The Apple Watch Series 2 brings new features to your wrist. This smartwatch improves on its predecessor with a brighter display and built-in GPS. It’s now water-resistant to 164 feet, making it suitable for swimming and other water activities.
The Series 2 focuses on fitness tracking. Its GPS allows you to map runs and bike rides without your phone. The watch also includes a heart rate sensor and activity tracking. New workouts for swimmers are added to the mix.
You’ll find the Series 2 in aluminum, stainless steel, and ceramic cases. It comes in two sizes and various band options. The Nike+ model offers unique watch faces and a perforated sports band for runners.
| Feature | Series 2 | Series 1 |
|---|---|---|
| GPS | Yes | No |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters | Splash-resistant |
| Display | 2x brighter | Standard |
| Processor | Dual-core | Single-core |
Apple Watch Series 2: A Splash Forward
The Apple Watch Series 2 made a splash when it debuted in 2016, building upon the foundation of the original with some key upgrades and new features. Here’s a look at what made it stand out:
Built for Performance
- Faster Processor: The Series 2 boasted a new dual-core processor, making it significantly faster and more responsive than its predecessor. Apps launched quicker, and the overall user experience felt snappier.
- Brighter Display: A brighter display made it easier to see the watch face in sunlight, a common complaint about the original Apple Watch.
Fitness Focused
- Built-in GPS: This was a game-changer for fitness enthusiasts. The Series 2 could track your outdoor workouts, like running and cycling, without needing to carry your iPhone.
- Water Resistance: With a water resistance rating of 50 meters, the Series 2 was swim-proof, opening up new possibilities for tracking water workouts.
Other Improvements
- watchOS 3: The Series 2 launched with watchOS 3, which brought a faster interface, new watch faces, and improved app performance.
- New Materials: Apple introduced new case materials, including ceramic and a Nike+ edition with a sporty design.
Table of Key Improvements
| Feature | Series 2 | Original Apple Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Dual-core | Single-core |
| Display | Brighter | Less bright |
| GPS | Built-in | Reliant on iPhone |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters | Splash resistant |
Beyond the Series 2
While the Series 2 was a significant upgrade, Apple has continued to innovate with its smartwatch lineup. Here are some highlights from later models:
- Apple Watch Series 3: Introduced cellular connectivity, allowing you to make calls and stream music without your iPhone.
- Apple Watch Series 4: Featured a larger display, ECG capabilities, and fall detection.
- Apple Watch Series 5: Added an always-on display and a built-in compass.
- Apple Watch Series 6: Introduced blood oxygen monitoring and faster charging.
- Apple Watch SE: A more affordable option with many of the core features of the flagship models.
- Apple Watch Series 7: Features a larger, more crack-resistant display and faster charging.
- Apple Watch Series 8: Adds temperature sensing for ovulation tracking and improved sleep insights.
- Apple Watch Ultra: A rugged, high-end model designed for extreme activities with a larger battery and brighter display.
Design and Build Quality
The Apple Watch Series 2 offers a sleek design with durable materials. It comes in two sizes and several finishes to suit different preferences and lifestyles.
Material and Durability
The Series 2 features three main case materials: lightweight aluminum, stainless steel, and ceramic. Aluminum models are the most affordable and lightest. Stainless steel provides a premium look with added scratch resistance. Ceramic, exclusive to the Apple Watch Edition, offers the ultimate in durability and luxury.
All models boast improved water resistance. You can swim with the Series 2 up to 50 meters deep. This makes it suitable for pool and ocean swimming.
The display uses Ion-X glass on aluminum models. Stainless steel and ceramic versions feature sapphire crystal for better scratch protection.
Aesthetic Variations
You can choose between 38mm and 42mm case sizes. The 38mm fits smaller wrists, while the 42mm offers a larger screen.
Apple offers various band options to personalize your watch:
| Band Type | Material | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Sport Band | Fluoroelastomer | Workouts, casual wear |
| Leather Band | Genuine leather | Dressy occasions |
| Milanese Loop | Stainless steel mesh | Versatile, adjustable fit |
The Series 2 maintains the original’s square face design. This allows for a larger display area compared to round watches.
Technology and Performance
The Apple Watch Series 2 brings significant upgrades in both hardware and software. These improvements enhance its functionality and user experience.
Hardware Improvements
The Series 2 features a built-in GPS and a dual-core processor. This allows for more accurate fitness tracking and faster app performance.
The display is now 2x brighter than its predecessor. This improves visibility in bright sunlight.
Water resistance has been upgraded to 50 meters. You can now swim with your watch without worry.
The watch includes an improved accelerometer for more precise motion tracking. This benefits fitness apps and gesture recognition.
| Feature | Improvement |
|---|---|
| GPS | Built-in |
| Processor | Dual-core |
| Display | 2x brighter |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters |
Software Capabilities
WatchOS 3 powers the Series 2. It brings faster app launches and improved navigation.
The Activity app now includes swimming workouts. It tracks your laps and stroke type automatically.
A new Breathe app helps you manage stress through guided deep breathing exercises. You can set reminders to take breathing breaks throughout your day.
The Workout app has been enhanced with more accurate calorie tracking. It uses the built-in GPS to map your outdoor runs and bike rides.
Force Touch remains a key interface element. It allows you to access additional options by pressing firmly on the screen.
Health and Fitness Tracking
The Apple Watch Series 2 enhances health monitoring and workout tracking. It introduces new features for swimmers and runners while improving existing activity tracking capabilities.
Activity and Workout
The Series 2 expands on the original Apple Watch’s fitness features. It adds built-in GPS for more accurate distance tracking during outdoor workouts. This allows you to leave your iPhone behind on runs or bike rides.
The watch is now water-resistant to 50 meters. This makes it suitable for swimming. The Workout app includes new options for pool and open water swims. It tracks your laps, distance, and calories burned.
The Activity app continues to track your daily movement. It records standing hours, exercise minutes, and active calories. The app encourages you to close your activity rings each day.
| Feature | Improvement |
|---|---|
| GPS | Built-in |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters |
| Swim Tracking | Pool and open water |
Wellness Applications
The Series 2 introduces the Breathe app. This guides you through deep breathing exercises to reduce stress. You can set reminders to take breathing breaks throughout the day.
Heart rate monitoring is more accurate on the Series 2. The watch tracks your pulse continuously during workouts. It also checks your resting heart rate throughout the day. This data syncs with the Health app on your iPhone.
The Series 2 improves sleep tracking capabilities. Third-party apps can now access the watch’s sensors to monitor your sleep patterns. This helps you analyze your sleep quality and duration.
Use Cases and Ecosystem
The Apple Watch Series 2 offers a range of features that integrate seamlessly with the iPhone and other Apple devices. It caters to various lifestyles and enhances accessibility for users with different needs.
Compatibility and Integration
The Series 2 works with iPhone 5 or later models running iOS 10 or newer. This wide compatibility ensures you can use the watch with many iPhones. The watch syncs notifications from your phone, allowing you to stay connected without constantly checking your device.
You can control music playback on your iPhone through the watch. This feature is handy during workouts or when your phone is out of reach. The Series 2 also integrates with Apple Pay, enabling contactless payments from your wrist.
For fitness enthusiasts, the watch pairs with popular apps like Nike+ Run Club. It tracks your runs and provides coaching tips to improve your performance.
Lifestyle and Accessibility
The Series 2 caters to various lifestyles with its water resistance up to 50 meters. You can wear it while swimming or surfing without worry. The built-in GPS allows you to track outdoor activities like hiking or cycling without carrying your phone.
For daily use, the watch offers features like a customizable watch face and Theater Mode. Theater Mode keeps the screen dark and silences notifications, perfect for movies or meetings.
The watch enhances accessibility with features like VoiceOver and zoom. These help users with visual impairments navigate the interface more easily. The Taptic Engine provides haptic feedback, useful for those with hearing difficulties.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Water Resistance | Swim tracking, use in water sports |
| Built-in GPS | Phone-free outdoor activity tracking |
| Apple Pay | Convenient contactless payments |
| Accessibility Features | Improved usability for diverse needs |
The Series 2 fits into various aspects of your daily life, from fitness to communication and accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Apple Watch Series 2 introduced several key features and improvements. Here are answers to common questions about this smartwatch model.
What is the price range for the Apple Watch Series 2?
The Apple Watch Series 2 started at $369 for the 38mm aluminum case model. The 42mm version cost $399.
Stainless steel models were priced higher, beginning at $549.
When was the Apple Watch Series 2 officially released?
Apple launched the Watch Series 2 in 2016. It followed the original Apple Watch, bringing new features to the lineup.
Is the Apple Watch Series 2 still compatible with current iPhone models?
The Series 2 remains compatible with many iPhones. However, it may not support the latest iOS versions.
Check Apple’s compatibility list for your specific iPhone model to ensure it works with the Series 2.
What are the main differences between the Apple Watch Series 2 and Series 3?
The Series 3 brought cellular connectivity options and a faster processor. It also offered more storage capacity than the Series 2.
The Series 2 focused on water resistance and GPS, while the Series 3 expanded on these features.
What is the battery life of an Apple Watch Series 2?
Apple designed the Series 2 to last up to 18 hours on a single charge. This estimate varies based on usage.
Heavy GPS or workout tracking may reduce battery life.
Can the Apple Watch Series 2 run the latest version of watchOS?
The Series 2 no longer supports the newest watchOS versions. It stopped receiving major updates after watchOS 6.
You can still use your Series 2, but it won’t have the latest features or security updates.
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 2 | Current Models |
|---|---|---|
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Cellular | No | Optional |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters | 50 meters |
| Latest watchOS | No | Yes |
| Always-On Display | No | Yes |
