Image: Apple · source
Apple Watch Series 2
Built-in GPS and swim-proof water resistance arrive.
Overview
The second Apple Watch answered the biggest complaints about the original: running without a phone and getting wet. A built-in GPS chip tracked pace and routes on its own, while a sealed case rated to 50 metres allowed pool and open-water swims, with a speaker that could eject water.
The OLED panel became twice as bright at a peak of 1,000 nits, which made it much easier to read outdoors. The S2 dual-core processor and a larger battery kept the usual all-day endurance despite the extra hardware.
Aluminium and stainless steel versions were joined by a white ceramic model that took over from the 18-karat gold Edition. Nike+ and Hermès editions appeared as well, showing how fashion partners would shape the line.
Why it mattered
Made the watch a standalone fitness device with GPS and swimming support, setting up its sports focus.
At a glance
- Announced
- September 7, 2016
- Released
- September 16, 2016
- Discontinued
- September 12, 2017
- Launch price
- $369
- Chip / processor
- Apple S2
- Display
- 1.32" / 1.5"
- Storage
- 8GB
- Status
- Vintage
Highlights
- Built-in GPS
- Water resistant to 50 metres
- 1,000-nit display
- Dual-core S2 chip
- White ceramic case option
Tech specs
Specifications as published at launch. Some values (like battery life) are manufacturer estimates.
Display
- Case sizes
- 38 mm and 42 mm
- Type
- Retina OLED with Force Touch
- Brightness
- 1,000 nits
Chip
- Chip
- Apple S2 dual-core
Memory
- Storage
- 8GB
Health
- Sensors
- Optical heart rate sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light sensor
Battery
- Battery life
- Up to 18 hours
Connectivity
- Cellular
- No
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 802.11b/g (2.4 GHz)
- Bluetooth
- Bluetooth 4.0
- GPS
- Built-in GPS and GLONASS
Design
- Materials
- Aluminium, stainless steel, ceramic
- Water resistance
- 50 metres (swim-proof)
- Dimensions
- 38.6 x 33.3 x 11.4 mm (38 mm); 42.5 x 36.4 x 11.4 mm (42 mm)
Software
- Launch OS
- watchOS 3
- Maximum OS
- watchOS 6
