Welcome to our definitive guide on how to tell which Apple Watch you have. Whether you’ve inherited an older model from a friend or you’re thinking of purchasing a used one, figuring out which version of the Apple Watch you have can be a little tricky. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the necessary steps to identify your Apple Watch, starting with the most obvious external features and finishing with the more technical details of the device.
The exterior features
The easiest way to identify an Apple Watch is through its exterior features. Every generation of the watch has distinct elements that differentiate it from other models. Let’s take a closer look.
Screen size
The first thing you’ll want to look at is the size of the screen. Apple Watches come in two sizes: 38mm and 42mm (Series 1 and 2) and 40mm and 44mm (Series 4, 5, 6 and SE). If you have a measuring tape or a ruler handy, you can measure the height of the glass to determine the size of your watch.
The Digital Crown
The Digital Crown is the little knob on the side of the watch that you use to scroll through menus and zoom in and out. The appearance of the crown has changed with each new version of the watch. For example, the Series 3 and later models have a red dot on the crown, while the Series 4 and later models have a haptic feedback function.
The back of the watch
The back of the Apple Watch has also changed with each new version. The original Apple Watch and Series 1 models have a ceramic back, while the Series 2 and later models have a composite back. Additionally, the Series 4 and later models have a heart rate sensor on the back, while the Series 3 and earlier models do not.
The internal features
If you’re still unsure about which Apple Watch you have, you can delve deeper into the internal features of the device, such as the processor and operating system.
Operating system
The operating system is a crucial component that can help you identify which model of the Apple Watch you have. To check your operating system, go to the “Settings” app on your Watch, then navigate to “General” > “About”. The version number listed there will tell you which operating system your watch is running.
Processor
Another way to identify your Watch is by the type of processor it has. The original Apple Watch had an S1 processor, while the Series 1 and 2 models had an S1P processor. The Series 3 and later models have an S3 or S4 processor, with the Series 5 and later models having an S5 processor.
Other identifying features
There are a few other features that can help you identify which Apple Watch model you have. These include:
- The material of the case
- The band type and size
- The color of the Watch
If you still can’t determine which Apple Watch you have, we recommend contacting Apple Support directly for assistance.
FAQs
Q: What if my Watch doesn’t turn on or I can’t check the operating system?
A: If your Watch won’t turn on or you’re unable to check the operating system, you can still identify the model based on external features. Refer to the information provided above on screen size, the Digital Crown, and the back of the watch.
Q: Can I still get updates for an older Apple Watch model?
A: Yes, Apple Watch models that are running watchOS 7 or later will receive software updates. However, certain features may not be available on older models due to technological limitations.
Q: Is it possible to upgrade the internal features of my Apple Watch?
A: No, the internal features of an Apple Watch (such as the processor and memory) cannot be upgraded or modified.
Q: Can I use a newer Watch band with an older Apple Watch model?
A: Yes, some newer Watch bands are compatible with older models. However, it’s important to note that certain Watch bands may not fit properly on all models.
Q: How often does Apple release new Apple Watch models?
A: Apple typically releases a new Apple Watch model every year, usually in the fall.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you determine which Apple Watch model you have. If you’re still unsure, remember that you can always contact Apple Support for assistance.