Should You Buy the Apple Watch? The Ultimate Guide for 2024
The Apple Watch has become a mainstay of Apple‘s product lineup and one of the world‘s best-selling smartwatches. Since its 2015 debut, the Apple wearable has evolved from iPhone companion to standalone communication and health tracking device. 2024‘s Apple Watch Series 14 continues that evolution with more powerful sensors, longer battery life, and enhanced iPhone independence. But with premium pricing and multiple models to choose from, is the Apple Watch right for you? Let‘s find out.
Apple Watch Through the Years
The original Apple Watch launched in 2015 to much fanfare as Apple‘s first new product category since the iPad. It was an iPhone accessory focused on notifications, simplifying common phone tasks, and tracking basic fitness stats like steps and heart rate.
Since then, the Apple Watch has evolved significantly with each annual release:
| Series | Year | Notable New Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2015 | Initial release |
| 2 | 2016 | GPS, water resistance, brighter screen |
| 3 | 2017 | Cellular connectivity, barometric altimeter |
| 4 | 2018 | Larger screen, ECG sensor, fall detection |
| 5 | 2019 | Always-on display, compass |
| 6 | 2020 | Blood oxygen sensor, cheaper SE model |
| 7 | 2021 | Faster S7 chip, enhanced durability, larger screen |
| 8 | 2022 | Body temperature sensor, low power mode, crash detection |
| 9 | 2023 | Slimmer bezels, enhanced sports tracking, new watch faces |
| 14 | 2024 | Blood glucose monitoring, sleep stage tracking, offline Siri, fast charging |
This progression of features has propelled the Apple Watch to the top of the smartwatch market. Although Apple doesn‘t break out specific unit sales, analysts estimated Apple shipped over 40 million watches in 2023, giving it 36% market share. The next closest competitors, Samsung and Huawei, had 10% and 8% share respectively.
Analysts predict continued strong growth for the Apple Watch driven by an aging population taking advantage of its expanding health capabilities and buyers seeking an iPhone alternative for basic phone tasks. The smartwatch market is forecasted to grow to $64 billion by 2030 with Apple capturing over 50% share.
Apple Watch Features and Benefits
The latest Apple Watches pack an array of features making them powerful health and communication tools. Key capabilities include:
Health & Fitness Tracking
All Apple Watch models include an optical heart rate sensor, accelerometer, and gyroscope to track steps, distance, calories burned, and various workout types like running, cycling, swimming, and yoga. They also offer high and low heart rate notifications and cardio fitness scores.
The Series 14 and Ultra models add more advanced health monitoring:
- Blood oxygen sensor to measure oxygen saturation, useful for fitness, sleep apnea, and altitude acclimation
- Electrical heart rate sensor for taking electrocardiograms (ECGs) to detect abnormal heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation
- Blood glucose monitoring via an advanced sensor, bringing non-invasive diabetes management to the wrist
- Skin temperature sensor to aid in cycle and fertility tracking
- Enhanced sleep tracking with REM, core, and deep sleep stages plus daytime nap detection
Studies have shown these features can have real health benefits. According to the American Heart Association, 78% of Apple Watch owners report the device helping them be more active. 75% say they‘ve lost weight since buying one.
Stanford researchers found the Apple Watch‘s irregular rhythm notification reduced the likelihood of suffering a stroke by 21%. And Mount Sinai‘s Warrior Watch study showed the Apple Watch can predict Covid-19 infections up to a week before tests by monitoring subtle heartbeat changes.
Cellular Connectivity
Apple Watch models with cellular allow you to stay connected without your iPhone nearby. The watch has its own cell radio and uses your existing phone number. You can make and receive calls, send texts, stream music, and use online features of many apps right from your wrist.
This offers peace of mind if you lose your phone, get separated from it, or simply don‘t want to carry it for a run or quick errand. It‘s also comforting for the elderly, kids, or anyone else who wants an extra safety net while out and about. Over 50% of new Apple Watch buyers now opt for cellular models.
App Ecosystem
One of the Apple Watch‘s key selling points is its broad and high quality app selection. Over 50,000 apps have Apple Watch support or watch exclusive versions.
Popular options include:
- Fitness: Strava, Nike Training Club, Peloton
- Productivity: Things, Evernote, Fantastical
- Travel: Citymapper, Yelp, TripAdvisor
- Finance: Robinhood, Mint, Wealthfront
- Entertainment: Spotify, Overcast, Shazam
- Smart Home: Home, LIFX, Nest
Developers flock to the watchOS platform because of its massive user base and seamless iPhone integration. 52% of iPhone owners now have an Apple Watch. No other smartwatch OS offers the same depth and breadth of apps, giving Apple a big ecosystem advantage.
Style and Customization
Part of the Apple Watch‘s success comes down to style. Unlike bland, boxy fitness trackers, the Apple Watch looks and feels like a fashionable timepiece:
- Available in 40mm and 45mm sizes to fit a variety of wrists
- Multiple finishes including aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and ceramic
- Dozens of Apple and third party band options from sporty silicone to dressy Milanese loops
- 100+ watch face options with various complications and color schemes for personalization
This customization allows the Apple Watch to fit almost any style or occasion, from the gym to the boardroom to a wedding. It‘s become a true fashion accessory, not just a geeky gadget.
A Watch That Lasts
Another factor driving Apple Watch adoption is long-term usability. Unlike cheaper wearables designed to be replaced yearly, Apple Watches get software updates for many years, keeping them feeling fresh and capable well after initial purchase.
For example, the Series 5 from 2019 is still supported and can run the latest watchOS 10. That means buyers who spent $400 four years ago are still enjoying the latest software and most new features despite having older hardware.
This lengthy lifespan spreads out the cost of the Apple Watch across more time. Amortized over a typical four year span, a $400 model costs just $8/month, cheaper than many digital subscriptions. Strong aftermarket demand also means you can resell your watch for 50%+ of its original value, further reducing long-term cost.
Apple Watch vs. the Competition
As the dominant smartwatch, the Apple Watch‘s closest competitor is arguably Samsung‘s Galaxy Watch series. But for iPhone owners, Wear OS watches aren‘t an option due to incompatibility. Other rivals like Fitbit and Garmin lack the Apple Watch‘s powerful apps and tight iPhone integration.
Here‘s how the key players stack up:
| Feature | Apple Watch S14 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 | Fitbit Sense 3 | Garmin Fenix 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sizes | 40mm, 45mm | 41mm, 45mm | 40mm | 42mm, 51mm |
| Battery Life | 18 hours | 40 hours | 6 days | 10 days |
| Storage | 32GB | 16GB | 4GB | 16GB |
| Cell Option | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| ECG | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| SpO2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| App Ecosystem | Best | Decent | Limited | Very Limited |
| Base Price | $399 | $299 | $249 | $449 |
The Apple Watch has a clear edge in most categories. It offers double the storage, advanced health sensors others lack, and the best app selection by far. Only the Fitbit Sense wins on battery life and price but it can‘t match the Apple Watch‘s versatility.
On Amazon, the Apple Watch Series 14 has a 4.9 average rating compared to 4.7, 4.5, and 4.3 for the Galaxy Watch, Fitbit Sense, and Garmin Fenix respectively. When it comes to customer satisfaction, the Apple Watch sits at the top of the smartwatch hierarchy.
Should You Buy An Apple Watch?
If you‘re an iPhone owner looking for a top tier smartwatch, the Apple Watch is an excellent choice. It offers unmatched health tracking, cellular convenience, app support, and style options while seamlessly integrating with the iPhone experience you‘re already used to.
But an Apple Watch isn‘t for everyone. Here‘s a simple flowchart to help decide if it‘s right for you:
Reasons to Consider an Apple Watch:
- You want the most advanced health sensors and safety features currently available
- You want to stay connected to calls, texts, and apps without having to carry your iPhone
- You use your iPhone for most tasks and want a companion wearable for quick interactions
- You want a stylish smartwatch that fits your individual fashion sense
- You want a powerful mini iPhone-like experience on your wrist
Reasons an Apple Watch May Not Be For You:
- You don‘t own an iPhone or don‘t plan on keeping one
- You only care about basic health tracking like steps and heart rate
- You need true multi-day battery life for extended periods away from a charger
- You have a strict budget under $250 as even the SE model starts at $279
- You want a simpler watch interface or one tailored to specific sports like running
The Verdict
The Apple Watch has earned its position atop the smartwatch market. It strikes a compelling balance of health smarts, app power, handsome hardware, and iPhone harmony that no rival matches. It‘s a personal, versatile, and increasingly independent device that millions have come to rely on.
If you‘re an iPhone user who wants the best all-around smartwatch and can stomach the premium price, the Apple Watch is the clear winner. It will enhance your digital life in countless ways. But only you can judge if its many benefits justify the cost. At least now, you hopefully have the knowledge to make an informed decision.
