Are Apple smartwatches good?
Apple smartwatches have an average overall score of 7.9, ranking #4 among all smartwatch brands, and a user rating of 9.5, placing them at #1 based on user reviews.
Apple Watches are generally considered some of the best smartwatches available because of their seamless integration with the iPhone and Apple’s ecosystem.
They offer a wide range of features such as fitness and health tracking (heart rate, blood oxygen, ECG), notifications, calling, messaging, and even safety tools like fall detection. The user interface is polished, responsive, and intuitive, and the wide variety of watch faces and bands lets people customize their device to match both lifestyle and style preferences. Battery life usually lasts about a day and a half, which is decent but not the best compared to some fitness-focused alternatives.
That said, Apple Watches do have trade-offs. They’re only fully compatible with iPhones, so Android users can’t take advantage of them. The cost is also relatively high compared to other smartwatches and fitness trackers, especially when you consider additional expenses like bands or cellular models.
(Note: A total of 40 brands were evaluated in the comparison in the first paragraph. Only those with at least 5 smartwatches in our database were included.)
The best Apple smartwatch models are as follows:
- Apple Watch Series 11 (Overall score: 8.45)
- Apple Watch Series 10 42mm (Overall score: 8.43)
- Apple Watch Series 10 46mm (Overall score: 8.41)
The chart below ranks smartwatch brands by average overall score.
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What are the main advantages of Apple smartwatches?
The main advantages of Apple smartwatches are as follows:
- Apple ecosystem integration: Apple smartwatches connect seamlessly with iPhones and other Apple devices. Features like iMessage, Apple Pay, and Siri run natively, so the watch acts as an extension of the phone with no setup complexity.
- Advanced health tracking: They measure heart rate, blood oxygen, and ECG with high accuracy. The sensors detect irregular rhythms and can store detailed health reports, which is valuable for long-term health monitoring.
- App selection: With watchOS, Apple smartwatches support thousands of third-party apps. Fitness apps, navigation tools, and productivity apps expand functions far beyond standard health tracking.
- Display technology: Apple uses Retina OLED displays with brightness up to 2000 nits on the latest models. This ensures visibility in direct sunlight and smooth graphics with sharp details.
- Performance and speed: Apple’s custom S-series chips give higher processing power compared to many rivals. Apps open instantly and multitasking feels smooth, which is noticeable compared to mid-range smartwatches.
- Build quality and design: Apple smartwatches use premium materials such as stainless steel, titanium, or ceramic. They combine durability with a clean design that fits both casual and formal wear.
- Software updates: Apple provides regular watchOS updates for many years. Even older models receive new features and security patches, so the watch stays usable longer.
What are the main disadvantages of Apple smartwatches?
The disadvantages of Apple smartwatches can be described as follows:
- High price: Apple smartwatches often start from £260 and can exceed £700, so they are more expensive than most competitors.
- Limited battery life: Most models last around 18 to 24 hours, so daily charging is required, which is less than some rivals that last several days.
- iPhone dependency: Full functionality requires an iPhone, and Android compatibility is absent, which limits the user base.
- Lack of circular design: Apple smartwatches use only a rectangular form factor, while some users prefer a classic round watch look.
- No native support for advanced sports metrics: Although they track fitness well, they lack some specialized training tools found in brands like Garmin or Polar.
Who makes Apple smartwatches?
Apple smartwatches are designed and produced by Apple Inc., an American technology company founded in 1976 and headquartered in Cupertino, California. The devices belong to the Apple Watch line, which first launched in 2015 under the leadership of CEO Tim Cook. Development, hardware design, and software integration take place inside Apple’s headquarters, while production is handled by contract manufacturers in Asia. Apple partners with companies such as Foxconn, Pegatron, and Quanta Computer, which assemble the watches in large-scale facilities.
Apple employs more than 160,000 people worldwide and operates one of the most valuable brands in the world. The company develops its own processors, such as the S-series chips used in Apple Watches, and integrates watchOS, its proprietary operating system.
Manufacturing takes place mostly in China and Vietnam, but final quality control and distribution are managed directly by Apple. Since launch, the Apple Watch has become the most sold smartwatch worldwide, strengthening Apple’s role as the largest player in the global wearable technology market.
How popular are Apple smartwatches worldwide?
Apple smartwatches are the most popular worldwide, with IDC data showing over 50 million shipments in 2024 and a global market share of around 26 %, which kept Apple in first place. The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 drove most sales, while older models like the SE stayed strong in the mid-range. In North America, Apple dominated with more than 40 % share, in Europe it reached around 30 %, and in China it stayed below 10 %.
How much do Apple smartwatches cost?
Apple smartwatches cost between £230 and £800 depending on the model, size, and connectivity.
The Apple Watch SE is the most affordable option with prices starting from £230, while the Apple Watch Series 9 starts from around £390 and can reach over £600 with stainless steel or larger case options. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the premium model and costs about £800 because of its titanium case, larger display, and advanced durability.
The final price depends on the chosen case size (41 mm or 45 mm for the Series 9, 40 mm or 44 mm for the SE, and 49 mm for the Ultra 2) and whether the watch has GPS only or GPS + Cellular. Cellular versions cost more because they can connect to mobile networks independently from the iPhone. Apple also sells different bands, and some premium strap combinations increase the final price.
What are the main Apple smartwatches series?
Apple smartwatches come in the following series:
- Apple Watch Series: This is the core line that started in 2015 and continues with yearly updates (Series 1 up to Series 9). It focuses on health tracking, fitness features, heart rate monitoring, ECG, blood oxygen sensors, and integration with iPhone. Each generation brings stronger processors, brighter displays, better water resistance, and more advanced health tools.
- Apple Watch SE: Introduced in 2020 and updated in 2022, this series is a more affordable version that combines features from past flagship models with modern performance. It has the same large Retina display and most fitness functions but skips advanced sensors like ECG or blood oxygen. It targets users who want an Apple Watch experience at a lower price.
- Apple Watch Ultra: Launched in 2022, this is the premium adventure-focused model. It has a larger titanium case, the brightest Apple Watch display, dual-frequency GPS, a bigger battery that lasts up to 36 hours, and specialized features for diving, extreme sports, and outdoor exploration. It comes with exclusive rugged bands and advanced durability standards.
Which smartphones are compatible with Apple smartwatches?
Apple smartwatches are compatible only with iPhone models that support the required iOS and Watch app setup flow.
Current Apple Watch generations rely on iOS integration for setup, synchronization, app management, and many smart features, so Android phones are not supported for full operation.
Before buying, check iPhone model compatibility and iOS version requirements to ensure complete feature access.
