The Apple Watch Series 2 was released in September 2016, making it over seven years old as of 2024.
Unpacking the Release Date of the Apple Watch Series 2
The Apple Watch Series 2 officially hit the market on September 16, 2016. This marked Apple’s first major update to its smartwatch lineup following the original Apple Watch, which debuted in April 2015. The release date is crucial to understanding how old the device is and where it stands in the timeline of wearable technology.
Apple announced the Series 2 during their September 7, 2016 event alongside the iPhone 7. The watch was designed to improve upon its predecessor with several key upgrades, including enhanced water resistance and a brighter display. These improvements made it a significant step forward at the time.
Knowing that it was released in late 2016 gives us a clear benchmark: as of mid-2024, the Apple Watch Series 2 is nearly eight years old. This age places it well behind the latest models but still relevant for users who appreciate its features or are curious about its legacy.
Key Features That Defined the Apple Watch Series 2
The Apple Watch Series 2 introduced several notable features that differentiated it from the original model. These innovations not only enhanced user experience but also set new standards for smartwatches.
Water Resistance and Durability
One of the headline features was its water resistance rating of up to 50 meters. Unlike the first-generation Apple Watch, which was splash-resistant but not fully waterproof, Series 2 could be submerged safely in water. This made it suitable for swimming and other water-based activities—a huge selling point.
This upgrade meant users could track swimming workouts using built-in sensors without worrying about damaging their device. It also boosted overall durability against everyday moisture exposure.
Brighter Display and Performance Boost
The display on Series 2 was twice as bright as that of its predecessor, peaking at 1000 nits. This made it far easier to read outdoors under direct sunlight—a common complaint with earlier models.
Underneath, Apple equipped the device with a faster dual-core S2 processor. This improvement enhanced app launch times and overall responsiveness, making interaction smoother and more enjoyable.
Built-in GPS Integration
Another standout feature was built-in GPS. Previously, users needed to carry their iPhone for accurate location tracking during runs or cycling sessions. With GPS onboard, Series 2 offered more independence by tracking routes and distances without requiring a paired phone nearby.
This feature attracted fitness enthusiasts who wanted precise workout metrics directly from their wrist.
WatchOS Compatibility
At launch, Series 2 came with watchOS 3 pre-installed, which brought performance enhancements and new apps like Breathe and improved messaging. Over time, users received updates extending software support for several years.
However, due to hardware limitations compared to newer models, updates eventually ceased after watchOS version compatibility ended around watchOS 6 or so—reflecting its age in software terms.
How Old Is The Apple Watch Series 2? Comparing It to Other Models
Understanding how old the Apple Watch Series 2 is requires looking at its place within Apple’s smartwatch evolution timeline:
| Model | Release Date | Years Since Release (as of mid-2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch (1st Generation) | April 2015 | 9 years |
| Apple Watch Series 2 | September 2016 | 7 years & 9 months |
| Apple Watch Series 3 | September 2017 | 6 years & 9 months |
| Apple Watch Series 4 | September 2018 | 5 years & 9 months |
| Apple Watch Series SE (1st Gen) | September 2020 | 3 years & 9 months |
| Apple Watch Series 7 | October 2021 | 2 years & 8 months |
| Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) | September 2022 | 11 months approx. |
| Apple Watch Series 9 (Latest) | September/October 2023 (estimated) | <1 year |
This table clearly shows that while newer models have introduced advanced sensors like ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and faster chips, the Apple Watch Series 2 remains an early but pivotal generation in Apple’s wearable history.
The Longevity Factor: How Long Does an Apple Watch Last?
Knowing how old a device is doesn’t just satisfy curiosity—it helps set expectations for performance and support longevity. Most Apple Watches receive software updates for roughly five years after release. Given that timeline:
- The original Apple Watch stopped receiving major updates around watchOS version 4 or 5.
- The Series 2 supported updates up through watchOS 6 but did not get watchOS 7 or later.
- This means by mid-2024, official software support has ended for this model.
Hardware-wise, many users report that these watches can physically last beyond seven years if cared for properly—battery replacements can extend life further—but lack of software support limits access to new apps or security patches.
Key Takeaways: How Old Is The Apple Watch Series 2?
➤ Released in September 2016.
➤ Second generation of Apple Watch.
➤ Introduced built-in GPS feature.
➤ Water resistant up to 50 meters.
➤ Succeeded by Series 3 in 2017.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Old Is The Apple Watch Series 2?
The Apple Watch Series 2 was released in September 2016. As of 2024, this makes the device over seven years old, approaching its eighth anniversary. It is one of the earlier models in Apple’s smartwatch lineup.
When Was The Apple Watch Series 2 Released?
The Apple Watch Series 2 officially launched on September 16, 2016. This release followed the original Apple Watch from April 2015 and introduced several key improvements to the device.
What Features Define How Old The Apple Watch Series 2 Is?
The Series 2 is known for introducing built-in GPS, water resistance up to 50 meters, and a brighter display. These features marked a significant upgrade at the time of its release in 2016, highlighting its place in smartwatch history.
Is The Apple Watch Series 2 Still Relevant Despite Its Age?
Although nearly eight years old, the Apple Watch Series 2 remains relevant for users who value its durability and core features. However, it lacks some modern updates found in later models released after 2016.
How Does The Age Of The Apple Watch Series 2 Affect Its Performance?
Being over seven years old means the Series 2 may not support the latest software updates or apps. While it offers solid performance for basic tasks, newer models provide faster processors and enhanced capabilities.
The Hardware Breakdown: What’s Inside The Apple Watch Series 2?
Peeling back the layers reveals why this model stood out at launch:
- S2 System-in-Package (SiP): A dual-core processor delivering twice the speed of its predecessor.
- MCP Storage:A mix of storage options including up to 16GB internal storage allowed users to store music offline.
- Larger Battery:The battery capacity increased slightly compared to Gen 1 models to support brighter displays and GPS usage.
- Sensors:An accelerometer, gyroscope, heart rate sensor plus GPS enabled fitness tracking without a phone.
- LCD Retina Display:A high-brightness screen with Force Touch technology responsive to different pressure levels.
- Taptic Engine:A vibration feedback mechanism providing discreet notifications.
- Casing Options:An aluminum case with Ion-X glass or stainless steel variants with sapphire crystal were available.
- Bands:A wide variety including sport bands, leather loops, Milanese loops offered customization options.
- Users relied heavily on their phones’ GPS signals.
- Workouts tracked solely via phone apps lacked wrist-based convenience.
- Users enjoyed standalone workout tracking.
- Data synced automatically once reconnected with their iPhones.
- Simplified app navigation through Dock improvements.
- Breathe app introducing mindfulness sessions directly on wrist.
- Makeshift SOS emergency call feature via long press.
- Siri enhancements offering quicker responses.
- Updates brought better health tracking features.
- Performance optimizations kept older hardware relevant longer.
- Newer watchOS versions demanded hardware capabilities beyond what S2 could handle.
- Official update support ended around watchOS 6 or early watchOS versions thereafter.
- Many owners continue using their devices effectively without latest features.
- Core functions like notifications remain fully operational.
- Batteries degrade over time — expect shorter daily use between charges compared to new models.
- Lack of latest OS means missing out on new health sensors like ECG or blood oxygen monitoring.
- Certain third-party apps may no longer support older watchOS versions fully.
- The slower processor can occasionally cause lag during complex tasks or animations.
- No always-on display feature found in newer watches reduces glanceability convenience.
These components combined made it powerful enough for most daily tasks while maintaining battery life close to 18 hours on typical usage.
The Impact of Built-In GPS on User Experience
GPS integration transformed how people used smartwatches for fitness tracking by enabling precise distance measurement without carrying an iPhone along.
This autonomy appealed especially to runners and cyclists who wanted lightweight gear without sacrificing data accuracy.
Before this feature arrived on smartwatches like the Series 2:
Post-Series 2 launch:
This shift marked a turning point in wearable fitness tech evolution.
The Software Journey: watchOS Evolution on Series 2
Series 2 debuted with watchOS 3—an update focusing on speed improvements and usability enhancements over earlier versions.
Key software highlights included:
Over subsequent years:
Eventually:
Despite this:
The Practical Reality Of Using A Seven-Year-Old Smartwatch Today
While it’s impressive that an almost eight-year-old device still works reasonably well today:
Despite these drawbacks:
Many users find value in basic notifications, fitness tracking (steps/heart rate), music control capabilities.
For those seeking affordable entry into Apple’s ecosystem or nostalgic collectors:
Series 2 remains a viable option if purchased secondhand or maintained well.
The Design Legacy: Style And Build Quality Over Time
Physically speaking:
The design language introduced in Series 1 carried over largely unchanged into Series 2 — rounded rectangular case shape measuring approximately
38mm or
42mm sizes.
Materials included anodized aluminum cases with Ion-X glass screens plus stainless steel options featuring sapphire crystal glass.
Bands were interchangeable across most generations up through
Series 5,
allowing owners flexibility.
Despite aging appearance relative to sleeker new designs:
Series
Series
Series
Series
Series
Series
Series
Series
Series
maintains a classic look appreciated by many.
Its build quality remains solid despite daily wear-and-tear after several years.
The Table Below Summarizes Key Specs Comparison Between Original And Second Generation Watches:
| Feature/Spec | Original Apple Watch (2015) | Apple Watch Series 2 (2016) |
|---|---|---|
| Casing Sizes | 38mm /42mm | 38mm /42mm |
| Processor | Single-core S1 | Dual-core S21 |
| Display Brightness | 450 nits | 1000 nits |
| Water Resistance | Splash resistant only | Waterproof up to50 meters |
| GPS | No | Built-in GPS |
| Battery Life | ||
| Software Support | Up untilwatch OS4/5 | Up untilwatch OS6 |
The Final Word – How Old Is The Apple Watch Series 2?
The answer is straightforward: The Apple Watch Series 2 launched in September 2016 and is now approaching eight full years since release.
While no longer receiving official software updates from Apple,
this model pioneered important features such as built-in GPS,
improved water resistance,
and brighter displays,
which helped define what modern smartwatches should offer today.
If you’re wondering about longevity,
it’s clear that despite aging hardware,
the device still holds value for basic smartwatch functions,
especially if you’re comfortable with older technology standards.
Its place in Apple’s wearable history remains significant as one of their first truly independent fitness-focused watches.
In essence,
knowing “How Old Is The Apple Watch Series 2?” gives insight into both its technological heritage
and practical relevance nearly a decade later.