Apple Watch SE 2022 vs SE 2021 - differences?

[cman-uk]

Hi all,

I have a chance to pick up at Apple Watch SE model, new, unused, etc.

The box shows MYDN2B/A which according to the link below, is a 2020 model:

Apple Watch SE (GPS, 40 mm) Specs (Watch SE 40 mm, MYDN2LL/A**, Watch5,9, A2351*, 3485*): EveryMac.com

Specs and features for the Apple Watch SE (GPS, 40 mm). Dates sold, storage info, battery details, price and more.

everymac.com

When I look on retail sites, they list '[2021]' models as available to buy new.

However, I am struggling to see the differences between 2020 models and the currently available 2021 models.
Can anyone help please?

 

[bricktop_at]

There’s no difference, in terms of functionality. I believe the „new“ variant is bundled with the newer band colors

 

[cman-uk]

There’s no difference, in terms of functionality. I believe the „new“ variant is bundled with the newer band colors

Thank you! That was my suspicion but there was no clear cut statement confirming it.

Ironically, the preferred band colour (of my wife, for whom this is for) is from the 2020 range as opposed to the 2021 range.

 

[cman-uk]

A follow on question, if the watch really has sat unused/never turned on for a year, what would I expect to see on this page when entering the serial number on the box?

Check Your Service and Support Coverage - Apple Support

Check your Apple warranty status. Enter a serial number to review your eligibility for support and extended coverage.

checkcoverage.apple.com

 

[NoBoMac]

Odds are that the watch has not been sitting on a shelf, especially if bought from Apple.

With Apple and vendors using just-in-time manufacturing, they are not buying more inventory than they need: it affects a company's bottom line to have excess inventory sitting in a warehouse. MIGHT get an old device from a shady retailer, but should not be a worry with a reputable seller.

So an SE will most likely been manufactured a few weeks to a month earlier from purchase date.

Back to the question re: coverage link. Won't show anything regarding when manufactured, will only show that there is coverage and expiration date. Basically, you turn it on and then the clock starts ticking for coverage.

 

[cman-uk]

Thank you, for clarity, I'd be buying from someone who bought new. They have shown me the invoice from June 2020 and state it's not been turned on.

Back to the question re: coverage link. Won't show anything regarding when manufactured, will only show that there is coverage and expiration date. Basically, you turn it on and then the clock starts ticking for coverage.

What will the expiration date show given it's never been turned on (supposedly)?
Because it's been 1 year and 1 week since it was purchased from the the retail shop.

 

[NoBoMac]

Good question! And I have no idea.

Bigger issue: wonder how healthy the battery is? If it's been sitting there for two years without being charged, could be a dead battery. And if AppleCare has expired, now it's a $79 repair.

 

[cman-uk]

Good question! And I have no idea.

Bigger issue: wonder how healthy the battery is? If it's been sitting there for two years without being charged, could be a dead battery. And if AppleCare has expired, now it's a $79 repair.

Yikes, great catch. Something I hadn't considered. More thinking to be done!

 

[NoBoMac]

At this point, if it were me, I'd assume that the warranty has expired. Not sure how its works, but guessing that as soon as the watch was scanned in the store at time of purchase, that information was sent back to Apple and the clock started ticking then.

SEs have had some really good sales (in the US: Amazon, Walmart) of late, so might keep an eye out for a factory fresh one.

If buying the watch in-person from the person, can always enter the s/n into the website on your phone to see what it says before handing over the cash. Or, they might be willing to take a snapshot of the label with the s/n and you can check warranty status that way (or: is the s/n on the invoice they provided to you?).

Nefarious angle: what if the watch was stolen? Means most likely the watch is blacklisted and is a paperweight at this point.

So, no warranty + probably dead battery = additional $79 repair cost to add to the price. Unless getting a super great deal, I'd pass.

 

[cman-uk]

Thanks, for your continued views and input!

At this point, if it were me, I'd assume that the warranty has expired. Not sure how its works, but guessing that as soon as the watch was scanned in the store at time of purchase, that information was sent back to Apple and the clock started ticking then.
\

I'm pretty sure this won't be the case. I've bought iPhones as a gift before and recipient not turned them on for a week or so after purchase (direct from Apple). The countdown only started once it was turned on. However, in the case of an Apple Watch, I was just unsure a to what the page would show....

If buying the watch in-person from the person, can always enter the s/n into the website on your phone to see what it says before handing over the cash.

Yep, this was 100% my intention, hence the question of what should I expect to see!