complicated. Last year, a court ruling dictated that Apple could no longer sell its two latest watches, the Series 9 and the Ultra Watch 2, with the blood oxygen sensor. The medical technology company Masimo alleged that Apple had infringed on its patent. (Apple later defeated a lawsuit alleging that it had a monopoly on heart rate apps, but a larger antitrust lawsuit is ongoing.)
These suits are happening even as we happen on the 10-year anniversary of the Apple Watch. Rumors abound that this year we will see a newly redesigned Apple Watch X. Does that make last year’s Series 9 and Ultra Watch 2 still worth it? Yes, especially if you own a first-gen SE, Series 4, or Series 5, since Apple is sunsetting them. I love the Apple Watch. It is the watch I would wear if I weren’t constantly testing other fitness trackers. I test each new one for two weeks and often for many months after that. (Now my children test them as well.)
But how can you tell them apart, when all of these watches look pretty similar and share a rotating stable of features? We break down which one is best for you and whether older models are worth the price. Wondering what the operating system for these watches will look like? Check out our guides to the 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 Smartwatches, and Best iPhones.
Updated June 2024: We added more information on Apple’s lawsuits, new information on WatchOS 11 and iOS 18, and information on the upcoming Apple Watch X.
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