What Apple Watches Will Stop Working in 2025
Introduction & Clarification
When people ask, “What Apple Watches will stop working in 2025?” the good news is — none of them will suddenly stop functioning. Your Apple Watch won’t just shut down or become useless overnight. What actually happens is that older models eventually stop receiving the latest version of watchOS and, in some cases, even security updates.
This doesn’t mean you can’t still use your Apple Watch for basic functions like tracking fitness, checking notifications, or telling time. However, it does mean you’ll miss out on new features, better performance, app compatibility, and important security patches. That’s why knowing which models are still supported — and which ones aren’t — matters when deciding whether to keep your watch or upgrade in 2025.
What is watchOS
watchOS is the operating system that powers the Apple Watch, much like iOS does for the iPhone. Every year, Apple releases a new version of watchOS alongside the latest iPhone and Apple Watch models. These updates bring new health features, watch faces, improved performance, and tighter integration with iPhone apps.
Just like iOS and macOS, watchOS also comes with regular security updates to protect your personal data, block vulnerabilities, and ensure smooth performance. Without these updates, an Apple Watch may still run, but it won’t be as secure or capable as newer models.
Understanding watchOS Updates (Including Security Updates)
Unlike iPhones, which often get 5–7 years of updates, Apple Watches generally receive 3–5 years of watchOS support. Once a model stops receiving a major watchOS upgrade, it also stops getting security updates — meaning its software is completely frozen at the last version it supported.
Here’s what this means for Apple Watch owners:
- Fully Supported Models — Receive the latest watchOS version (new features + security updates).
- Outdated Models — No longer receive new features or security patches. They still function, but with growing risks and app compatibility issues.
Because of this, an Apple Watch that has fallen out of support becomes outdated much faster than an iPhone or iPad. While you can still use it for basic tasks like telling time and tracking steps, the lack of security updates makes it less safe for payments, health tracking, and connected apps.
⚠️ List of Outdated Models
These Apple Watches have already lost watchOS support and no longer receive major upgrades or security updates. While they still function for basic tasks, they are considered outdated in 2025.
| Model | Initial watchOS Version | Release Date | Final watchOS Version | watchOS End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch | watchOS 1.0 | April 24, 2015 | watchOS 4.3.2 | September 17, 2018 |
| Apple Watch Series 1 | watchOS 3.0 | September 12, 2016 | watchOS 6.3 | September 15, 2020 |
| Apple Watch Series 2 | watchOS 3.0 | September 16, 2016 | watchOS 6.3 | September 15, 2020 |
| Apple Watch Series 3 | watchOS 4.0 | September 22, 2017 | watchOS 8.8.1 | September 13, 2022 |
| Apple Watch Series 4 | watchOS 5.0 | September 21, 2018 | watchOS 10.6.1 | September 16, 2024 |
| Apple Watch Series 5 | watchOS 6.0 | September 20, 2019 | watchOS 10.6.1 | September 16, 2024 |
| Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) | watchOS 7.0 | September 18, 2020 | watchOS 10.6.1 | September 16, 2024 |
✅ List of Fully Supported Models
The following Apple Watches are fully supported in 2025, running the latest version of watchOS and continuing to receive both feature and security updates.
| Model | Initial watchOS Version | Release Date | Support New watchOS | Receiving Security Updates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 6 | watchOS 7.0 | September 18, 2020 | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Watch Series 7 | watchOS 8.0 | October 15, 2021 | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Watch SE (2nd) | watchOS 9.0 | September 16, 2022 | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Watch Series 8 | watchOS 9.0 | September 16, 2022 | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Watch Ultra (1st) | watchOS 9.0 | September 23, 2022 | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Watch Series 9 | watchOS 10.0 | September 22, 2023 | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | watchOS 10.0 | September 22, 2023 | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Watch Series 10 | watchOS 11.0 | September 20, 2024 | Yes | Yes |
Recommendation
If you’re considering buying an Apple Watch in 2025, the best choice is to stick with a model that still supports the latest watchOS. That ensures your device will stay secure, compatible with apps, and benefit from Apple’s ongoing improvements. After reviewing the used market price from our UpTrade Price Tracker, we recommend the following models.
Best Deal:
- Apple Watch Series 8 ($170+)
- Apple Watch Series 9 ($230+)
- Apple Watch Ultra ($399+)
Budget Friendly:
- Apple Watch Series 6 ($100+)
- Apple Watch Series 7 ($120+)
Older models like the Series 4, Series 5, and SE (1st Gen) are no longer supported and should be avoided, since they won’t receive any new updates or security patches.
Used vs. Certified Used/Refurbished
While it might be tempting to buy a cheap used Apple Watch from a marketplace or individual seller, the risks are high — hidden damage, weak battery life, and no warranty. On the other hand, Certified Used or Refurbished Apple Watches go through inspection, testing, and quality checks, often with warranty coverage.
- Used: Cheaper upfront, but risky — no guarantee of quality or longevity.
- Certified Used/Refurbished: Fully tested, restored to like-new condition, backed by warranty.
When it comes to wearables like Apple Watch, where battery health and reliability are key, Certified Refurbished is always the smarter choice.
How UpTrade Can Help
Finding the best deal on a Certified Used or Refurbished Apple Watch doesn’t have to be difficult. UpTrade’s Price Tracker saves you the time of searching multiple sites by showing real-time listings from trusted sellers such as Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, and Gazelle — all in one place.
With UpTrade, you can:
- 💰 Save Money – Compare across sellers to find the lowest price.
- ✅ Buy Safely – Only certified and verified sellers are included.
- 🔎 Shop Smart – Easily see condition, warranty, and pricing differences side by side.
Whether you’re eyeing a budget-friendly Apple Watch Series 6 or a top-tier Apple Watch Ultra, UpTrade ensures you’ll get the best value for your money in 2025.
FAQ: Apple Watch Support in 2025
1. Which Apple Watches will stop working in 2025?
No Apple Watch will completely stop functioning in 2025. However, models like the Series 4, Series 5, and SE (1st Gen) have lost watchOS support and will no longer receive updates or security patches.
2. Is it safe to keep using an unsupported Apple Watch?
Yes, it will still function for basic features like time, fitness tracking, and notifications. But without updates, you’ll miss new features, app compatibility, and risk potential security issues.
3. How long does Apple usually support an Apple Watch?
Typically, Apple supports each model for about 3–5 years. Unlike iOS devices, once an Apple Watch loses support for major watchOS updates, it also stops receiving security updates.
4. What’s the best Apple Watch to buy in 2025?
For most people, the Apple Watch Series 8, starting at $170+ for Certified Used/Refurbished, is the best value, offering modern features and years of support at an affordable price. If you want the most advanced option, go for the Apple Watch Ultra ($399+).
5. Should I buy a Used or Refurbished Apple Watch?
Always choose Certified Used or Refurbished. Regular used models can have battery or hardware issues, but Certified Refurbished devices are tested, restored, and often come with warranty coverage.
6. Where can I find the best prices on Apple Watches in 2025?
The easiest way is through UpTrade’s Price Tracker, which compares Certified Used and Refurbished Apple Watches across trusted sellers like Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, and Gazelle.
7. What is the newest watchOS version?
It’s watchOS 26. The previous version is watchOS 11. watchOS 26 means the version launching in fall 2025 and to be used for 2026. Apple has standardized all version numbering to the year, similar to cars. Therefore, macOS, iOS, and iPadOS will also be 26.
