The Complete Apple Watch Buying Guide

The Complete Apple Watch Buying Guide for Australian Consumers: Series 10, SE, and Ultra 2 Compared

Finding the right Apple Watch for your lifestyle and budget

Apple currently offers three distinct Apple Watch models in Australia, each targeting different users and price points. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, health-conscious consumer, or looking for your first smartwatch, there’s an Apple Watch designed for your needs. Here’s everything Australian consumers need to know about the Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation), and Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Quick Price Overview (Australian Pricing)

Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation)

  • Starting from a Recommended Retailing Price (RRP) of A$399 (40mm GPS)
  • Currently available with discounts at major retailers (as low as A$328 during sales)

Apple Watch Series 10

  • Starting from RRP A$649 (42mm GPS Aluminum)
  • Titanium models from A$1,099

Apple Watch Ultra 2

  • RRP A$1,399 (49mm Titanium with built-in cellular)

Prices vary by retailer and current promotions



Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation): The Smart Entry Point

Who It’s For

The Apple Watch SE is perfect for first-time smartwatch users, families looking to equip kids with their first wearable, or anyone wanting core Apple Watch functionality without premium features.

Key Features

Display & Design

  • 40mm or 44mm aluminum case options
  • Retina display (up to 1,000 nits brightness)
  • Available in Midnight, Starlight, and Silver
  • Water-resistant to 50 metres

Health & Fitness

  • Heart rate monitoring with high/low notifications
  • Sleep tracking with sleep stage detection
  • Workout tracking for dozens of activities
  • Fall detection and crash detection
  • Emergency SOS

Smart Features

  • Notifications from your iPhone
  • Apple Pay
  • Siri voice assistant
  • Find My iPhone
  • Up to 18 hours battery life

What You Don’t Get

  • No always-on display (you need to raise your wrist or tap the screen)
  • No ECG (electrocardiogram) functionality
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
  • No temperature sensing
  • No sleep apnea detection (not yet available in Australia anyway)

Best Use Cases

  • Families with children: Kids can use it without needing their own iPhone (cellular required)
  • First-time smartwatch users: All essential features at an accessible price
  • Basic fitness tracking: Perfect for casual exercisers who want activity tracking
  • Budget-conscious buyers: Core Apple Watch experience for hundreds less

Apple Watch Series 10: The Sweet Spot for Most Users

Who It’s For

The Series 10 is ideal for users who want the latest Apple Watch technology, comprehensive health features, and premium design without the rugged outdoor focus of the Ultra.

Key Features

Display & Design

  • 42mm or 46mm options (aluminum or titanium)
  • Largest Apple Watch display ever – 30% more screen area than Series 9
  • Always-on Retina display (up to 2,000 nits, 40% brighter when viewed at angles)
  • Thinnest Apple Watch ever at just 9.7mm
  • Wide-angle OLED display technology
  • Available in Jet Black, Rose Gold, Silver (aluminum) or Natural, Gold, Slate (titanium)

Advanced Health Features

  • ECG app for heart rhythm monitoring
  • Blood oxygen monitoring (hardware present but disabled in new models due to patent disputes)
  • Temperature sensing for sleep and cycle tracking
  • Sleep apnea detection (pending Australian regulatory approval)
  • Comprehensive vitals monitoring through the new Vitals app
  • Fall detection and crash detection
  • International emergency calling

Enhanced Capabilities

  • Fast charging: 0-80% in just 30 minutes
  • Water depth gauge to 6 metres plus water temperature sensor
  • S10 chip with on-device Siri processing
  • Double tap gesture control
  • Up to 18 hours normal use, 36 hours in Low Power Mode

What Makes It Special

  • Fastest charging in the Apple Watch lineup
  • Sleep apnea detection (when approved in Australia)
  • Water activities support with depth and temperature sensors
  • Premium materials available in titanium

Best Use Cases

  • Health enthusiasts: Comprehensive monitoring including ECG and temperature tracking
  • Active individuals: Enhanced water sports capabilities and faster charging
  • Tech adopters: Latest features and fastest performance
  • Professional users: Premium design suitable for business environments

Apple Watch Ultra 2: The Adventure Companion

Who It’s For

Designed for serious athletes, outdoor adventurers, and professionals who need maximum durability and battery life.

Key Features

Rugged Design

  • 49mm titanium case (one size only)
  • Ultra-bright display (up to 3,000 nits) – readable even in direct sunlight
  • 100-meter water resistance with EN rating for recreational diving to 40m
  • Operating temperature range: -20°C to 55°C
  • Built-in cellular (included in base price)

Extended Battery Life

  • Up to 36 hours normal use
  • Up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode
  • Fast charging: 0-80% in about 1 hour

Adventure Features

  • Precision dual-frequency GPS for superior location accuracy
  • Siren for emergency situations (up to 180 decibels)
  • Action Button for quick access to features during activities
  • Depth gauge to 40 metres
  • Water temperature sensor
  • High-speed water sports mode

Specialized Capabilities

  • Diving computer functionality for recreational scuba diving
  • Night mode with red-tinted display
  • Trail running and cycling optimized features
  • Compass waypoints and backtrack functionality

Best Use Cases

  • Serious athletes: Marathon running, cycling, triathlon training
  • Outdoor adventurers: Hiking, mountaineering, diving, water sports
  • Professional use: Emergency responders, outdoor workers
  • Extended battery needs: Multiple-day adventures or heavy usage

Where to Buy in Australia

Apple Stores

Physical Locations: Apple Stores in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Canberra

  • Benefits: Personal setup assistance, try-on experience, Apple Specialist consultations
  • Trade-in: Up to A$480 credit for eligible Apple Watch trade-ins
  • Financing: Apple Card Monthly Installments available

Major Electronics Retailers

JB Hi-Fi

  • Competitive pricing with frequent promotions
  • Wide selection of bands and accessories
  • Click & collect available
  • Price matching policy

Harvey Norman

  • Regular sales and promotions (recently $70 off Series 10 and SE)
  • Extended warranty options
  • Delivery and installation services
  • Price beating guarantee

The Good Guys

  • Member pricing for registered users
  • Extended warranty options
  • Layby available

Officeworks

  • Price matching policy
  • Business accounts available
  • Gift card payments accepted

Online Options

  • Apple.com.au: Official pricing, full customization, fast delivery
  • Amazon Australia: Competitive pricing, Prime delivery
  • eBay Australia: Authorised retailers with potential discounts

Feature Comparison at a Glance

Feature SE (2nd Gen) Series 10 Ultra 2
Recommended Retail Price A$399 A$649 A$1,399
Display Size 40/44mm 42/46mm 49mm
Always-On Display ❌ ✅ ✅
ECG ❌ ✅ ✅
Blood Oxygen ❌ ⚠️* ✅
Temperature Sensing ❌ ✅ ✅
Sleep Apnea Detection ❌ ✅** ✅**
Water Resistance 50m 50m + depth gauge 100m + diving
Battery Life 18 hours 18 hours (36 Low Power) 36 hours (72 Low Power)
Fast Charging Standard Fastest (30 min) Fast (1 hour)
Cellular Option Available Available Standard

*Hardware present but disabled in new models
**Pending Australian regulatory approval

Making Your Choice: Which Apple Watch is Right for You?

Choose the Apple Watch SE if you:

  • Want your first smartwatch experience
  • Need basic fitness and health tracking
  • Are buying for a child or teenager
  • Want core Apple Watch features at the best price
  • Don’t need advanced health monitoring

Choose the Apple Watch Series 10 if you:

  • Want the latest Apple Watch technology
  • Value fast charging and premium design
  • Need comprehensive health monitoring (ECG, temperature)
  • Appreciate having the largest, brightest display
  • Want water activity features without extreme sports focus

Choose the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if you:

  • Are a serious athlete or outdoor enthusiast
  • Need maximum battery life and durability
  • Participate in water sports or diving
  • Require precision GPS for navigation
  • Work in demanding environments

Australian-Specific Considerations

Mobile Network Connectivity

All three models offer mobile network options that work with Australian carriers including Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. Cellular plans typically cost an additional $5-15 per month and allow your watch to function independently of your iPhone.

Health Feature Availability

Australian users should note that some health features arrive later than in other markets due to Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval requirements:

  • Sleep apnea detection: Currently pending TGA approval (available in 150+ countries but not yet in Australia as at July 2025)
  • ECG and heart rhythm notifications: Took 2.5 years to arrive in Australia after US launch

Warranty and Support

  • Australian Consumer Law (ACL): All models come with standard ACL protections
  • AppleCare+: Extended warranty available for A$149-299 depending on model
  • Local support: Australian Apple Support team available 24/7

Climate Considerations

All models are designed to handle Australian conditions:

  • Heat tolerance: Operating range up to 45°C (Ultra 2: up to 55°C)
  • Water resistance: Suitable for swimming in pools, beaches, and water sports
  • UV exposure: Displays remain readable in bright Australian sunlight

Bottom Line

The Apple Watch lineup offers something for every Australian consumer and budget. The SE provides excellent value for first-time users and families, the Series 10 delivers premium features and the latest technology for most users, while the Ultra 2 caters to serious athletes and adventurers who need maximum performance and durability.

Consider your primary use cases, budget, and desired features when making your choice. All three models integrate seamlessly with your iPhone and offer the core Apple Watch experience that has made these devices popular among Australian consumers.

Remember to shop around at different retailers for the best deals, especially during sale periods when savings of $50-100 are common across all models.