Are you looking for a new Apple Watch, but unsure which one to choose? In this purchasing advice we tell you which Apple Watch you should buy in 2026!
Apple Watch in 2026
Apple released the new Apple Watch Series 11, the Apple Watch SE 3 and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 in September 2025. But which Apple Watch should you get in 2026? And which version suits you best? We list the best options for you!
| Model | Type | Price | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 11 | Best choice | 42 mm from € 379,- | 46mm from €399 |
| Apple Watch Ultra 3 | Best choice for athletes | New from €809 | Refurbished from Not available |
| Apple Watch Series 10 | Cheaper choice | 42mm from €352.95 | 46 mm from € 327,- |
| Apple Watch SE3 | Cheapest choice | 40 mm from € 244,- | 44 mm from € 277,- |
Overview
1. Apple Watch Series 11
The Apple Watch Series 11 is running on the S11 chip. This is more powerful and faster than the current S10 chip. In addition, the Apple Watch Series 11 has a new 5G modem, which is produced by Apple itself. It is the first time that the Apple Watch has 5G support.
With the Apple Watch Series 11 we see the same design as with the Apple Watch Series 10. This means that the smartwatch again has a thin casing, with the largest screen yet on the Apple Watch. In addition, the screen is now 2x more scratch-resistant than that of its predecessor. The Apple Watch Series 11 provides notifications for the first time in case of long-term high blood pressure by monitoring for 30 days how your blood vessels respond to the beating of your heart.
Apple Watch Series 11 deals
Compare all Apple Watch Series 11 prices
2. Apple Watch Ultra 3
Don’t want to miss a function of the Apple Watch? Then you have to get the Apple Watch Ultra 3 in 2026. The device has advanced functions such as mountain climbing and deep-sea diving, but the Apple Watch Series 11 does not have these features. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is therefore mainly intended for avid athletes and the outdoors. This is also reflected in the enormous battery life and the casing, because the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is made of titanium and sapphire glass.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is not a revolution, but a further development with a number of interesting improvements. However, those who already have an Ultra 2 do not have to immediately run to the store, because the upgrades are really too small for that. Owners of an Ultra 1 can now consider switching. That’s because the first generation of the Ultra is now missing quite a few features compared to the newer versions.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 deals
Compare all Apple Watch Ultra 3 prices
3. Apple Watch Series 10
The Apple Watch Series 10 is Apple’s latest smartwatch. The device has a new design, which is much thinner than we saw on previous models. That’s not the only change Apple has made, because the Apple Watch Series 10 has the largest screen of all Watches. It is striking that the Apple Watch Series 10 even has a larger display than the Apple Watch Ultra (2). With the tenth generation you can choose a screen of 42 or 46 millimeters.
The Apple Watch Series 10 has not only adopted the larger screen from the Apple Watch Ultra (2), the depth sensor and improved water resistance are also new features of the Series 10. Under the hood we find the S10 chip on the Apple Watch Series 10. Are you unsure which Apple Watch you should get in 2026? Then the Apple Watch Series 10 is an excellent choice at the moment. These are the lowest prices:
Apple Watch Series 10 deals
Compare all Apple Watch Series 10 prices
4. Apple Watch SE 3
Are you planning to get a new smartwatch in 2026? Then the Apple Watch SE 3 is a very good and affordable option. The latest generation of the Apple Watch SE has received a major update both under and above the hood. The device runs on the fast S10 chip. This means that the smartwatch will continue to support watchOS updates for years to come.
In addition, the Apple Watch SE 3 has a new casing with an improved screen. With the Apple Watch SE you can choose 40 or 44 millimeters, with which the smartwatch takes over the dimensions of the Apple Watch Series 5. This also applies to the screen, because the cheaper Apple Watch has an always-on screen for the first time.
Are you still unsure between the Apple Watch SE 2022 and the Apple Watch SE 2025? The new generation of the Apple Watch has many new features (always-on screen, fast S10 chip, more storage space, fast charging, a sensor for measuring your body temperature and sleep apnea detection). These are all advantages that you should miss with the Apple Watch SE 2022. Especially if you don’t want to spend too much money on the smartwatch, the Apple Watch SE 3 is the best choice.
Apple Watch SE 3 deals
Compare all Apple Watch SE 3 prices
5. Refurbished Apple Watch
Do you still want the latest Apple Watch in 2026, but do you think the prices are too high? In that case, a refurbished Apple Watch is interesting. Refurbished means that used Apple Watches are fitted with new parts so that the device functions like new again. The big advantage of this is that you get the manufacturer’s warranty with the smartwatch, just like with a new Apple Watch.
Refurbished Apple Watches are often cheaper than new versions, but this is not always the case. This has to do with the design of the refurbished Apple Watch, so the device may have a larger display or more storage space. You then have to decide for yourself whether a completely new Apple Watch is more important to you, or whether you should opt for the more advanced refurbished version. You can get these refurbished Apple Watches in 2026:
| Model | Refurbished | New |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 11 | Not available | € 244,- |
| Apple Watch Series 10 | Not available | €327,- |
| Apple Watch Series 9 | € 252,- | €284.27 |
| Apple Watch Series 8 | €216 | €339.95 |
| Apple Watch Series 7 | €140 | €829 |
| Apple Watch SE3 | Not available | € 244,- |
| Apple Watch SE 2022 | €178,- | €207,- |
| Apple Watch Ultra 3 | Not available | €809 |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | €552 | €507.95 |
| Apple Watch Ultra | Not available | Not available |
Conclusion
Are you planning to get a new Apple Watch in 2026? Then the Apple Watch Series 11 is the best choice. The device is equipped with the latest processor, has a new design and has the largest screen of all Apple Watches. Do you exercise a lot? In that case, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is an interesting option. With functions such as mountain climbing and deep-sea diving, the smartwatch is intended for avid athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
Do you think the Apple Watch Series 11 or the Apple Watch Ultra 3 are too expensive? You now pay a lot less for the Apple Watch Series 10, while the smartwatch does support all new functions. That still makes the Apple Watch Series 10 a good choice. The Apple Watch SE 3 has the most important features, but is less complete than the regular Apple Watch. This is reflected in the lower price, the Apple Watch SE 3 is Apple’s cheapest smartwatch in 2026.
It is therefore your personal preference how much you want to spend on a new smartwatch and which functions you find important. Do you want the best of the best, but don’t want to pay the top price? Then keep a close eye on the refurbished Apple Watches from 2026!
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
Didn’t find what you were looking for in this purchasing advice. No problem! On the Apple Watches overview page we have listed all watches with the lowest price and the differences in specifications. Be sure to take a look here if you are not yet sure which Apple Watch you ultimately want to purchase. Also view our comparisons, so that you know even better which Apple Watch suits your needs!
- Apple Watch Series 11 vs Apple Watch SE 3: which one is right for you?
- Apple Watch Series 11 vs Apple Watch Ultra 3: these are the differences
- Apple Watch Series 8 vs Apple Watch Series 11: Is it time to switch?
- Apple Watch Series 11 vs Apple Watch Series 10: these are the improvements
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 vs Apple Watch Series 10: Which is Better?
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: these are the real improvements
