The Apple Watch Series 1 has long fulfilled its role in the Apple ecosystem. It was affordable, simple, and for many, the first entry point into the world of smartwatches. Now, Apple has officially confirmed that the model is considered obsolete. This also marks the end of the final phase of its life cycle.
Apple regularly maintains a list of devices classified as "vintage" or "obsolete." This list has now been updated. The Apple Watch Series 1, introduced in 2016, has finally ended support after seven years. This means that Apple no longer offers repairs or replacement parts—neither in the Apple Store nor through authorized service partners.
What does the obsolete status mean?
Apple distinguishes between two categories for older devices: "vintage" and "obsolete." Devices that haven't been sold for five years are considered "vintage." During this time, repairs are theoretically still possible—but only if spare parts are still available. Once a device hasn't been sold for more than seven years, it is given the status "obsolete." The Apple Watch Series 1 now falls precisely into this category. Repairs are therefore excluded. Apple Authorized Service Providers can no longer order spare parts, even if the device still works. Official technical support is no longer available.
What was the Apple Watch Series 1?
The Apple Watch Series 1 launched in 2016 and was a slightly revised model of the very first Apple Watch. Unlike the Series 2, it lacked GPS and was not waterproof. The biggest difference from the original Apple Watch was the built-in S1P chip, a dual-core processor that provided better performance. Apple positioned the Series 1 as a more affordable entry-level device. It was sold alongside the Series 2 and remained a budget-friendly option for users who valued basic features like notifications, fitness tracking, or simple apps for some time. It ran on watchOS software, but due to its technical limitations, it was soon limited in terms of updates and new features.
What does this mean in practice?
Even if the Apple Watch Series 1 continues to work, there are no longer any official repair options. A battery or display replacement through Apple is out of the question. Spare parts are no longer available, and third-party suppliers will also find it increasingly difficult to source suitable components. Software updates haven't been available for some time anyway. New features, security updates, or app compatibility are therefore no longer an issue. It may still be usable for basic tasks, but in everyday use, the device quickly reaches its technical limits.
Apple Watch Series 1 at the end of its life cycle
After seven years, the Apple Watch Series 1 is officially obsolete. The model had its place in the Apple universe, primarily as an affordable entry-level watch. Now, support is finally ending. Anyone who wants to continue to rely on a reliable and functional smartwatch experience will have no choice but to upgrade to a more current model. (Image: Shutterstock / charnsitr)
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