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The first Apple Watch was announced on September 9, 2014, but customers could first buy it on April 24, 2015. This timeline lists every major Apple Watch hardware release by first retail availability through 2025; Nike, Hermès, Edition, GPS, and cellular versions are counted as variants of their generation.
Apple Watch release timeline
| First retail availability | Models released | Notable changes |
|---|---|---|
| April 24, 2015 | Apple Watch (1st generation) | Apple’s first smartwatch, available in 38mm and 42mm cases |
| September 16, 2016 | Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2 | Faster processors; Series 2 added GPS, 50-meter water resistance, and a brighter display |
| September 22, 2017 | Apple Watch Series 3 | Optional built-in cellular connectivity and a barometric altimeter |
| September 21, 2018 | Apple Watch Series 4 | New 40mm and 44mm sizes, larger display, fall detection, and ECG-capable hardware |
| September 20, 2019 | Apple Watch Series 5 | Always-On display, compass, and titanium and ceramic options |
| September 18, 2020 | Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE (1st generation) | Blood Oxygen sensor on Series 6; first-generation SE introduced |
| October 15, 2021 | Apple Watch Series 7 | 41mm and 45mm cases, thinner borders, faster charging, stronger front glass, and IP6X dust resistance |
| September 16, 2022 | Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) | Temperature sensing and Crash Detection on Series 8; updated SE |
| September 23, 2022 | Apple Watch Ultra (1st generation) | 49mm titanium case, Action button, larger battery, and dual-frequency GPS |
| September 22, 2023 | Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 | S9 SiP, on-device Siri processing, and Double Tap on Series 9 |
| September 20, 2024 | Apple Watch Series 10 and refreshed Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Thinner Series 10 design; black-titanium finish and Hermès edition for Ultra 2 |
| September 19, 2025 | Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 3 | Hypertension notifications, 5G connectivity, and expanded Ultra capabilities |
2015: Apple Watch (1st generation)
Retail release: April 24, 2015
The original Apple Watch arrived in three collections: Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch, and Apple Watch Edition. All used the same basic first-generation hardware but differed in case materials and pricing. The watch came in 38mm and 42mm sizes and required an iPhone 5 or later running iOS 8.2 or later.
Apple unveiled the watch on September 9, 2014, which is why it is sometimes incorrectly described as a 2014 release. That was the announcement date, not the date customers could buy it. Its first retail launch covered nine countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, and Japan. Apple’s announcement and launch availability notice distinguish the dates.
2016: Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2
Retail release: September 16, 2016
Apple split the range into two numbered models in 2016. Series 1 was a faster revision of the original design, using a dual-core processor while retaining the earlier generation’s general feature set.
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![Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/416RQ0rtsUL._SL160_.jpg)
- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
- KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
- GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
- SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.
Series 2 was the more substantial upgrade. It added built-in GPS, 50-meter water resistance, a brighter display, and a faster dual-core processor. That made it more practical for outdoor workouts and swimming without carrying an iPhone. Apple also introduced a ceramic Apple Watch Edition based on Series 2 hardware.
Apple Watch Nike+ launched as a branded variant of Series 2, not as a separate generation. It paired Series 2 hardware with Nike bands and watch faces. Apple’s Series 2 announcement describes the models and availability.
2017: Apple Watch Series 3
Retail release: September 22, 2017
Series 3 was the first Apple Watch generation to offer an optional built-in cellular connection. With a compatible carrier plan, the cellular version could make calls, send messages, and access data away from an iPhone.
It also brought a faster dual-core processor and a barometric altimeter. Buyers could choose GPS-only or GPS + Cellular versions. Apple’s announcement introduced the cellular feature, and its launch confirmation gives the availability date.
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Retail release: September 21, 2018
Series 4 was a major physical redesign. Apple replaced the 38mm and 42mm cases with 40mm and 44mm versions, while reducing the bezels to create displays more than 30% larger than before.
The generation introduced fall detection and the first Apple Watch hardware capable of taking an electrocardiogram. ECG availability varied by country and depended on regulatory approval, so the feature was not available everywhere at launch. Series 4 also brought a faster processor and redesigned watch faces that used the extra screen area. Apple’s Series 4 announcement describes the redesign and features.
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![Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 42mm] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Light Blush Sport Band - S/M. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31caPPnRysL._SL160_.jpg)
- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
- KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
- GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
- SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.
2019: Apple Watch Series 5
Retail release: September 20, 2019
The defining feature of Series 5 was its Always-On Retina display. Instead of turning completely dark when the wrist was lowered, the screen could remain visible while reducing brightness and refresh activity to conserve battery.
Series 5 also introduced a built-in compass. Apple expanded the material range with titanium and ceramic cases alongside aluminium and stainless steel. Supported cellular models added international emergency calling in eligible locations. Apple’s announcement covers its features and availability.
2020: Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE
Retail release: September 18, 2020
Apple Watch Series 6
Series 6 added a Blood Oxygen sensor and app for on-demand blood-oxygen readings. Feature availability and regulatory status varied by market. Series 6 also used the faster S6 chip and added an always-on altimeter. See Apple’s Series 6 announcement.
Apple Watch SE (1st generation)
The first Apple Watch SE offered a lower-priced route into the range. It used a Series 4/5-style design and the S5 chip, but omitted features including the Always-On display and ECG hardware. It was positioned below Series 6 rather than replacing it. See Apple’s SE announcement.
2021: Apple Watch Series 7
Retail release: October 15, 2021
Series 7 was announced in September but arrived later than usual. Pre-orders began on October 8, followed by store availability on October 15.
The case sizes increased to 41mm and 45mm, with thinner borders allowing a larger display without a similar increase in the watch’s overall footprint. Series 7 also introduced faster charging, stronger front glass, and IP6X dust resistance. Apple’s announcement and release-date update explain its delayed availability.
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Rank #3
![Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band - S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor, Always-On Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31YiTby0pOL._SL160_.jpg)
- GET SMARTER HEALTH INSIGHTS—Apple Watch SE 3 is an advanced health tracker that helps you better understand your body. The smartwatch sends alerts for an irregular heart rhythm, or an unusually high or low heart rate.* You can view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app,* track your sleep score, and get sleep apnea notifications.*
- A GREAT FITNESS TRACKER—SE 3 can track your workouts in a healthy number of ways—from running and strength training to simply achieving your 10K steps a day. With real-time metrics and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone,* you’ll hit your goals like never before.
- KEEP HELP CLOSE AT HAND—SE 3 is a smartwatch that can detect a hard fall or severe car crash and automatically help connect you to emergency services and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- WOMEN’S HEALTH INSIGHTS—SE 3 has advanced sensors that track your wrist temperature while you sleep. With this smartwatch, you can log your periods and symptoms, get period predictions, and get notified of cycle deviations.*
- GREAT BATTERY LIFE AND FASTER CHARGING—Enjoy a smartwatch with all-day, 18-hour battery life* from sunup to sundown. Then charge up to twice as fast as SE 2* and get up to 8 hours of battery in just 15 minutes.*
2022: Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), and Apple Watch Ultra
Apple Watch Series 8
Retail release: September 16, 2022
Series 8 added wrist-temperature sensing, which supported retrospective ovulation estimates, along with Crash Detection. Supported cellular versions gained international roaming capabilities in compatible countries and networks.
Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
The second-generation SE used Apple’s S8 chip and added Crash Detection. It remained a simplified model without an Always-On display or ECG functionality.
Apple Watch Ultra (1st generation)
Retail release: September 23, 2022
The first Apple Watch Ultra created a separate high-end line for outdoor sports, endurance activities, and diving. It used a 49mm titanium case, a larger battery, a programmable Action button, and dual-frequency GPS. Additional hardware included a depth gauge and high-g accelerometer.
The large case and rugged construction made it physically distinct from the mainstream Series watches rather than simply a premium material option. Apple’s Ultra announcement covers its features and availability.
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Retail release: September 22, 2023
Apple Watch Series 9
Series 9 introduced Apple’s S9 SiP, enabling on-device Siri processing for some requests. It also brought brighter displays and Double Tap, a gesture that lets users perform selected actions by tapping the thumb and index finger together on the watch hand.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Ultra 2 retained the original Ultra’s 49mm design while upgrading to the S9 SiP. Its display could reach 3,000 nits, making it easier to see in bright outdoor conditions. It was an updated Ultra generation, not a new case design. Apple’s launch confirmation lists availability for both models.
Rank #4
![Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band - S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor, Always-On Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Gq8SToFJL._SL160_.jpg)
- GET SMARTER HEALTH INSIGHTS—Apple Watch SE 3 is an advanced health tracker that helps you better understand your body. The smartwatch sends alerts for an irregular heart rhythm, or an unusually high or low heart rate.* You can view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app,* track your sleep score, and get sleep apnea notifications.*
- A GREAT FITNESS TRACKER—SE 3 can track your workouts in a healthy number of ways—from running and strength training to simply achieving your 10K steps a day. With real-time metrics and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone,* you’ll hit your goals like never before.
- KEEP HELP CLOSE AT HAND—SE 3 is a smartwatch that can detect a hard fall or severe car crash and automatically help connect you to emergency services and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- WOMEN’S HEALTH INSIGHTS—SE 3 has advanced sensors that track your wrist temperature while you sleep. With this smartwatch, you can log your periods and symptoms, get period predictions, and get notified of cycle deviations.*
- GREAT BATTERY LIFE AND FASTER CHARGING—Enjoy a smartwatch with all-day, 18-hour battery life* from sunup to sundown. Then charge up to twice as fast as SE 2* and get up to 8 hours of battery in just 15 minutes.*
2024: Apple Watch Series 10 and refreshed Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple Watch Series 10
Retail release: September 20, 2024
Series 10 brought a thinner design and changed case sizes to 42mm and 46mm. It had the largest Apple Watch display available at that point, along with faster charging. New water-depth and temperature sensors expanded its usefulness for aquatic activities. Series 10 also introduced sleep-apnea notifications, subject to availability and regulatory clearance in individual markets.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 refresh
Apple did not release an Ultra 3 in 2024. Instead, it refreshed the Ultra 2 with a black-titanium finish and introduced a Hermès Ultra 2 edition. These were new configurations of existing Ultra 2 hardware, not a separate generation. Apple’s black-titanium announcement identifies it as Ultra 2.
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Retail release: September 19, 2025
Apple Watch Series 11
Series 11 introduced hypertension notifications, sleep score, 5G cellular connectivity, longer battery life, and more scratch-resistant glass. It continued Apple’s approach of adding health and connectivity functions without changing the basic Series form factor as radically as Series 4 or Series 10. See Apple’s Series 11 announcement.
Apple Watch SE 3
The third-generation SE closed some of the feature gap with the main Series line. It added an Always-On display, fast charging, sleep-related health features, wrist-temperature sensing, and 5G cellular connectivity. See Apple’s SE 3 announcement.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
Ultra 3 added a larger display, 5G connectivity, up to 42 hours of battery life, and satellite communications. It continued the rugged Ultra format for users who prioritize battery endurance, outdoor navigation, and remote-use features. See Apple’s Ultra 3 announcement.
Apple Watch release dates: announcement versus availability
The date Apple shows during a keynote is not always the date a watch reaches customers. The original Apple Watch was announced on September 9, 2014, but released on April 24, 2015. Series 7 is another example: Apple announced it in September 2021, opened orders on October 8, and made it available in stores on October 15.
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![Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 42mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - S/M. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41s72HIk5TL._SL160_.jpg)
- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
- KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
- GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
- SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.
This list uses first retail availability: a watch is counted when customers could buy it, rather than when Apple first revealed it or opened pre-orders.
Which Apple Watch releases are often counted incorrectly?
- The 2014 Apple Watch: 2014 was the announcement year; the first retail release was in 2015.
- Series 1: Series 1 was a 2016 revision, not the name of the original 2015 watch.
- The 2023 SE: Apple did not introduce a new SE generation in 2023. The second-generation SE launched in 2022, and the SE 3 arrived in 2025.
- The black-titanium Ultra: The black model sold in 2024 was a refreshed Ultra 2, not Ultra 3.
- Nike, Hermès, and Edition: These identify special collections, materials, or branding attached to a hardware generation. They are not independent generations.
FAQ
When was the first Apple Watch released?
The first Apple Watch became available to buy on April 24, 2015. Apple announced it on September 9, 2014, so 2014 is the announcement year rather than the retail-release year.
How many Apple Watch generations were released by 2025?
By the end of 2025, Apple had released the first-generation Apple Watch, Series 1 through Series 11, three SE generations, and three Ultra generations. The total depends on whether the numbered Series, SE, and Ultra families are counted together or separately.
What is the difference between Apple Watch Series 1 and the first-generation Apple Watch?
The first-generation Apple Watch launched in 2015. Series 1 arrived in 2016 as a faster revision of that design, with a dual-core processor. It was not the original watch’s official generation name.
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No. Apple refreshed the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in 2024 with a black-titanium finish and a Hermès edition. The next numbered model, Apple Watch Ultra 3, arrived in 2025.
The Bottom Line
The Apple Watch’s retail history starts on April 24, 2015, not in 2014. The major turning points include cellular connectivity with Series 3, the larger redesign and ECG hardware in Series 4, the Always-On display in Series 5, the Ultra line in 2022, and broader health and connectivity features through 2025. Treat Nike, Hermès, Edition, GPS, and cellular versions as variants of their underlying generation.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
