The Apple Watch Series and Ultra models have numbers, similar to iPhones, which makes it easier to identify newer or older devices. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch SE doesn't include numbers and is often identified by its generation or release year.
Apple released its latest Apple Watch models — the Apple Watch Series 10 and a black titanium version of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 — in September 2024. The black titanium Apple Watch Ultra 2 is fundamentally the same as the natural titanium Ultra 2 released in September 2023.
The second-generation Apple Watch SE is the latest entry-level SE model, which Apple released in September 2022.
Here's a breakdown of the latest Apple Watch models by release date:
- Apple Watch Series 10: September 20, 2024
- Apple Watch Ultra 2 in black titanium: September 20, 2024
- Apple Watch Ultra 2 in natural titanium: September 22, 2023
- Apple Watch SE second-generation: September 16, 2022
Determining which of the latest Apple Watches best suits your needs can be as simple as figuring out whether you want an always-on display, which kind of design you like, or which model fits your budget. Every Apple Watch is a winner for different reasons in our guide to the best Apple Watch.
The latest Apple Watch Series model
The Apple Watch Series 10 is thinner than its predecessors, with a larger case and overall display size. It runs on the latest S10 processor and has a wide-angle OLED display for easier reading at an angle, faster charging, and media playback from its speakers.
Apple released its newest Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Series 10, on September 20, 2024, in 42mm and 46mm options.
The Apple Watch Series 10 introduced a somewhat refreshed design that is 10% thinner than previous generations. Screen sizes are also bigger, 30% larger than the previous generation Series 9. Still, it's easily recognizable as a typical Apple Watch.
It features a new wide-angle OLED display for supposed better visibility when glancing at the watch at an angle. However, we never had any visibility issues with previous generations. The new OLED display also enables the second hand or numbers to stay visible when the display is asleep when you have the always-on display enabled.
It also marked the first Apple Watch Series model with a titanium option in natural and gold colors, replacing the previous stainless steel option. It's also available in the base aluminum option with a polished Jet Black color.
The Apple Watch Series 10 runs on Apple's latest S10 processor, which supports new features like voice call noise suppression, a 20-foot water depth gauge, and a water temperature sensor. The Series 10 also offers faster charging than previous Series models.
The Series 10 launch introduced a sleep apnea notification feature available on the Series 9 and later models.
Find out more about the Apple Watch Series 10.
The latest Apple Watch Ultra
The Ultra 2 remains Apple's top-tier smartwatch in its current lineup. It exclusively features the dynamically useful Action Button, multi-day battery life, and a hardwearing design perfect for athletes and adventurers. Apple introduced a new black titanium frame in 2024 alongside new features like sleep apnea detection.
Apple released the Apple Watch Ultra 2 on September 22, 2023, and it released a black titanium variant on September 20, 2024. It's also available in the original natural titanium color and comes in a single 49mm size.
While technically a two-year-old model running on an older processor (S9), the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is Apple's top high-end smartwatch, designed primarily with athletes and outdoor adventurers in mind, thanks to its durability, features, and extended battery life. It's equally viable for those who simply prefer the Apple Watch Ultra 2's bulkier aesthetic or value three-day battery life.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is similar to the Series 10, except for an enhanced dual-frequency GPS for more precise location tracking, an altimeter with extended operating range, a brighter display, a chunkier and durable design, diving-specific features, and twice the battery life.
It also uniquely features the Action button, which allows for various preset shortcuts, like starting a workout, enabling an emergency siren, or toggling the flashlight.
Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 2 review.
The latest Apple Watch SE
The second-generation Apple Watch SE is an impressive entry-level wearable with the same processor as the Series 8 and Ultra, so it's still smooth despite being nearly three years old. It doesn't have the advanced health sensors of premium models, but it offers enough features to satisfy most people for its price.
Apple released the latest second-generation Apple Watch SE in 40mm and 44mm options on September 16, 2022, alongside the Apple Watch Series 8.
While it's Apple's least expensive Apple Watch, the Apple Watch SE is packed with all the fitness and sleep tracking features and smartwatch capabilities most people arguably need.
However, relative to the Series 10, it lacks the double-tap gesture, an ECG sensor for taking electrocardiograms, skin temperature sensors for advanced period tracking and additional sleep-tracking measurements, sleep apnea monitoring, and upgraded GPS hardware.
For most people, the Apple Watch SE's most notable omission is the always-on display. Without it, you can't glance at the watch to read the time or check a widget without tapping the display or raising your wrist.
Though it sports a previous-generation design and runs on the two-year-old S8 processor, the Apple Watch SE is an ideal entry-level model.
Read our full Apple Watch SE (2022) review.
How to figure out which Apple Watch you own
The easiest way to find out which Apple Watch model you own is to check the underside, where the sensors are located. Surrounding the sensors, you'll see an engraving stating the model (like Series 10), the size in millimeters, and the case material. If you have a WiFi plus cellular model, you'll see the word "LTE" next to GPS.
On your iPhone, you can also go to the Watch app, tap My Watch at the bottom left, tap General, and tap About. There, you'll see the model name and details, like size and case material.
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