Apple is known for supporting its products for a long time. So there was a big shock when it turned out at the announcement of watchOS 11 that the Apple Watch Series 5 and earlier would no longer receive an update. The original Apple Watch SE is also left out. Previously, owners of an Apple Watch Series 3 were unpleasantly surprised when they were told that their smartwatch would no longer receive an update to watchOS 9, while Apple had only just sold the accessory in stores. That is why it is important to know how long your Apple Watch will receive updates. The more updates you can expect, the longer you will enjoy it. It is also important to know if you are looking for a second-hand Apple Watch. After all, you do not want to be stuck with an outdated model within a few months.
Why Apple Watch Software Updates Are Important
In our overview of watchOS versions you can see which update you can currently install on your Apple Watch. For example, the Apple Watch Series 6 can still be updated to watchOS 11, but previous models cannot. If you have an older Apple Watch, you will no longer receive new functions. In itself this does not have to be a problem, but Apple also uses the updates to fix bugs and close security holes. If your Apple Watch no longer receives a software update, you will not only miss out on the annual new functions, but also important performance and security improvements.
These Apple Watch models will still receive updates
As mentioned, Apple provides the products with updates for about five years, from the moment they are taken off the market. But there are regular exceptions with the Apple Watch, such as the Apple Watch Series 3. This was no longer able to move forward in terms of hardware, which meant that it was no longer possible to provide the watch with new updates after watchOS 8.
This is the year until which the various Apple Watch models are expected to receive updates, as shown in the table below.
| Model | Release | Expected end of year* |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 9 Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
2023 | 2028 |
| Apple Watch Series 8 Apple Watch Ultra |
2022 | 2027 |
| Apple Watch SE 2022 | 2022 | 2026 |
| Apple Watch Series 7 | 2021 | 2026 |
| Apple Watch Series 6 | 2020 | 2026 |
* End Year: This means the last year in which a major update will be released.
Which Apple Watch models will no longer receive updates?
Below you can see which Apple Watch models are currently not getting iOS updates. Sometimes Apple still releases security updates for a few years. These only fix any security holes. You will not get any new features, but you can still use your older Apple Watch without any worries (provided that the performance and battery are still somewhat okay).
These Apple Watch models will only receive security updates
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Apple Watch Series 4
- Apple Watch Series 3
- Apple Watch SE 2020
The most recent security updates released for these models are:
- watchOS 9.6.3 (for Series 4 and later) – September 2023
- watchOS 8.8.1 (for Series 3 and later) – June 2023
- watchOS 8.7.1 (Series 3 only) – August 2022
By the way, it is quite possible that Apple has made the Series 3 as future-proof as possible with the updates mentioned and will no longer release any further security updates for this model.
These Apple Watch models will no longer receive iOS updates at all
- Apple Watch Series 2
- Apple Watch Series 1
- Apple Watch Series 0
Why is my Apple Watch no longer receiving updates?
Apple continues to tinker with the Apple Watch: every year the hardware is just a little bit better. New software features are also added every year. To support all these innovations, Apple announces the new software features in June, which are tested during the summer months. The software update is officially released in the fall, and anyone with a suitable Apple Watch can install it.
At some point, it is no longer feasible to continue supporting older models. Too many compromises have to be made to keep the functions usable on older models. This hinders future developments. Moreover, after five years, only a small percentage of users will still be running an older watchOS version. It is then no longer economically feasible to continue maintaining this.
So it is not a malicious action by Apple to force you to update. If you want, you can continue to use your Apple Watch, even though you will no longer get new functions. Everything will continue to work, you will just not get any new possibilities. In comparison: manufacturers of other smartwatches often only offer 2 or 3 years of software updates and with Android Wear, the manufacturers are also dependent on Google.
What to do if your Apple Watch no longer receives updates?
If your Apple Watch no longer receives software updates, there is nothing wrong. Apple hardly releases security updates for older models and that is not necessary, because the Apple Watch is not a popular target for phishing, for example. The watchOS version that your Apple Watch runs on is still stable and will last for at least three years. All basic functions will continue to work. You should take into account that certain third-party apps will no longer be supported at some point.
If you buy a new iPhone, you can continue to use it with your slightly older Apple Watch, as this is still supported.
Which Apple Watch should I stop buying?
When it comes to software update support, you’re best off going with 2022 or newer models. In other words:
- Apple Watch Series 8 or later
- Apple Watch Ultra or later
- Apple Watch SE 2022 or later
In itself, you can still get ahead with the Apple Watch Series 7, but it will be difficult to find it in the store. We have noticed that previous models quickly disappear from the range as soon as the successor is there, even at popular stores such as Coolblue.
If you have an Apple Watch from 2021 or earlier and you like it, you can of course continue to use it as long as the battery is good. If not, it is time to buy a new Apple Watch. You can see which models we recommend in our overview!
Also read:
- How long will my iPhone receive updates?
- When is my iPad too old?
