Is it time for you to upgrade and buy the new Apple Watch Series 10 or Apple Watch Ultra 2? The new Apple Watch is larger and thinner, with advanced new sensors and health features. And the Apple Watch Ultra 2 … comes in black.
Now that the new watches are available to preorder, you might be wondering whether it’s worthwhile to upgrade. That depends on what devices you have, so I put together a buying guide with charts and a video to help you decide.
Should you buy an Apple Watch Series 10 or Ultra 2?
Table of contents: Should you buy an Apple Watch Series 10 or Ultra 2?
Should I buy the Apple Watch Series 10?
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
If you own an Apple Watch Series 5 or older, or a first-generation Apple Watch SE, upgrading to Apple Watch Series 10 is an absolute must. These models can no longer able to run the latest version of watchOS. You have a lot to look forward to — a much bigger and brighter display, sleep apnea detection, a new hands-free double-tap gesture, faster and more accurate Siri and voice dictation, a full QWERTY keyboard, crash detection, an altimeter and a temperature sensor.
If you wear an Apple Watch Series 6, 7 or 8, you still gain quite a few new features if you upgrade to Apple Watch Series 10. But if you live in the United States, you lose another: the blood oxygen sensor. Due to a patent dispute, all new Apple Watches sold here since January 28, 2024, ship with the sensor disabled.
Given the mix of new features and missing features, I recommend upgrading your Apple Watch based on battery life. Upgrade if your watch battery doesn’t last morning to night. Otherwise, don’t sweat it.
Should I buy the new Apple Watch Ultra 2?
Image: Apple
Despite expectations, an Apple Watch Ultra 3 did not debut alongside the other products during Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event on Monday. The same Apple Watch Ultra 2 available since last year is still the current model at the same price.
But Apple did launch a new satin black titanium option, along with color-matched black bands. If you own an Apple Watch Series 7 or older, and you’ve been considering switching to an Ultra, now would be a good time if you find the black option attractive.
If you own a newer Apple Watch — or you already climb mountains or go scuba diving while wearing a natural titanium Apple Watch Ultra — maybe you should wait for a potential Ultra 3 next year.
Get ready to upgrade
If you’re going to upgrade, here’s your to-do list:
