The Apple Watch has matured a lot through the years since its inception (we’ve received a full retrospective for that), however with watchOS 10 poised to supply a sizeable overhaul to Apple’s wearable platform at WWDC 2023, we thought it was time to rank every gadget within the Apple Watch lineup.
Some standards right here: Firstly, we’re skipping the SE fashions. Whereas each have provided a strong value level for getting onto the platform, the shortage of most of the options discovered on premium fashions makes both exhausting to advocate in lieu of them.
Secondly, we’re judging by how spectacular the gadget was on the time, in addition to what it delivered to the Apple Watch in subsequent fashions. Whereas the Sequence 0 was a strong start line, for instance, every little thing after it was simply flat-out higher.
With this in thoughts, right here’s our rating of the Apple Watch.
9. Apple Watch (Sequence 0)
Simply because the Apple Watch needed to begin someplace, so too should our record. The Apple Watch Sequence 0 actually appears much like what we nonetheless have as we speak with the newest Sequence 8, however it might be honest to say it felt lots like a prototype.
Not best when you’d spent hundreds of {dollars} on the gold model, nonetheless – Apple’s place of Apple Watch as a luxurious merchandise was short-lived, and watchOS updates stopped supporting it inside a number of years. Ouch.
8. Apple Watch Sequence 1 & Sequence 2
Apple virtually bundled these two Apple Watches collectively, and we’ve finished the identical as a result of whereas the Sequence 1 and Sequence 2 arrived carefully collectively, the previous could be very a lot a barely quicker Sequence 0.
The Sequence 2, nonetheless, stays mired at this level on the record as a result of its solely actual large addition was water resistance.
7. Apple Watch Sequence 6
Leaping forward a bit now, the Apple Watch Sequence 6 is, to make use of an iPhone analogy, a bit like an Apple Watch 5S. It’s higher than its predecessor, sure, however in such small ways in which it’s exhausting to argue it’s been significantly influential.
In truth, whereas the blood oxygen monitor is a superb addition, and up to date coronary heart price sensors are at all times welcome, the Sequence 6 is probably most memorable for eradicating Pressure Contact – one thing this author nonetheless needs was right here.
6. Apple Watch Sequence 8
One other comparatively minor replace, the Sequence 8’s large new additions had been twofold. The primary, Crash Detection, is spectacular tech that you just hope by no means to make use of. It’s a pure evolution of Fall Detection in some ways.
The opposite addition was a Temperature Sensor, and whereas it’s confirmed significantly helpful for monitoring ovulation, we want Apple had gone the Fitbit route and had it verify for potential infections, too. All in all, although, a really modest improve.
5. Apple Watch Sequence 7
Maybe the Sequence 7 is somewhat little bit of a sufferer of pre-launch hype, however given many had been anticipating a extra drastic design overhaul, a Sequence 6 with a much bigger, brighter display screen felt a bit disappointing.
Nonetheless, the Sequence 7 is fondly remembered for mentioned show, and it’s additionally the primary Apple Watch to get quicker charging. That’s one technique to counter the battery life problem we suppose.
4. Apple Watch Sequence 5
As we attain the highest of our record, it’s getting more durable to select between releases. The Sequence 5, and arguably any fashions henceforth, may attain higher heights on this record.
It upped the storage (32GB) and added a compass, however the large issue that separated it from prior fashions was the At all times On Show. In typical Apple style, it makes certain personal information is avoided prying eyes, and it felt magical when it debuted to have the display screen virtually react to your gaze.
3. Apple Watch Sequence 3
We’ve lengthy held the idea that the Sequence 3 ought to’ve been reduce from the product line years in the past, however that’s solely all the way down to its efficiency as watchOS grew extra formidable.
The underlying design, whereas somewhat dated now, stays sound, and it felt as if it was the primary time the Apple Watch had that breakthrough second. It additionally marked the debut of mobile fashions, one thing we nonetheless have as we speak.
2. Apple Watch Extremely
Put merely, the Apple Watch Extremely is the greatest Apple Watch you should buy proper now. That counts for one thing, in fact, however what will get it so near the tippy-top of our record is that it confirmed Apple may make a high-end model of the Apple Watch with out charging the Earth for it.
The motion button, brighter display screen, and built-in siren are nice, however the battery life is the most effective half about it.
1. Apple Watch Sequence 4
If Sequence 3 was the breakout hit, Sequence 4 was the sophomore album that confirmed Apple leaning into it – and it gave the wearable line its first sense of swagger.
A much bigger show on a smaller chassis, vastly improved efficiency, and a headline-grabbing ECG instrument made it the primary Apple Watch that felt just like the gadget we have now as we speak – and it nonetheless appears the half half a decade later.
Ultimately, then, we have ranked the Sequence 4 the best for Apple lastly being assured in what it needed the Apple Watch to be – however in all honesty, it is down to non-public desire. It is actually grown right into a key a part of Apple’s marketing strategy, and the excellent news is it appears poised to maintain getting higher each single 12 months.
