9 Key Things to Consider When Buying an Apple Watch: A UK Guide

When choosing an Apple Watch, it’s important to know what to look out for. First, consider what you’re looking for and what you expect from your Apple Watch. Based on that, you can decide which model suits you best. For instance, you might opt for a Series 8 when a Series 6 would have sufficed for your needs.

9 Important Things to Consider When Buying an Apple Watch

1. The Model

Apple Watches are currently in their 8th series, and besides the standard series, there are models outside the series, such as the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Ultra. The watch cases range from Series 1 to the latest Apple Watch Ultra, available in sizes from 38mm to 49mm.

Different generations of Apple Watches:

• Apple Watch (2014)
• Apple Watch Series 1 (2015)
• Apple Watch Series 2 (2016)
• Apple Watch Series 3 (2017)
• Apple Watch Series 4 (2018)
• Apple Watch Series 5 (2019)
• Apple Watch Series 6 (2020)
• Apple Watch Series 7 (2021)
• Apple Watch Series 8 (2022)

Additionally, there are Apple Watches made outside the series:

• Apple Watch Hermes (2015)
• Apple Watch Sport (2015)
• Apple Watch SE (2020)
• Apple Watch SE 2022
• Apple Watch Ultra (2022)

Colour

Apple Watches are available in various colours, depending on the series. The available colours for the Apple Watch Series 8 are as follows:

Style

When selecting a model, you’re not locked into the strap that comes with it. With our extensive range of Apple Watch straps, you’ll always find something that suits you. Swap the strap for a sporty look with Apple Watch sport straps, perfect for intense workouts. Besides sport straps, we offer stylish Apple Watch Milanese straps, ideal for casual and formal occasions.

2. Wi-Fi and/or LTE Connection

The Apple Watch can connect to Wi-Fi for online activities but doesn’t link to public networks requiring login credentials, often found at businesses, schools, apartments, hotels, and student halls.

An LTE or 4G smartwatch is the same thing, just with a different name. With a 4G Apple Watch, you stay connected at all times. You can receive messages and answer calls without being Bluetooth-paired to your phone. You can leave your Apple Watch at home and still respond to messages and calls. Additionally, you can use other internet-dependent features, maximising your Apple Watch’s potential.

eSIM

A 4G smartwatch includes a built-in eSIM, a digital SIM card. You link the eSIM to your mobile plan, allowing two SIMs to use the same number. Not all providers support linking an eSIM to your SIM card. Mobile network connectivity has been available since the third Apple Watch series, with 4G support starting from the fourth series.

3. Compatibility with Your Smartphone

To fully enjoy the Apple Watch experience, it’s essential to have an iPhone. With your iPhone, you can synchronise all your Apple devices, enhancing usability. Technically, you can pair a non-Apple smartphone with an Apple Watch, but this limits access to many features. Pairing with an iPhone unlocks all functions and capabilities of the Apple Watch.

4. Battery Life

Depending on how often you use your Apple Watch, it’s crucial to know how long it lasts. Apple Watches typically last about 18 hours with normal use. As you use the Apple Watch more, the battery degrades like any other, affecting its duration. The Apple Watch Ultra offers a battery life of up to 36 hours with normal use and 60 hours in power-saving mode, though it’s significantly more expensive than the Apple Watch Series 8.

5. GPS

GPS positioning helps with running workouts by tracking distance, route, and saving your paths. It can also assist in navigating to your destination. Built-in GPS has been available since the third Apple Watch series.

6. Water Resistance

All Apple Watches, except Series 1, are water-resistant. These models meet the 50-metre water resistance standard under ISO 22810:2010, suitable for shallow-water activities like swimming in the sea or a pool. They’re not designed for diving, waterskiing, or high-speed water sports. Water resistance may diminish over time, such as after exposure to saunas above 55°C.

The Apple Watch Ultra meets a 100-metre water resistance standard under ISO 22810, suitable for diving up to 40 metres. It’s also designed for high-speed water sports, but like other models, its water resistance may decrease with frequent use.

7. Activity Tracking Capabilities

When buying an Apple Watch, you’ll want to know which daily activities it can measure to improve your lifestyle, if needed. Activity trackers enable monitoring with sensors, allowing detailed tracking of sports performance, sleep, oxygen saturation, and heart rate.

8. Which Apple Watch Suits You

Apple Watches are versatile smartwatches that extend your iPhone’s functionality. Clarifying why you want an Apple Watch makes choosing easier. Depending on price and intended use, you can select a model. You don’t need the latest Apple Watch if you only want to answer calls and messages—older series can do that too.

Apple Watch Ultra (2022)

The Apple Watch Ultra is a versatile sports watch capable of everything. With a 49mm titanium case, it’s lightweight yet made of stainless steel. It’s suitable for running, swimming in pools or the sea, and diving up to 40 metres. It lasts 36 hours on normal use and 60 hours in power-saving mode, ideal for avid athletes engaging in weekly intense activities. The Apple Watch Ultra is available from £999.00.

Apple Watch Series 8 (2022)

The latest Apple Watch from the series, recently released. With this Watch, you’re up to date with the latest features and can enjoy advanced activity tracking like crash detection, temperature sensor, and the new S8 chip. The Apple Watch 8 is available from £499.00.

Apple Watch Series 6

The Apple Watch from the 6th series isn’t vastly different from the latest in terms of capabilities. The S8 chip makes the Apple Watch 8 faster, and the S6 lacks fast charging. Otherwise, features are similar. A decent, cheaper alternative, available from £309.99.

Apple Watch SE (2021)

A more affordable option compared to the above Apple Watches. The S5 chip makes it slightly slower, but it supports most functions and features of other models. Its aluminium case lacks an oxygen saturation sensor, third-generation electrical heart rate sensor, and optical heart rate sensor. If you don’t plan to use these, the SE (2021) is a good alternative, available from £279.00.

Opting for an older model means sacrificing some performance, as older models are slower. The difference between S8 and S7 chips is minimal, but you’ll notice significant lags with an S4 chip or earlier.

9. Availability of Apple Watches

If you think the Apple Watch Series 2 meets your needs, it might be hard to find in stores. Apple often discontinues production of older models to boost sales of newer ones. Currently, their website only sells the Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8, and SE (2022).

Conclusion

The most important thing to consider before buying an Apple Watch is the reason for your purchase. Why do you want one, and what do you intend to use it for? The clearer your answers, the easier it is to choose. For avid athletes engaging in intense weekly activities, the Apple Watch Ultra is ideal. If you only need to answer calls and messages, the Apple Watch SE (2021) is sufficient.