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 become 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 blood oxygen sensors. Medical technology company Masimo has claimed that Apple has infringed on its patent. (Apple eventually defeated a lawsuit that claimed it had a monopoly on heart rate apps, but a larger antitrust case is ongoing.)
These suits are happening even as we approach the 10-year anniversary of the Apple Watch. Apple recently unveiled a new design in the Apple Watch Series 10, but are last year’s Series 9 and Ultra Watch 2 still worth it? Yes, especially if you are upgrading from an older model that is now submerged. I like the Apple Watch. This is the watch I would wear if I wasn’t constantly testing other fitness trackers. I try each new one for two weeks and often for months after that. (Now, my kids try them too.)
How can you tell them apart, when all these watches are so similar and share a rotating stable of features? We break down which is best for you and whether older models are worth the price. Wondering what the operating system will look like for these watches? Check out our Top New Features in WatchOS guides and all about the new Apple Intelligence features in iOS18. As always, don’t forget to check out our other buying guides, like Best iPads, Best Smartwatches, and Best iPhones.
Updated September 2024: We’ve added our first impressions of the new Watch Series 10 and the Watch Ultra 2 update.
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