At the company's fall iPhone event, Apple also announced three new Apple Watch models. The latest wearable devices range from $249 for the entry-level Apple Watch SE to $799 for the extreme Apple Watch Ultra. You might be pretty clear whether you want a low-cost option or an expensive one, yet there is still quite a bit of nuance throughout the middle of the line. So which Apple Watch is right for you?
The best, and most obvious, place to start is to figure out why you want an Apple Watch. Plenty of people use the device for tracking their vital signs during exercise sessions. Making sure you're keeping up with messages and notifications is another valid reason to invest in one. If neither of those things are a priority, the Apple Watch is also a competent way to give a child connectivity without allowing the full mobile phone experience.
Whether you're looking for your first smartwatch or need an upgrade, one of these models should be able to fit your needs—and budget. Below are several areas for consideration to help you best decide.
Which Apple Watch Will Fit Best?
The case size of the watch will determine the overall fit. The Apple Watch SE's comes in 40- and 44-millimeter sizes. Apple Watch Series 8's comes in 41- and 45-millimeter sizes. The ruggedized Apple Watch Ultra's only comes in a single 49-millimeter size.
There is no wrong answer when it comes to picking a size of Apple Watch. The smaller size is not meant for women, and the larger one is not automatically for men. The two options offered are intended to be comfortable on your wrist.
Beyond choosing the size of the screen, you'll also need to pick a length of watchband. Apple does have a sizing tool PDF you can print out to measure for its Sport Loop bands. This might also provide a little insight into the overall fit and feel of the whole device if you can't make it in to one of the company's retail stores.
How Much Does an Apple Watch Cost?
The Apple Watch SE starts at $249, the Series 8 starts at $399, and the Ultra costs $799. These prices are for the smaller options. Going to the larger size of aluminum models will tack on $30 to the price. Adding cellular will add an additional $50 to the price, as well. (You will still need to pay a monthly fee through your cellular carrier for ongoing connectivity.)
Beyond size and connectivity, there is also the consideration of materials. The lowest-priced options come in aluminum. The Series 8 is available in stainless steel, and the 41-millimeter size starts at $749. Going to the 45-millimeter option in steel will cost $50 more, so you're looking at $799. A Hermès Apple Watch starts significantly higher at $1,249, but the difference in price can be attributed to its Hermès band—the watch is the same stainless steel.
Connectivity: GPS and Cellular
It might be a little confusing at first, but both of these configurations include GPS. Each one is perfectly suitable for exercise and fitness activities. If you do want to run or work out without bringing your iPhone, however, you will need to download songs, podcasts or audio to the 32 GB of onboard storage first.
Before I started running regularly, I opted for the GPS models. I was never without my phone, so my watch always had an internet connection. Once I began running on a daily basis, I dove into the cellular model and treated the device on my wrist like a tiny streaming iPod.
I have different playlists set up, but cellular allows me to pick anything I want to listen to, and even to switch in the middle of a run. Knowing I can call for help from my watch while I'm out is also a benefit of the cellular model.
Consideration: Health and Fitness
The health and fitness benefits of wearing an Apple Watch probably rank high for most people. Even if you're not exercising, the ability to keep an eye on your heart rate, blood oxygen and other vitals is still an attractive proposition.
Keep in mind that the latest Apple Watch SE does not have the capability of taking an electrocardiogram or monitoring blood oxygen levels. It doesn't have the new temperature sensor that is used for estimating ovulation, either.
The SE model will monitor for high and low heart rates and send irregular rhythm notifications. It does get the latest crash detection to notify emergency services if you are in a car accident. And the watch will alert contacts if it detects falls.
Consideration: Sleep Tracking
Sleep tracking gets its most meaningful boost thanks to watchOS 9 software, not any specific new watch model. That means a lower-cost SE could fulfill your needs if those revolve around wearing the device overnight while you sleep.
A few items to consider in relation to sleep tracking. A smaller watch size might be less bothersome during the night. Aluminum is lighter and, again, might be less bothersome in this circumstance. The SE model does not have fast charging capability like the Series 8 should you need to give your watch a quick hit of extra battery life after tracking sleep overnight.
Although a health feature, the Series 8's new temperature sensor to estimate ovulation works during sleep. It makes sense to think of it as a sleep tracking benefit for those who can utilize its information.
Consideration: Advanced Features
If you're still looking to get even more out of a wrist computer, you probably want the most capable Apple Watch Ultra. Features like a chunkier digital crown or the inclusion of a siren might be tailored to people adventuring outdoors who have special environmental needs. But this watch can still be used by anyone.
Among the most accessible benefits is its aerospace-grade titanium for a tough exterior without bulky weight. It's rated 36 hours of standard-use battery life, or double that of the Series 8. The Ultra's 2,000 nits of peak brightness will make it incredibly readable in direct sunlight. And its dual speakers and three-mic array enable much louder volume and less noise while on calls.
Going above and beyond the Series 8, the Ultra has a depth gauge and water temperature sensor. It can be used as a dive computer by downloading a third-party app. It also includes dual-frequency GPS for even more accurate tracking.
Deciding on an Apple Watch
Unfortunately, the Apple Watch Ultra's 49-millimeter screen size will keep plenty of people from wearing it full time—even if they could benefit from its feature set. Additionally, the lack of a blood oxygen sensor or ECG in the Apple Watch SE might deter people who want the most health-related information they can obtain from their wrist device. While the stainless steel versions are attractive, they are heavier and might get in the way of some fitness activities.
The aluminum Series 8 Apple Watch is a great place to start when considering this new line of products. It makes sense for a lot of people because it's the most versatile of the bunch, capable of being dressed up or down and able to handle most activities. But that's why this latest range of Apple Watches is beginning to diverge into even more varied options—so there's something to fit into everyone's life.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Tyler Hayes is a product reviewer for Newsweek. He has contributed extensively to WIRED, The New York Times, Fast Company, ... Read more
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