The story of the Apple Watch
Generations and strap changes
- 2026Series 12
Announced September 9, 2026, Series 12 keeps the 42mm and 46mm sizes.
- 2026Ultra 4
The fourth Ultra keeps the 49mm case and went on sale September 18, 2026.
- 2025SE 3
The third SE kept 40mm and 44mm cases.
- 2024Series 10
Series 10 moved to 42mm and 46mm cases, only slightly larger despite a bigger display.
Apple says older bands, including 41mm and 45mm ones, fit the new 42mm and 46mm cases.
- 2022Apple Watch Ultra
Apple added a 49mm titanium Ultra for outdoor and diving use.
New Ultra bands: Trail Loop, Alpine Loop with a titanium G-hook, and the fluoroelastomer Ocean Band.
- 2021Series 7
Series 7 grew the cases to 41mm and 45mm.
- 2018Series 4
The redesigned Series 4 moved to 40mm and 44mm cases.
Apple says all bands continue to work with any generation of Apple Watch.
- 2014Apple Watch
Apple unveiled Apple Watch in 38 mm and 42 mm sizes, for sale in early 2015.
The release names six bands: Sport Band, Milanese Loop, Leather Loop, Modern Buckle, Classic Buckle and Link Bracelet.
Firsts and innovations
The Apple Watch line introduced an ECG app on the Series 4 in 2018. Apple called it the first ECG app offered directly to consumers.
The first Ultra was the first Apple Watch with dual-frequency GPS, adding the L5 band to L1.
The Ultra line launched with three bands designed for it: the Trail Loop, Alpine Loop and Ocean Band. Apple says these 49 mm bands are made for Apple Watch Ultra and later.