Apple Watch Buying Guide

Every Apple Watch is powered by  watchOS (currently watchOS 26), a specialised operating system that supports a wide range of applications covering health and fitness, productivity, and entertainment. Apple’s famously first-rate security is important here too, especially when dealing with your personal health and Apple Pay payments. We also love the customisable watch faces, haptic feedback (it buzzes gently when you get a call), and integration with the broader Apple ecosystem for working seamlessly across your other Apple devices!

You get a built-in speaker and microphone on all models (in fact two speakers on the Ultra 3) for taking and making calls. Another standard feature is the Digital Crown, which is a rotating button on the side used for navigation, zoom, and other functions when you’re not tapping or scrolling on the touchscreen. There’s also a button next to that which takes you straight to the Control Centre to adjust settings, check the battery, use the flashlight, ping your iPhone, and more.

With Apple Watch offering a fitness companion and handy notification hub in a single, compact device, let’s take a look at the latest models made available in September 2025 - and how they can best suit your needs.

The Series 11 is the perfect partner when it comes to exercise, motivating you to stay active and tracking your workouts. It automatically detects workouts such as running, cycling, swimming, and even track laps. For swimmers, you get stroke detection, lap counting, and a new depth gauge up to 6m, which is also great for snorkelling. The latest WatchOS 26 operating software also introduces Workout Buddy (smart coaching and insights), wrist flick gestures (to dismiss notifications or calls), and a Liquid Glass aesthetic that’s been a big hit on the latest iPhones.

We love Apple’s famous Activity app with its iconic red, yellow and blue rings telling you at a glance whether you’ve burned enough calories yet today (Move - red), how close you are to hitting your 30-minute exercise target for the day (Exercise - yellow), and whether you’ve stood up and been active for at least one minute during 12 different hours of the day (Stand - blue). Brilliantly simple and yet highly effective when it comes to daily motivation.

A new feature is hypertension detection, which runs over a 30-day algorithm using the optical heart rate sensor and will provide an early warning if you have any high blood pressure issues. The Sleep Score has also been improved, now tracking your sleep stages, heart rate, respiration, and more, to provide a clearer idea of how well you rest. It also provides tips if things aren’t great.

The arrival of optional 5G connectivity (with the ‘+Cellular’ version) means you’re less tethered to your iPhone as calls, streaming, and downloads all run smoother when you’re out of WiFi range. You get an impressive 24 hours of battery life with the ‘always on’ display, and even longer in Low Power Mode. Fast charging gets you an extra 8 hours of battery with just a 15-minute charge.

When it comes to notifications, the Apple Watch Series 11 mirrors your iPhone's settings, sending alerts to your wrist when your phone is locked or asleep. You can customise notification settings so you don’t get pestered every time an email or WhatsApp message arrives. You can also make calls though the Phone app or voice-activated Siri. You can even use the Double Tap feature (tapping your thumb and index finger together twice) to answer calls without touching the screen! Staying in touch has never been so easy.

The health and wellness features are extremely thorough. As well as automatically recognising a wide variety of exercise modes and those iconic activity rings, there’s a new Workout Buddy feature offering smart coaching and insights. There’s sleep apnea detection, plus a fresh Sleep Score metric to show how well you’re sleeping (how long, how often you wake, how deep the sleep stages are). You also get a new temperature sensor which helps with menstrual cycle tracking and ovulation estimates.

Battery life has been extended to 18 hours of regular use, and 32 hours in Low Power Mode, with the SE 3 also supporting fast charging - a quick 15-minute top-up gives you an extra 8 hours of use, and it can reach roughly 80% charge in about 45 minutes.

If you’ve got children, you may also like the Apple Watch For Your Kids feature. You can set up an Apple Watch for someone else from your iPhone, which is ideal for youngsters you don’t feel are ready for a smartphone yet and older family members you want to keep an eye on. The benefits of giving a data-enabled (cellular) Apple Watch SE 3 to a child is that they can make calls and send messages if they need to, as well as track their fitness, while you can also see everyone’s location using the Find My app.

The SE 3 also has convenience features that make everyday use smoother. It supports gestures like double-tap and wrist flick so you can interact with the watch (answer calls, dismiss alerts etc.) more easily. On-device Siri works better thanks to the S10 chip too. If that’s the kind of convenience you’re after, along with core smartwatch features, reliable performance and effortless syncing with your iPhone, then Apple Watch SE 3 is definitely a very solid choice.

Apple Watch Ultra 3’s Always-On Retina OLED display is now bigger (thanks to a 24% smaller bezel), as well as being the brightest Apple Watch, so it’s easy to see clearly even when you’re out in bright sunlight. By contrast, if you find yourself in the dark, there’s a handy Torch mode!

The S10 chip gives you impressively fast performance. Setting timers, making calls and other basic interactions are quick and smooth. You also get the ‘double-tap’ feature where you can tap your thumb and index finger twice to change a track or answer a call James Bond-style, plus wrist-flick control, which allows you to dismiss a notification with one simple movement.

We also love the customisable Action button, which is unique to the Ultra. You can assign different actions to it, such as launch workouts, start a stopwatch, drop a map waypoint, activate the flashlight, and more with just a press of this button.

Whether you’re an endurance athlete or just trying to hit your step count, Apple Watch Ultra 3 has got your back with comprehensive tracking that syncs beautifully with the Health and Fitness apps on your iPhone. There’s a heart rate monitor, ECG, blood oxygen tracking, new hypertension notifications, and an improved Sleep Score with details of your sleep stages and how often you wake. With customisable workout views, you can see exactly what you want - such as heart rate zones, pace, or elevation - at a glance on that beautifully bright screen. And, of course, the iconic Apple Activity Rings are present and correct for a little day-to-day motivation.

The Ultra 3 also features satellite connectivity, so if you’re off the beaten track somewhere without cellular or WiFi, you can still text emergency services, message folks, and share your location. That’s huge for hikers, climbers, or anyone who likes being outdoors in remote areas. We also love the safety features. Fall detection, crash detection, and an 89 decibel emergency siren really do provide welcome peace of mind during solo runs, bike rides or country hikes.

And the battery life? A solid 42 hours, or up to 72 in Low Power Mode, so it’s not constantly begging for a charge. Also, fast-charging has improved: just 15 minutes of charging now gives you an extra 12 hours of use. All in all, the Ultra 3 is a genuinely powerful health and fitness companion built for people who live actively. It excels at robustness, visibility, and endurance, making it ideal for serious athletes and outdoor adventurers.

The current Apple Watch range offers three models, each with their own variations and prices ranging all the way from £219 to £849*. The budget tier Apple Watch SE 3 offers core smartwatch features with reliable performance, and has now been upgraded to include an ‘always on’ display. The mid-tier Apple Watch Series 11 includes ECG and blood oxygen sensors, hypertension alerts and precise location tracking. You get a choice of an aluminium or titanium case, with the latter being a lot tougher but also more expensive. The premium tier Apple Watch Ultra 3 features a bigger battery, rugged design, plus satellite connectivity for emergencies. Picking the right model is all about which one meets your actual lifestyle and health needs, as well as fitting in with your budget.

Older models such as the Series 10 or Apple Watch SE 2 can still be found on sale and offer excellent value. When it comes to your budget, it’s also wise to think about any extras you may need. One consideration is AppleCare+, which extends the standard 12-month guarantee and 90-day phone support you get to two years. This covers accidental damage and gives you priority support. You can pay for this monthly or in a lump sum, but remember that you also have to pay extra towards any accidental damage that needs fixing. However, those costs are still a lot less than having issues fixed without any AppleCare+ coverage. Any manufacturing faults are fully covered.

Apple Watches come with a charging cable in the box that should be compatible with any USB-C chargers you already own. Presuming that you already own an iPhone, the main accessory you may need to factor in is AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones as music is the perfect way to soundtrack all your workouts.

Let’s take a quick run though of an Apple Watch size guide, with models available to suit a variety of wrist sizes and lifestyles. Apple Watch SE 3 is available in 40mm and 44mm cases, while Series 11 comes in 42mm and 46mm sizes. Meanwhile, Apple Watch Ultra 2 stands out with its 49mm case - the biggest and most rugged option in the lineup.

When choosing a size, wrist circumference and personal comfort are the key factors. The 40mm/42mm cases are best for people with smaller wrists (around 130-160mm), typically appealing to those who prefer a more compact, lightweight feel. The 44mm/46mm cases fit medium to larger wrists (145-200mm) comfortably and offer more screen space without being too bulky. The Ultra 3's 49mm case is designed for larger wrists (over 150mm).

Apple Watch SE 3 comes with a lightweight aluminium case in Midnight or Starlight. Apple Watch Series 11 is available in both aluminium and titanium cases. The aluminium version is available in Jet Black, Rose Gold, Space Grey or Silver, while the Titanium case comes in Slate, Gold, or Natural. Apple Watch Ultra 3 is only available in a rugged but lightweight titanium case in either a Natural or Black finish.

All Apple Watch models use interchangeable straps, but the case size determines strap compatibility. Apple offers a variety of styles: Sport Bands and Sport Loops for workouts and everyday wear, Milanese Loops and Leather Link bands for a more stylish or professional look, and trail, alpine, and ocean bands specifically made for Apple Watch Ultra models and engineered for extreme conditions.

Battery life varies considerably over Apple Watch ranges - and is closely tied to how (and how often) you use your watch. Starting with Apple Watch SE 3, you get up to 18 hours of battery life on a single charge. Using the optional Low Power Mode can stretch the battery life further, but it disables features such as background heartrate readings and the always-on display.

Apple Watch Series 11 offers an estimated 24-hour battery life, despite packing in more features that consume power, such as ECG (electrocardiogram) and blood oxygen monitoring. If you use it a lot - such as during long workouts or all-day health tracking - daily charging remains a necessity. Using the optional Low Power Mode can stretch that up to 38 hours if required.

If battery life is a priority, Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the clear standout. It delivers up to 42 hours of regular use, or a huge 72 hours in Low Power Mode, thanks to its larger battery and optimisation for extreme use. That makes it ideal for camping weekends, multi-day hikes, travel, or anyone who just doesn’t want the hassle of nightly charging.

When it comes to charging, all three models come with a magnetic charging cable. They all support fast charging too, which can get you from 0% to 80% in about 45 minutes - in fact, closer to 30 minutes with Apple Watch Series 11 (so ideal for over breakfast!).

When it comes to health tracking, Apple Watch SE 3 has all the essentials: heart rate monitoring, high and low heart rate notifications, irregular rhythm alerts, and fall detection. It also supports detailed sleep tracking, skin temperature sensing (including female cycle tracking) and the much loved Activity Rings for movement, exercise, and standing. On-device Siri with health data access means you can ask for things like your heart rate or sleep summary without needing your iPhone. For many users, especially those just getting into wearable health tracking, these features mean Apple Watch SE 3 provides more than enough to stay informed and motivated.

Stepping up to Apple Watch Series 11, you get a much more advanced health toolkit. It adds electrocardiogram (ECG) capabilities for detailed heart rhythm analysis, blood oxygen monitoring, and hypertension (high blood pressure) alerts. These extra features make it a great fit for people who want deeper insight into their health, especially around heart health and overall wellness trends.

At the top of the lineup, Apple Watch Ultra 3 includes all the same health sensors as the Series 11, but it's built for users with more active or rugged lifestyles. It offers the same ECG, blood oxygen, and temperature tracking, but pairs them with a dual-frequency GPS system for pinpoint workout and location tracking. You also get satellite messaging, which lets you send messages even when there’s no cell signal. We also love the customisable Action button, which you can assign your most important functions to, and then access with just a press - such as starting a stopwatch, launching a workout or dropping a map waypoint. You can also use it to trigger the 86-decibel Siren alarm, which is highly effective at attracting attention in an emergency.

The more affordable Apple Watch SE 3 is a great entry-level fitness tracker, and closer than ever to the more expensive models it now shares the S10 processor with. It provides accurate heart rate tracking, calorie counts, and Activity Rings to help you stay motivated. Like the Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Series 11, you get the Workout Buddy feature offering personalised, motivational insights during and after your workouts, based on your workout data, personal fitness milestones, and more. Apple Watch SE 3 also supports GPS and many of the same sports modes found in the higher-end models, making it more than capable for casual workouts, walks, and general health tracking without a premium price tag. Whichever model you choose, all Apple Watches are deeply integrated with the Apple Fitness+ and offer excellent motivation to move more, every day.

However, the best Apple Watch for swimming is Apple Watch Ultra 3. The sturdy titanium case and sapphire crystal display can also withstand depths of up to 40m when used with the Depth app or third-party diving apps such as Oceanic+. This makes it suitable for recreational diving - far beyond what the other models can handle. Dual-frequency GPS ensures more accurate tracking in open water and the Action Button can be customised to start workouts quickly - which is especially useful in water where touch controls may be less responsive. So, for serious swimmers or those who spend a lot of time in open water, Apple Watch Ultra 3 is by far the best choice.

Apple Watch SE 3 is a great entry-level option. While it doesn’t have advanced health sensors such as ECG or blood oxygen monitoring, it still supports core running features including GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and customisable workout goals. It's lightweight, affordable, and integrates with the Apple Fitness and Health apps for tracking progress over time, helping you to stay motivated and consistent.

For women who are highly active or enjoy outdoor adventures, Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers unmatched durability and performance. Its 49mm titanium case is larger and better suited for those who prefer a bold, sporty look. It includes advanced fitness features such as dual-frequency GPS and depth tracking, and also has a long battery life, making it ideal for running, hiking, or water sports.

All models support a wide range of interchangeable bands, allowing for easy customisation - from elegant leather and metal bands to sporty silicone - so your Apple Watch can match both your wardrobe and your day.

Apple Watch SE 3 is a great entry-level model that appeals to men who want the core Apple Watch experience at a lower price point. Available in 40mm and 44mm, it's slightly lighter but still delivers reliable heart rate tracking, GPS, workout support, and integration with the Apple ecosystem. It’s perfect for those who want a fitness companion or smart assistant without spending top dollar. All models support interchangeable straps, so whether your style is sporty, professional, or casual, you can customise the look to match your style.

Unlike more expensive models, the SE 3 skips features that younger users don’t necessarily need, such as ECG and blood oxygen sensors. Whether it’s used for fitness motivation, staying in touch, or giving kids a sense of responsibility, Apple Watch SE 3 supports a safe, smart introduction to wearable tech. As they grow older, they can easily upgrade to a more advanced model - but for most smaller children, the SE 3 hits the sweet spot.

Bear in mind that if your child doesn’t have an iPhone, you will need to buy a more expensive LTE ‘with cellular’ Apple Watch SE 3 and also pay for a contract so your child can use the messaging functions. You will be able use the Find My function on your iPhone to locate their Apple Watch if they leave it behind somewhere, though! It might also be worth thinking about investing in AppleCare+ because children can’t always be relied upon to look after their stuff!

The best Apple Watch for a beginner is Apple Watch SE 3, as it offers the essential features most users need in a sleek, affordable package. It includes key functions such as heart rate tracking, GPS, fitness monitoring, and notifications, as well as making it easy to get familiar with the ecosystem that effortlessly links with your iPhone, as well as other Apple devices you may own, such as AirPods or iPad.

For beginners interested in health and fitness, Apple Watch SE 3 includes Apple’s popular Activity Rings, Workout app, and Sleep tracking, making it a great tool for staying active and developing healthy habits. Whether you’re going for a walk, run, bike ride, swim, or even doing a dance workout, you can track it with just a tap. Exercise time, distance, heart rate, and calories burned are all recorded, and everything flows to your iPhone, where you can delve into a rich range of stats going back months. The beautiful ‘always on’ OLED display looks great and the battery life of 18 hours is ideal for long days on the go. The SE 3 also supports Emergency SOS, fall detection, and crash detection, giving you peace of mind from the start.

Another advantage for first-time users is its simple setup and customisation. Apple Watch SE 3 works seamlessly with any iPhone. It’s also compatible with the Apple Watch For Your Kids feature, where youngsters can use an Apple Watch under the guidance of a parent's iPhone. It comes in two sizes (40mm and 44mm), with plenty of strap styles to choose from, so it’s easy to match your style and comfort. Whether you're taking your first step into wearable tech or simply want to keep better track of your day, Apple Watch SE 3 has all the must-have features.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 is definitely a considered purchase. But if you need a rugged, feature-rich smartwatch built for endurance, exploration, and serious fitness, then the Ultra 3 has plenty to offer. With a large 49mm titanium case, sapphire crystal display, and WR100 water resistance, it’s designed for extreme environments and tough use. It also includes speedy 5G, dual-frequency GPS for incredibly accurate location tracking, satellite connectivity (for messaging when off-grid), a customisable Action Button, and a battery life of up to 42 hours (72 in low power mode).

For outdoor athletes, divers, long-distance runners, or hikers, the Ultra 3 is a strong investment. It supports advanced features including the Depth app for diving, Backtrack for retracing routes, and has a bright, 3,000-nit display that's easy to read in any conditions. The 1Hz refresh rate means the screen updates every second – you can actually watch it ticking! Apple Watch Ultra 3 also includes all the core Apple Watch health features such as heart rate monitoring, temperature sensing, and cycle tracking, making it both powerful and versatile.

If you want the most durable, high-performance Apple Watch available - and plan to use what it offers - the Ultra 3 is absolutely worth it.

An Apple Watch can only pair properly with an iPhone – the functionality is very limited with an Android phone. However, the Apple Watch For Your Kids feature allows you to set up an Apple Watch for a child or older family member who doesn’t have their own iPhone. This works with cellular models of all Apple Watches and allows you to pair it to your own iPhone - the Apple Watch requires its own cellular contract and then works independently with its own phone number, messaging, Apple ID, and other features!

One of the biggest benefits of giving an Apple Watch to a child using Apple Watch For Your Kids is the combination of safety and independence. The child can make calls, send messages, and share their location - all without needing a highly distracting phone! Parents can see their child’s location, approve contacts, and enable Schooltime mode to minimise distractions, as well as being able to ring them at any time. There’s even an Emergency SOS feature which offers peace of mind for both child and parent.

Beyond safety, Apple Watch also helps children build healthy habits. The Activity Rings and workout tracking encourage movement, while features such as step tracking and heart rate monitoring help them learn about physical health.

The battery life of an Apple Watch varies slightly by model. Apple Watch SE 3 typically gets you through the day (up to 18 hours) with mixed usage - notifications, workouts, GPS, and app use. Apple Watch Series 11 gives you 24 hours of standard use, but you can boost that to 38 hours in Low Power Mode. Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers significantly longer battery life, up to 42 hours of regular use and even 72 hours in Low Power Mode, making it ideal for weekends away or an ultra-marathon!

In terms of recharge cycles, Apple Watch batteries are designed to retain up to 80% of their original capacity after 1,000 full charge cycles. This typically translates to about 2-3 years of regular daily use before noticeable battery degradation. Regularly using Low Power Mode and avoiding extreme temperatures can help prolong battery health.

If your Apple Watch battery performance declines, you can get it replaced. If your device is still under warranty or AppleCare+, battery service is free if it drops below 80% capacity. If this doesn’t apply, the cost will vary depending on where you go for the service and the specific model of Apple Watch. Apple's official battery replacement service typically costs around £99* for most models. Third-party repair shops can offer lower prices, but getting a battery replaced through Apple or an authorised service provider ensures proper sealing and water resistance are maintained.

Apple Watch SE 3 stands out as the best Apple Watch for a teenager, thanks to a strong balance of performance, essential features, and affordability. The SE 3 includes fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, notifications, and safety features. They can take calls and check messages on the beautiful OLED display. The 18-hour battery life is ideal for long days on the go. Apple’s eye-catching Activity Rings, Workout Buddy app, and Sleep tracking all provide motivation for staying active, and teenagers can explore their fitness and exercise stats in greater depth on their iPhone too.

Apple Watch SE 3 is also compatible with the Apple Watch For Your Kids feature, which allows parents to manage the watch without requiring the teen to have their own iPhone - a great option for tweens and younger teens who don’t need the distraction of a phone but need to be quickly contactable. You can even see where they are all the time through your own iPhone.

For older or more active teenagers who want more advanced health and fitness tracking, Apple Watch Series 11 might be a better fit. These models include the Blood Oxygen app, ECG, and a brighter display for outdoor visibility. While more expensive than the SE 3, the added capabilities could be worth it for teens involved in sports, fitness, or those who want a future-proof device. It also comes in 42mm and 46mm sizes, which suit a slightly bigger wrist than the SE 3.

Apple Watch Ultra 3, while powerful and rugged, is generally not recommended for most teenagers due to its larger size (49mm), and feature set geared toward extreme outdoor use. Unless the teen is an advanced athlete or adventurer who truly needs its capabilities, the Apple Watch Ultra is more than most young users will realistically use. For day-to-day use, school, sports, and social connections, Apple Watch SE 3 is likely to provide the best value and age-appropriate functionality.