In 2023, I decided to update my Apple Watch after consistently failing to wear my Series 4 for a number of years. I sold that one on Poshmark and began looking at newer models to find one with enough features to convince me to actually wear it. I opted to get a Series 8, although the Series 9 had just been released, as I was buying two: one for my mom and one for myself. As it turns out, that was a great decision.
We have to draw the line somewhere: Seven of Apple's watches are no longer supported, meaning they won't receive any software or security updates anymore. In addition, you run the risk that the watch will no longer be compatible with your iPhone or certain apps. In short, you shouldn't buy a watch that Apple doesn't support. That includes the following:
Apple Watch Series 1
Apple Watch Series 3
Apple Watch Series 5
While the company does currently support the Series 6, it is next in line to join this list. It's not clear when that will happen, but you can be sure it will. We'll see next week—when Apple reveals watchOS 26—whether the watch will be supported another year. If not, it'll be stuck on watchOS 11 for good.
Performance and other generational Watch improvements
In general, each Apple Watch is faster than the last. Apple tends to put its newest S-Chip—the Apple Watch's processor—in its latest watch series. Simply put, a newer S-chip gives you a faster, more productive product. The Series 6 has an S6 chip, Series 7 has S7, and so on until you hit the Ultras. (The first-generation Ultra has an S8 chip like the Series 8, while the Ultra 2 has an S9 chip like the Series 9.)
The Series 7 introduced faster charging, a larger display, and more durable screen.
The Series 9 debuted new gesture controls, on-device Siri access, more precise location tracking in Find My, and a display with double the brightness of the Series 8.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 introduced a display with a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits and on-device media playback.
If you see a feature you absolutely need in a particular watch model, you'll have to spring for it. But if you just want something for core Apple Watch tasks, you can start to consider older options. Apple's watch comparison site can be a helpful tool for identifying different features among models.
My watch was pre-owned, and while I have no way of knowing if it has its original battery, my battery life has not declined substantially in the two years I've been using it daily. I primarily use mine to track my workouts, vitals, and sleep, which means it's always running. I charge it while I'm in the shower and occasionally for a few minutes before bed, and that's about it. On an average day of constant notifications, mine lasts me a bit longer than the advertised 18-hour mark. Because I have little interest in the small improvements offered by the Series 9 and Series 10—like extra brightness, larger screen size, performance bumps, and advanced cycle tracking—the battery life is what would (or will) compel me to upgrade in the future, but for now, I have not noticed any problems. I asked my mom if she's noticed any battery degradation on hers, since I bought it at the same time and place as mine, and she said no. She uses hers to track walking workouts, talk on the phone, and monitor her sleep and vitals, too.
Stick with the Series 7 or newer
For now, I have been pleasantly surprised by how well my Series 8 has held up for two years. Its touchscreen has never faltered, the external buttons function perfectly, it syncs to all of my apps and devices with no problem, and it does exactly what I need it to do—which is to tell me how many steps I'm taking and how hard I'm exerting myself at the gym. If you're in the market for a smart watch, I see no reason that an older version shouldn't be considered, as long as it still runs the latest operating system. You can save a chunk of change by sourcing an older model from the resale or refurbished markets and put that money away for when Apple drops something super revolutionary in the wearable space.
Apple doesn't sell anything below a Series 10 or SE directly anymore, so if you want a 6, 7, 8, or 9, you'll have to check the resale and refurbished markets. You'll definitely save some money that way (a new Series 10 starts at $399, though it can be found on sale, and the refurbished Series 8 I got is selling right now for $219).
Apple Watch Series 8 (Renewed) $209.00 at Amazon $220.00 Save $11.00 Learn More Learn More $209.00 at Amazon $220.00 Save $11.00 Read More Details
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