
Apple Watch 2024 Holiday Shopping Guide: Series 10, Ultra 2, SE and more
Looking to buy an Apple Watch for the holidays but don’t know where to start? Our Apple Watch 2024 Holiday Shopping Guide covers all your options, key differences, and buying tips.
Buyer’s Note: When you buy Apple on Amazon, you get discounts that you can’t buy directly from Apple.
Apple Watch shopping guide

Apple Watch Series 10 is the latest Apple Watch. It features a large display and the thinnest design ever. If you’re in the market for an Apple Watch, this is probably what you’re looking for. Prices start at $399, apple watch series 10 Includes a complete suite of health and fitness features.
- ECG app to monitor your heart health
- Sleep tracking with sleep apnea notifications
- Temperature sensing and advanced cycle tracking in new Vitals app
- Depth gauge and water temperature sensing up to 6 meters
Larger displays come in 42mm and 46mm case sizes, and these displays are 40% brighter when viewed from an angle. In dark environments, peak brightness can drop from 2000 nits to just 1 nit. The best part? Some watch faces can also display second updates in always-on mode. Fast charging charges the battery to 80% in just 30 minutes, and low power mode extends usage time from 18 to 36 hours.
Apple Watch Series 10 also offers the most diverse material and color options. Aluminum is available in jet black, rose gold, and silver. Titanium comes in slate, gold, and natural. Choose the Cellular + GPS model if you want to be able to use your iPhone for calling, messaging, and streaming audio without having to be nearby.
Apple Watch Series 10 review

For those who want to maximize battery life, apple watch ultra 2. Apple announced this model in September 2023, with no hardware changes in 2024. Instead, Apple has added a beautiful space black titanium option to the natural titanium version of the lineup.
So, how long does the battery last? How about a double? Apple Watch Ultra can last up to 36 hours of mixed use, while Series 10 and SE 2 can last up to 18 hours. Low power mode extends that up to 72 hours. What are the trade-offs? The Ultra 2 is also the thickest Apple Watch, which should appeal to fans of rugged watches, and fast charging to 80% takes twice as long as the Series 10 (1 hour vs. 30 minutes).
The Ultra 2 is specifically built to withstand the rigors of training. It has a case height of 49 mm and the brightest display (3000 nits compared to 2000 nits on the Series 10). The Ultra 2 includes a siren function, an action button to jump to specific tasks like starting a workout, and even supports high-speed water sports and recreational 40-meter scuba diving.
All Apple Watch Ultra 2s come in one size titanium with built-in cellular capabilities and cost $799. The options are which colors and band configurations you choose.
Try out the new Apple Watch Ultra 2 colors
Apple Watch SE 2, or Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), is usually referred to as simply Apple Watch SE. Launched in September 2022, the SE 2 is the most affordable Apple Watch in the lineup.
The starting price is $249, but Apple Watch SE2 Generally defined by what features are missing. For example, the SE 2 lacks features such as an always-on display, ECG (electrocardiogram), temperature sensing, and sleep apnea notifications.
The SE 2 has the least bright display, maxing out at 1000 nits, compared to 2000 nits (Series 10) and 3000 nits (Ultra 2). The screen is also smaller, with 40mm and 44mm options.
However, the Apple Watch SE 2 is a great product for customers trying out a smartwatch for the first time. Useful features include notifications, Apple Pay, workout tracking, and more. Apple Watch SE 2 also has heart health tracking and fall and collision detection features.
Other models

The current lineup is Series 10, Ultra 2, and SE 2, but some previous models remain. For example, Best Buy still sells the Series 9 as new. Apple, Amazon, and Best Buy each sell refurbished older models at discounted prices.
WatchOS 11, the software that runs on Apple Watch, works with the following models:
For the best experience, we strongly recommend that you do not use models not listed. When it comes to future-proofing, the processors in the Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 have the best performance.
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