Apple’s smartwatch was first released in April 2015, and has since become one of the most popular smartwatches on the market.
The Apple Watch allows users to track their fitness and health, receive notifications, make phone calls, send messages, and access a wide variety of apps. Some even come with their own data connections, meaning they can operate independently from an iPhone (the Watch isn’t compatible with Android phones).
The Apple Watch is a water-resistant bundle of sensors and processors capable of collecting a great deal of data about where you are, what you’re doing, and what’s going on around you. It can display this data on its screen or on your iPhone, along with details of the music you’re playing, notifications about messages you’ve received, and fitness information. The Watch can also be used to talk to Siri, make contactless payments, and even assist in making calls.
The Apple Watch runs on watchOS, which is a customised version of Apple’s iOS operating system specifically designed for the small screen of the smartwatch. It is compatible with iPhones running iOS 15 or later and offers seamless integration with other Apple products, such as AirPods and HomePods.
Apple Watches (with a few exceptions) are announced in cycles known as ‘series’, usually each year in September, with each new release being an improvement over the earlier models. The current model is the Series 8, which comes in two sizes (41mm and 45mm) and features a more durable screen than previous models, new watch faces, faster charging, and improved fitness tracking. Older series are often still available from other retailers even after Apple has removed them from sale, and represent good value for money.
While every Apple Watch looks very much the same, with the distinctive Digital Crown and rectangular screen with rounded corners, the same cannot be said of its straps, which are known as ‘bands’. They come in all sorts of colours and patterns, and are easy to fit and replace. The Apple Watch is as much a fashion item as much as it is a must-have gadget.
As well as the Series 8, there are some other models available on the Apple website: the Apple Watch Ultra, SE, and Hermès. We’ll detail what separates these premium smartwatches here.
Best charging stations for phones and devices
Best waterproof smartwatches for swimming to track your performance in the pool
Best smartwatches of 2022: Wearable tech to suit your needs and budget
Best smartwatches for women 2022
Best Android smartwatches of 2022 tried and tested
Best AirPod alternatives: Top wireless earbuds to suit your budget tried and tested
Apple Watch Series 8
Enhanced over the Series 7 with a pair of temperature detectors - one on the front and one on the back - plus more precise motion sensors, the Series 8 comes in a variety of colours and a choice of aluminium or stainless steel cases.
The Series 8 is capable of detecting if you’ve been in a car crash, and can call emergency services automatically if you’re unresponsive for a set period of time, passing location data to both the operator and your designated emergency contacts.
There’s a low power mode that stretches the battery life to as much as 36 hours, and there are enhancements to the sleep tracking, fitness and navigation apps included with watchOS 9.
A Hermès edition of the Series 8 is also available, which changes up the casing, bands, and even the box it comes in to a more luxurious standard. You’ll pay for the privilege, though, with the Hermès edition starting at £1,209.
Buy now £419.00, Currys
Apple Watch Ultra
The Series 8’s big brother, the Watch Ultra was announced at the same time and contains all the same sensors, but is bigger, tougher, and much more expensive.
The casing for the Ultra is titanium, 49mm across, with a sapphire crystal display that’s brighter than any other Apple Watch. The extra size means there’s more room for a bigger battery, allowing the Ultra to last for up to 60 hours on low power mode. There are three beamforming microphones inside the Ultra, giving you the best possible sound quality if you use your Watch to make a call. There’s also an extra button, which can be customised to carry out a variety of common tasks.
Aimed at climbers, surfers, and people who enjoy running long distances, the Ultra was launched with three rugged bands made from titanium and flexible materials to complete the look.
Buy now £849.00, Currys
Apple Watch SE
The budget Watch, though that’s always a relative term with Apple products, the 2022 SE uses the same basic chipset as the Series 8, and has most of its features, but cuts back on the sensors. You don’t get the 8’s blood oxygen sensor, ECG or temperature sensors, and the case is a mixture of aluminium and plastic available in 40mm and 44mm variants.
It’s still a capable smartwatch, however, with plenty of fitness tracking capabilities, and with enough water resistance to make it a good choice for swimmers. All the available bands will fit it too, so you’re not missing out.
Buy now £259.00, Currys
Apple Watch Series 7
Last year’s model, but still available from retailers, often at a discount, the Series 7 doesn’t give up much to the Series 8 in terms of sensors or processing power. It doesn’t have the newer model’s ability to detect a car crash, and lacks the fancy new temperature sensors, but will still be able to track your sleep, heart rate and exercise, as well as all the remote control and notification capabilities.
A Nike edition of the Series 7 is also available, aimed at runners, and features bands and apps redesigned with the help of the well-known sportswear brand.
Buy now £389.00, Currys
