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According to the latest estimates *, Apple continues to be the clear market leader in the smartwatch sector with a market share of 55.5 percent.
This is not surprising, because the Apple Watch has repeatedly set new standards for technology on the wrist thanks to numerous innovative features as an everyday companion, fitness tracker and co.
But how do the models differ?
Here you get an overview of the advantages each generation brings - thanks to regular updates, even older generations are far from obsolete.
We'll also show you good Apple Watch alternatives that are easy on the wallet.
Apple Watch 6
The Apple Watch 6 * is the company's latest smartwatch model.
In addition to the previous health features, such as fall detection and the ECG function, you can also measure your blood oxygen content with the newcomer model.
Apple has also developed a new sleep tracking app that allows you to better track your sleep rhythm.
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Something has also changed in the look: there is now a seamless bracelet without a buckle or locking mechanism.
The so-called “Solo Loop” is available in several sizes.
However, if you have grown fond of the previous bracelet designs, you can still combine them with the Apple Watch 6.
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Smartwatch
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The advantages and disadvantages at a glance:
+ Blood oxygen measurement
+ new sleep app from Apple
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+ Always-on display
+ with compass
+ with fall detection and EKG function
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+ including barometer and GPS
+ waterproof case
+ 32 GB memory
+ Bluetooth and WLAN capable
Apple Watch 5
The Apple Watch 5 * was presented in September 2019 and offers the biggest plus point an energy-saving always-on display.
This makes it possible to read the time, just like an analog clock, without having to activate the screen beforehand.
In addition, Apple has increased the internal memory: 32 GB is now in the Series 5.
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Smartwatch
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The advantages and disadvantages at a glance:
+ Always-on display
+ with compass
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+ with fall detection and EKG function
+ including barometer and GPS
+ waterproof case
+ 32 GB memory
+ Bluetooth and WLAN capable
+ 1 GB DRAM
- most expensive compared to other Apple Watch generations
Apple Watch 4
The fourth generation of the smartwatch was presented in September 2018.
The Apple Watch 4 * was not only characterized by a slightly modified design with a larger display, the innovative fall detection and the ECG function also caused a sensation as health innovations.
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Smartwatch
Buy Apple Watch Series 4 online now
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The advantages and disadvantages at a glance:
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+ with fall detection and EKG function
+ waterproof case
+ including barometer and GPS
+ bigger display
+ Bluetooth and WLAN capable
+ 1 GB DRAM
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- without a compass
- The display must be activated
Apple Watch 3
If you are primarily looking for a cheap Apple Watch, the Apple Watch 3 * is the best choice.
Since the introduction of the fifth generation in September 2019, the prices for the 2017 model have fallen significantly again - but the latest watchOS 6 update was available for the third generation.
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Smartwatch
Buy Apple Watch Series 3 online now
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The advantages and disadvantages at a glance:
+ waterproof case
+ including barometer and GPS
+ measures the heart rate
+ Bluetooth and WLAN capable
- smaller display than the Apple Watch 4 and 5
- without compass, fall detection and ECG function
- The display must be activated
Apple Watch 1 and 2
Owners of an Apple Watch Series 1 or 2 could still make use of the new update in October 2019.
In the meantime, the two second-generation smartwatches are no longer available everywhere and are usually more expensive than the better-equipped third generation.
The first Apple Watch, which came onto the market in 2015, did not receive an update any more and will therefore slowly but surely be replaced by a newer model by most users.
The advantages and disadvantages at a glance:
+ detects irregular heart rhythm and alerts the wearer
+ Bluetooth and WLAN capable
- no LTE
- without fall detection and ECG function
- Apple Watch Series 1 without waterproof case and GPS
- without barometer
- The display must be activated
- now often costs more than the Apple Watch Series 3 and offers fewer features
By the way: To be able to use an Apple Watch with the latest watchOS 6 update, you should have at least an iPhone 6S * or later with the iOS 13 operating system.
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Apple
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Apple
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Apple Watch alternative: These smartwatches from other manufacturers can keep up
If you are looking for a good smartwatch, you should also consider an Apple Watch alternative.
Manufacturers such as Samsung, Huawei and Garmin have also established themselves in the market.
For example, comparatively cheap:
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Smartwatch
Buy Garmin vívoactive 3 online now
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Smartwatch
Buy Samsung Galaxy Watch online now
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Smartwatch
Buy the Huawei Watch GT 2 online now
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* If you complete a purchase using the links marked with an asterisk, WELT will receive a small commission. You can find our standards of transparency and journalistic independence at axelspringer.de/unabhaengigkeit.
This article was first published on May 13, 2020.