Apple releases new watches almost every year, usually in September
Apple typically announces new Apple Watch models in September, alongside new iPhones. The company has followed this pattern since 2014, though the exact date shifts by a week or two each year depending on when Apple schedules its fall event. If you're looking for a new watch, knowing this timing helps you decide whether to buy now or wait.
The most recent major watch release was the Series 9 in September 2023. Before that came Series 8 in September 2022. Apple occasionally skips a number — there was no Series 7 in 2021, for example — but the September window has held steady for nearly a decade.
New models usually stay in production for about a year. Older models drop in price once a new one launches, so if you're not set on the latest version, waiting for an announcement can save you money on the previous generation.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Watch announcements happen almost always in September, typically during the same event where new iPhones are revealed.
- Each new Series model usually stays available for roughly one year before being replaced, then older models are discounted or discontinued.
- You can find the official announcement date by checking Apple's press release page or watching for invitations Apple sends to media outlets in late August.
- Rumors about upcoming watches circulate months in advance, but the only confirmed details come directly from Apple or appear in official regulatory filings.
How to find out when Apple will announce the next watch
Apple sends press invitations to journalists and tech outlets in late August, usually about two weeks before the event. These invitations are posted publicly on Apple's newsroom website within hours of being sent. You can visit apple.com/newsroom and look for the announcement — it will say the date, time, and location (usually an Apple campus or theater).
You don't need to attend the event to see what's announced. Apple streams the entire keynote live on apple.com and YouTube. The stream typically starts at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. If you miss it, the full video stays available afterward, and Apple publishes detailed specifications and press releases the same day.
If you want to know before the official announcement, tech news sites like MacRumors, 9to5Mac, and The Verge publish rumors based on supply chain leaks and regulatory filings. These rumors are often accurate about hardware features, but they're not confirmed until Apple speaks. Regulatory filings — documents submitted to agencies like the FCC — sometimes reveal new models weeks before the announcement, but they use model numbers rather than consumer names.
What usually changes between watch generations
Each new Series typically gets a faster processor, longer battery life, and new health sensors. The Series 9 added a temperature sensor for cycle tracking. The Series 8 added crash detection. These aren't massive overhauls — the watch you buy today will work almost identically to the one released next year — but they're the features Apple uses to justify a new model.
The design usually stays the same for two or three years. The Series 7, 8, and 9 all look nearly identical from the outside. When Apple does redesign the case, it's a bigger deal — the Series 6 to Series 7 jump included a larger screen and flatter edges. You can expect a noticeable design change roughly every three years, though this isn't a hard rule.
Prices rarely change. A new Series watch costs the same as the previous generation did at launch — currently around $399 for the standard model. What changes is what you get for that price: better performance, new sensors, longer battery life.
Should you buy now or wait for the next model
If a new model is announced in the next month or two, waiting usually makes sense. You'll either get the new watch at the same price, or the old model will drop $50 to $100 in price. The only reason to buy now is if you need a watch today and can't wait.
If the last announcement was more than six months ago, a new model is likely coming within the next few months. Check Apple's newsroom to see when the last event happened. If it was September 2023 or earlier, September 2024 is probably when the next one arrives.
Older models are still good watches. A Series 8 from 2022 works nearly as well as a Series 9 from 2023. The main trade-off is that older models get software updates for fewer years — Apple typically supports watches for about five to six years after release. If you buy a model that's already a year old, you're getting four to five years of updates instead of five to six.
Where to check for official announcements
Apple's newsroom at apple.com/newsroom is the official source. You can search for "Apple Watch" and see every press release Apple has ever published about the product. This is more reliable than news sites, which sometimes misreport details or publish rumors as fact.
Apple's social media accounts — @Apple on X (formerly Twitter), Apple's Instagram, and Apple's YouTube channel — also post announcements the moment they happen. If you follow one of these, you'll see the news as soon as it's public.
You can also sign up for Apple's email notifications through apple.com. Go to the bottom of any Apple product page and look for "Notify Me" or a similar option. Apple will email you when a new model is announced, though the email arrives after the public announcement.
Rumors vs. confirmed information
Rumors about new Apple Watches start circulating six to nine months before the actual announcement. Supply chain analysts, component manufacturers, and people who work in factories sometimes leak details to tech journalists. These leaks are often accurate about what's coming, but they're not official.
The most reliable rumors come from people who have seen actual parts or internal documents. Less reliable rumors come from "sources familiar with Apple's plans" — a phrase that could mean almost anything. The safest approach is to treat all rumors as "might happen" rather than "will happen" until Apple confirms them.
Regulatory filings are somewhere in between. When Apple submits a new device to the FCC for testing, the filing becomes public and includes technical specifications. These filings prove a device exists and is coming to market, but they use model numbers like "A2968" instead of "Series 10," so you need to cross-reference them with rumors to know what you're looking at.
What to do if you want the newest watch as soon as it launches
Pre-orders for new Apple Watches usually open the Friday after the announcement. You can order from apple.com, the Apple Store app, or in person at an Apple Store. Delivery typically starts the following Friday, though popular models and colors sometimes ship later.
If you want to may provide you get one on launch day, order during the first few hours of pre-orders. Popular configurations sell out within hours. Less common colors and sizes stay available longer.
You don't need to pre-order to get a new watch. Apple keeps them in stock at retail locations and on its website for months after launch. The only advantage to pre-ordering is getting it on day one. If you're flexible on timing, you can wait a few weeks and order whenever you're ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next Apple Watch coming out?
Apple typically announces new watches in September. The exact date changes year to year, but it's usually the second or third week of September. Check apple.com/newsroom in late August for the official announcement date and time.
Is it worth waiting for a new Apple Watch model?
If a new model is coming within the next two months, waiting usually makes sense — you'll either get the new watch or the old one will drop in price. If the last announcement was more than six months ago, a new model is probably coming soon enough to be worth the wait.
Do older Apple Watch models still work after a new one comes out?
Yes. Older models continue to receive software updates for five to six years after release. A Series 8 watch from 2022 works just as well today as it did when it launched. The main difference is you get fewer years of future updates.
Where can I find rumors about upcoming Apple Watches?
Tech news sites like MacRumors, 9to5Mac, and The Verge publish rumors based on supply chain leaks. These are often accurate about features, but they're not confirmed until Apple announces. Regulatory filings at the FCC sometimes reveal new models weeks early, though they use model numbers instead of product names.
Can I pre-order an Apple Watch before it's officially announced?
No. Pre-orders open the Friday after Apple's announcement, and delivery starts the following Friday. You can't order a watch until Apple has publicly confirmed it exists and revealed the price and specifications.