Apple currently has five different Apple Watch models to choose from. That can make choosing your first or next Apple Watch confusing. Here’s Australian Apple News’ buying guide to help you choose the right Apple Watch for you.
Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation)
| Price | Chip | Size/Weight | |
| 40mm GPS | $399 | S8 | 40 mm by 34 mm by 10.7 mm, 26.4g |
| 40mm GPS and Cellular | $479 | S8 | 40 mm by 34 mm by 10.7 mm, 27.8g |
| 44mm GPS | $449 | S8 | 44 mm by 38 mm by 10.7 mm, 32.9g |
| 44mm GPS and Cellular | $529 | S8 | 44 mm by 38 mm by 10.7 mm, 33g |
The Apple Watch SE is Apple’s entry level smartwatch. While it uses similar display technology to the higher end models, it’s not as bright at just 1000 nits which can make it a little harder to read in bright sunlight.
While it offers alerts when your heart rate falls outside a safe zone or if an arrhythmia is detected, it lacks the blood oxygen app found in the Series 10, Ultra and Hermes models as well as the temperature sensor. So, while the Apple Watch SE can be used for cycle tracking, it can’t use temperature to provide ovulation estimates.
It’s water resistant to 50 metres like the Apple Watch Series 10 but lacks that model’s depth gauge and water temperature sensor.
In short, the Apple Watch SE is a great option if you’ve never owned an Apple Watch and want to see if it’s for you or if your budget is limited.
Apple Watch Series 10
| Price | Chip | Size/Weight | |
| Aluminium | |||
| 42mm GPS | $649 (or $729 for stainless steel band) | S10 | 42 mm by 36 mm by 9.7 mm, 30g |
| 42mm GPS and Cellular | $809 (or $889 for stainless steel band) | S10 | 42 mm by 36 mm by 9.7 mm, 29.3 |
| 46mm GPS | $699 (or $779 for stainless steel band) | S10 | 46 mm by 39 mm by 9.7 mm, 36.4g |
| 46mm GPS and Cellular | $859 (or $939 for stainless steel band) | S10 | 46 mm by 39 mm by 9.7 mm, 35.3g |
| Titanium | |||
| 42mm GPS and Cellular | $1199 (or $1279 for stainless steel band) | S10 | 42 mm by 36 mm by 9.7 mm, 34.4 |
| 46mm GPS and Cellular | $1279 (or $1359 for stainless steel band) | S10 | 46 mm by 39 mm by 9.7 mm, 41.7g |
The Apple Watch Series 10 is intended as the Apple Watch for almost everyone. It contains almost all of Apple’s latest smartwatch tech including its most recent processor chip, premium materials (there are titanium body and stainless steel band options) and a full range of sensors for monitoring vitals including heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen and sleep duration.
Apple’s introduction of the Apple Watch Series 10 brought a couple of features that had been initially released with the Apple Watch Ultra 1. While the Apple Watch Series 10 is not suitable for scuba diving and high-speed water sports, it does have a temperature and depth gauge for swimmers.
It has the same rated battery life as the Apple Watch SE, up to 18 hours, but can be charged faster and can go from empty to 80% in about half an hour.
The display is brighter than the Apple Watch SE, rated at up to 2000 nits, with a much wider viewing angle and can be set as an always-on display. And its viewing area is significantly larger.
There are significantly more sensors with temperature measurement aiding more accurate cycle tracking as well as blood oxygen sensor.
If you’re looking for an Apple Watch that looks great for everyday use and boasts almost all of Apple’s latest smartwatch features, then the Apple Watch Series 10 is for you.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
| Price | Chip | Size/Weight | |
| 49mm GPS and Cellular (natural) | $1399 | S9 | 49 mm by 44 mm by 14.4 mm, 61.4g |
| 49mm GPS and Cellular (black) | $1399 | S9 | 49 mm by 44 mm by 14.4 mm, 61.8g |
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a ruggedised version of the Apple Watch. Although the Series 2 was released at the same time as the Apple Watch Series 10, it retains the chip and screen tech as the Apple Watch Series 9. We can expect an update to the Apple Watch Ultra later in 2025 when it should get a new chip, improved screen tech and, potentially, new sensors for tracking vitals.
Despite being larger than the Series 10, it has slightly less available screen space – most likely because of the large, protective bezel that minimise the chances of the display being damaged.
While the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is not as advanced as the Series 10, it’s still a capable smartwatch for those that like hiking, climbing, high-speed water sports and other adventurous activities. It’s significantly larger and heavier than the Series 10 but also boasts double the battery life.
As it’s designed for the outdoors, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has dual-frequency GPS for greater precision.
The Apple Watch Ultra is not for everyone. As well as being significantly more expensive than Apple’s other mainstream smartwatches, it’s specifically made for those who need a more rugged Apple Watch and are prepared to wear something larger and heavier.
Apple Watch Hermes
| Price | Chip | Size/weight | |
| 42mm GPS and Cellular | $2109 – $3019 depending on choice of band | S10 | 42 mm by 36 mm by 9.7 mm, 34.4 |
| 46mm GPS and Cellular | $2189 – $3099 depending on choice of band | S10 | 46 mm by 39 mm by 9.7 mm, 41.7g |
The Apple Watch Hermes puts a designer finish on the Apple Watch Series 10. Otherwise, it has all the same specs and features.
It differs from the Apple Watch Series 10 in several ways:
- Exclusive watch faces that are only available on the Apple Watch Hermes
- A highly polished body that looks like silver
- Titanium only
The Apple Watch Hermes is pitched at folks with a few extras dollars to spend who want something a little more distinctive than the regular Apple Watch Series 10
Apple Watch Nike
Apple and Nike have had a long association. And while there’s specific Apple Watch Nike Edition anymore, Apple does have a range of branded bands for the Apple Watch as well as a range of watch faces you can install on a current Apple Watch.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.