To those choosing between AW and AWU - I recommend having both, rotating

[Adelphos33]

I am seeing a lot of people debating whether to switch between the Apple Watch Ultra and new Series 10, etc... I know this seems like the conclusion Apple wants us to come to, but the answer is really keep your current watch and just buy the new watch you want outright. I have done that since the Ultra, and I am pretty happy with my setup. Here is why:

1) AWU and the regular Series watches look pretty different, and can go with different outfits. For example, you may be more comfortable wearing a Series 10 on a Milanese band with a suit or sports coat, and an AWU with more actual clothing. So it can make sense to have both. Remember many people own several regular watches, so owning two smartwatches isn't a big leap at all.

2) AWU battery life is excellent, and it makes sense to have it as an option. For example, I like it a lot when traveling, as you have to charge it less. I think giving up th is option will be tough for many former AW owners.

3) You can alternate colors as well - say a dark Series 10 and a light AWU, or vice versa. Again, increases the versaitlity

4) You go much easier on your batteries if you alternate. My AWU is still at 100% battery capacity about a year and a half into wearing the watch. My Series watches I have owned have never really gone below 96% or so battery capacity. By owning multiple watches, alternating (including days wearing a regular watch and not wearing an AW at all), Apple Watches can last for years with little or no degredation of battery life.

5) AW trade in values, and second hand market values, are terrible anyway. SO trading in a watch, you may get $100-$150 off your next watch, which may be not much. Why not just keep that watch and wear it periodically over the next few years?

6) If you just want the latest technology - a good option is to just buy the aluminum Series 10 AWU on sale from Walmart, Amazon, etc. You then get into the newest technology at a discount.

 

[bigjnyc]

Nice try Tim!

Next you're going to tell us we need an ipad Pro and an ipad Air in order to be productive.

 

[ukms]

Obviously affordability comes into play here. But this what I do and is also my plan going forward. I currently have a Graphite S9 and Ultra 2. I’ve ordered a S10 and will still have the ultra 2. I often hand down my watches in the family but my son may not want the S9 this time so that might become my sleep tracker as the trade in is so bad on the SS models.

 

[Adelphos33]

Obviously affordability comes into play here. But this what I do and is also my plan going forward. I currently have a Graphite S9 and Ultra 2. I’ve ordered a S10 and will still have the ultra 2. I often hand down my watches in the family but my son may not want the S9 this time so that might become my sleep tracker as the trade in is so bad on the SS models.

Affordability does come into play - but the point is many of these people already own one Apple Watch and are saying they are thinking about swapping, trading in, etc. Thing is - once you buy an Apple Watch - the item seems to depreciate 60% to 75% immediately - especially if you are buying the higher priced models. Money is tight for everyone, but the question is whether retaining the versatility of having the extra watch worth $100 to $150 - I would argue yes.

I have a SS Series 9 watch that I guess I will keep for the next four years or so given they discontinued stainless steel. I may wear it once a week at most. I am guessing it will be at 90%+ battery life by 2028 or 2029...

 

[azhava]

Affordability does come into play - but the point is many of these people already own one Apple Watch and are saying they are thinking about swapping, trading in, etc. Thing is - once you buy an Apple Watch - the item seems to depreciate 60% to 75% immediately - especially if you are buying the higher priced models. Money is tight for everyone, but the question is whether retaining the versatility of having the extra watch worth $100 to $150 - I would argue yes.

I have a SS Series 9 watch that I guess I will keep for the next four years or so given they discontinued stainless steel. I may wear it once a week at most. I am guessing it will be at 90%+ battery life by 2028 or 2029...

This was the thought process that led to me wanting to keep my S8 as a backup/second watch rather than trading it in on my AWU2 upgrade. Trade-in value for my S8 is $135 - I couldn't buy a second AW anywhere for that price, and mine is in immaculate condition. My battery health is at 84%, but it still gets me through an entire day even with workouts using a lot of GPS.

Trading it in for $135 is almost giving it away, and the money fortunately isn't an issue. It has plenty of life left, I'd rather hold on to it and have the security of having a backup watch and/or an option when I don't feel like wearing the Ultra 2.

 

[Cirillo Gherardo]

The watch does have a lot more utility as a backup/spare/sleep watch than it has actual value. Pointless to sell or trade in older watches toward new ones.

 

[ddsdude]

I'm a little confused why people are confused . When I moved to an AWU 2 years ago, it was less for the functionality and more for the esthetic. I was tired of the same design AW after going through 2,3,4,5,6,7 (always found someone to sell my previous watch to). I liked the bulk, the weight, the sharp corners, the BATTERY LIFE of the AWU. I also like it because I see relatively few of them in the wild and it looks more unique and special.
Yes, the AW10 has a slightly larger screen and a new S10 SIP but it is essentially the same looking watch as all the previous ones. The fact that it is slightly lighter isn't exactly a selling point as to me, lighter implies cheaper feeling.
The AWU2 still has the brighter screen, dual speakers, better mics, action button, bigger battery, dual band GPS, likely better durability and a more unique look and feel. It will also be getting the sleep apnea function (which surprisingly is just a software addon). The only advantage to the AW10 is the newer SIP but the fact that Apple spent no time discussing the S10 leads me to believe that it has a very small performance boost relative to the S9. In all my years of owning an AW, I've never felt the need for more performance anyway.
The notion of having both an AWU and a regular AW is an interesting one but unless you can really make good use of both, it would just be another device to maintain. I have plenty of devices as is so that would not interest me. I will be keeping my AWU2 and I would like to thank Apple for allowing me to keep the money in my wallet this year (for the watch, anyway). Still getting the 16PM.