Ever since the first-generation Apple Watch came out a little over five years ago, Apple has treated the device like the iPhone, giving us yearly upgrades that introduce cool new health features.
Even though having the latest and greatest Apple Watch is ideal, it may be hard to keep up. For some, it’s best to go for an older model that’s more affordable but still offers enough features to make it worth the money. But that begs the question, how old can an Apple Watch be and still be worth buying?
Is the Apple Watch Series 3 still worth getting, or should you just wait to get a cheaper model after Apple reveals a new Apple Watch this year?
Let’s start with which Apple Watch models you should steer clear of.
Avoid the Apple Watch Series 1 and 2
The original Apple Watch, also known as the Series 0, is a definite hard pass. Even though you can get that Apple Watch at a really low price, it’s completely outdated.
It’s best to avoid the Apple Watch Series Series 1 and 2 as well. These Apple Watches came out a little over four years ago, and they don’t support watchOS 7.
If you’ve seen them on the market for a really low price, it’s because they’re also outdated. Try to avoid them.
Also Avoid the Apple Watch Series 3
The Apple Watch Series 3 has become Apple’s budget-friendly Apple Watch. Ever since the Apple Watch Series 5 came out, Apple decided to keep the Series 3 as a cheaper option. They did the same when the Series 6 came out just last year.
Based on that, it seems like Apple will keep supporting the Series 3, at least for another year. Still, the Apple Watch Series 3 is an almost-four-year-old device. Some watchOS 7 features are limited on this device, and it’s highly likely that Apple will drop support for this model in the next software update.
Apple doesn’t make any other budget-friendly option that’s cheaper than an Apple Watch SE. But even though it’s cheaper than other options, you shouldn’t get the Apple Watch Series 3 right now. And even if Apple does decide to support it one more year, getting one right now will only mean you’ll have to upgrade it sooner rather than later.
What About the Apple Watch Series 4 and 5?
The Apple Watch Series 4 was discontinued soon after the Apple Watch Series 5 was introduced, and that’s because they’re pretty similar products. The main difference between them was the introduction of the Always-On Display on the Series 5 back in 2019.
Still, the Apple Watch Series 4 is a solid option for most people. Even if Apple discontinued it, if you can find one for a really low price; at least lower than the ~$279 price of the Apple Watch SE.
Basically, if you’re hoping to save money, the Apple Watch Series 4 is the oldest Apple Watch you should get (if you don’t mind not having the Always-On Display feature).
The Apple Watch Series 5 suffered the same fate as the Series 4: Apple discontinued it, probably because it was too similar to the Apple Watch Series 6.
The Series 5 and the Series 6 are extremely similar, and the Series 6 only offers a few extra features that most people won’t mind not having, like the blood oxygen monitor.
The biggest reason why you should get a Series 5 over a Series 4 is because of the Always-on Display. If you’re someone who hates having to raise your hand every time to check the time, the Series 5 is a no-brainer. Likewise, you can rest assured you’ll have software update support for at least a few more years.
Even if it means spending a bit more, you should try to get your hands on a Series 5 instead of a Series 4. Of course, only if you can find it at a great deal.
What Do You Need the Apple Watch For?
Before ordering any of these devices, you should ask yourself what you need the Apple Watch for, as well as who’s going to use it.
If you want to give an Apple Watch to your kid or a grandparent, and you know they won’t use the Apple Watch to its fullest, nor will they need to have the last software update on it, you can go for a cheaper option like the Apple Watch Series 3. You don’t need a really fancy or expensive Apple Watch to set it up for a family member.
On the other hand, if you’re using the Apple Watch for yourself, or it’s for someone who’s going to use it to its full capacity and could use the latest software updates, the Apple Watch Series 4 or Series 5 are the best (older) options. You’ll have watchOS support for a few more years, and you’ll enjoy the latest health features the Apple Watch has to offer.
Waiting Is Also an Option
Based on history, Apple is bound to release a new Apple Watch later this year. Even though the company might show off some great new features, not all of us are going to want them enough to spend $400+ right away.
The good news is that all the previous Apple Watches are going to drop in price. Just like we’ve seen before, the Apple Watch Series 6 will drop in price, as well as older generations.
Plus, the Apple Watch SE, which is a cheaper option, will probably see a price drop, making it a more affordable option close in price to the Series 3, but with more up-to-date features and watchOS support for the next few years.
If you don’t really need an Apple Watch right now, or you can wait until the end of the year, you should consider buying one after Apple announces the upcoming Apple Watch Series 7. Not only will we see better deals for older generations, but you could instead get the latest model, as long as you’re willing to pay the premium.
