Apple Watch buying guide 2025: which model should you get?

TL;DR:

The current lineup is Ultra 2, Series 10, and SE.
Series 10 suits most buyers with the newest health features.
Ultra 2 is for endurance, diving, and outdoor use, with longer battery life.
SE is the budget pick, but skips ECG and Blood Oxygen.
New models may arrive on September 9, 2025, so consider waiting a day.

As of September 8, 2025, Apple sells three main models worldwide. These are Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and Apple Watch SE. Apple lists Series 10 as its thinnest watch with its biggest display. Ultra 2 is the rugged option with the longest battery life. SE keeps core features at a lower price.

If you want the safest choice for most people, pick Series 10. If you train outdoors for long hours, pick Ultra 2. If you want the basics for less, pick SE. We explain why below, then help you choose the size, case, and band.

Quick note: Apple’s next event is on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 10 a.m. PT. If you can wait a day, new watches may appear.

The lineup at a glance

Model	Best for	Key strengths	Starting price
Apple Watch SE	First-time buyers, kids with Family Setup	Low price, core fitness and safety features	$249 USD
Apple Watch Series 10	Most iPhone users	Largest, brighter wide-angle OLED, ECG, Blood Oxygen, sleep apnea notifications, fastest charging	$399 USD
Apple Watch Ultra 2	Endurance sports, diving, hiking	Rugged 49 mm titanium, dual-frequency GPS, 36-72 hour battery, 100 m water resistance	$799 USD

Prices and features from Apple’s buy and compare pages. Availability can vary by region.

Why choose Series 10

Series 10 fits most people. Apple says it is the thinnest Apple Watch yet and has the biggest, most advanced display. The wide-angle OLED is easier to read from the side. It adds sleep apnea notifications, plus ECG and Blood Oxygen apps, where available. It also charges to 80 percent in about 30 minutes. Battery life is rated at up to 18 hours, or up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode.

Pick Series 10 if you want the latest health features, a large display, and the modern design without the Ultra’s bulk.

Good to know

Sizes are 42 mm and 46 mm. Both support GPS, with optional cellular.
Many regions restrict some health features. Check local availability before you buy.

Why choose Ultra 2

Ultra 2 is built for the outdoors. It uses a 49 mm titanium case, dual-frequency GPS, and has a louder speaker and an Action button. Apple rates battery at up to 36 hours, or up to 72 hours with low power settings. It supports recreational scuba to 40 meters and is water resistant to 100 meters.

Pick Ultra 2 if you want the longest battery life, a brighter screen, and tougher build for adventure sports.

Good to know

Ultra 2 is GPS + Cellular by default. You can use it without a plan, but you gain more freedom with one.
It is larger and heavier than Series 10 and SE. Try it on if you have a small wrist.

Why choose SE

SE covers the basics well. You get Activity rings, heart rate, Crash Detection, Fall Detection, and swim-proofing. You skip the Always-On display, ECG, and Blood Oxygen. If you are on a budget or buying for a child with Family Setup, SE is the easy pick.

Good to know

Sizes are 40 mm and 44 mm. Both offer GPS, with optional cellular.
SE starts at the lowest price of the three. Watch for carrier bundles.

Battery life, health, and durability compared

Category	SE	Series 10	Ultra 2
Battery	Up to 18 hours	Up to 18 hours, 36 in Low Power	Up to 36 hours, 72 in Low Power
ECG / Blood Oxygen	No / No	Yes / Yes	Yes / Yes
Sleep apnea notifications	No	Yes	Yes
Water rating	50 m swim-proof	50 m, depth gauge to 6 m	100 m, dive to 40 m
GPS	Standard	Standard	Dual-frequency, highest accuracy
Case	Aluminum	Aluminum or Titanium	Titanium only

Figures from Apple tech specs and product pages. Regional availability applies to some health features.

Sizes, fit, and bands

Measure your wrist with Apple’s sizing guide, or try bands in person. As a rule, 40–42 mm cases look small to medium, 44–46 mm look medium to large, and 49 mm looks large.

SE: 40 or 44 mm cases. Lighter on the wrist.
Series 10: 42 or 46 mm, with the biggest displays across the standard line
Ultra 2: 49 mm only. Choose Alpine, Ocean, Trail, or metal bands.

Most bands are cross compatible within size families. If you own older bands, check compatibility on Apple’s store page.

GPS vs Cellular

GPS models need your iPhone nearby for calls and data. Cellular models work without the iPhone for calls, messages, and some apps, with a carrier plan. If you run without your phone, or you use Family Setup for a child, choose cellular. Apple lists supported carriers by region during checkout.

Recommendations by user type

Everyday iPhone user: Series 10. You get the newest health tools and fast charging.
Marathoner or hiker: Ultra 2. Longer battery, brighter screen, precise GPS.
Parents with Family Setup: SE with cellular. Low price, safety alerts, and location features.
Small wrists or tight sleeves: Series 10 42 mm or SE 40 mm. Lighter and slimmer.
Swimmers and divers: Ultra 2 for dive to 40 m. Series 10 covers pool and snorkeling.

When to buy

If you need a watch now, buy from the current lineup. If you can wait one day, watch Apple’s September 9 event, then order with the latest info on prices and features. Wired lists the global start times and viewing options.

Setup checklist

Back up your iPhone first.
Pick the right case size for your wrist.
Decide on GPS or cellular during checkout.
Add AppleCare if you want accidental damage coverage.
Turn on Fall Detection and Crash Detection after setup.
Customize your Activity goals and notifications.

Common mistakes

Buying Ultra 2 for desk work only. Consider Series 10 to save money and weight.
Skipping cellular for a child’s watch. Family Setup works best with cellular.
Assuming all health features work in your country. Check the regional list first.

Why it matters

The right Apple Watch can keep you active and safe. It also saves time each day with taps and glances. Picking the right model helps you spend less and enjoy it more. Apple’s pages confirm what each model can do today, so you can buy with confidence.

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