Best Apple Watch for Seniors 2022

Apple Watch on wrist showing Do Not Disturb options
(Image credit: Karen S. Freeman / iMore)

Apple Watches are available in various styles and price points. For seniors, we recommend the impressive Apple Watch Series 6, which offers all the latest health and fitness features, including an always-on altimeter and a blood oxygen monitor (Sp02) at a great price. You can purchase this model with GPS or GPS + Cellular. We've also included other models to help you make a better-informed decision.

Best Overall: Apple Watch Series 6

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Apple Watch Series 6 Blue Aluminum on a wooden table

Apple Watch Series 6 Blue Aluminum (Image credit: Daniel Bader / iMore)

Apple Watch Series 6

The perfect Apple Watch for most people at the best price.

Reasons to buy

+
Heart rate sensor
+
Fall detection
+
ECG monitor
+
Sp02 monitor

Reasons to avoid

-
iPhone SE is cheaper

This Apple Watch version features an always-on altimeter and a blood oxygen monitor (Sp02). It also features an electrocardiogram (ECG) system capable of detecting whether you're experiencing cardiac abnormalities such as atrial fibrillation. There's also a built-in fall detection tool that automatically contacts emergency services if you fall. The Apple Watch Series 6 also includes a relatively loud speaker (which is ideal when receiving calls), a ceramic and sapphire crystal back, and plenty of storage capacity for your favorite photos, podcasts, and music tracks.

If you plan on using your watch without your iPhone, consider the GPS + Cellular option. Otherwise, go with the less expensive GPS model. Regardless, the Apple Watch 6 is the best Apple Watch for seniors this year.

Best Value: Apple Watch SE

How to use Low Power Mode on watchOS 9

Apple Watch SE Strip Watch Face (Image credit: Luke Filipowicz / iMore)

Apple Watch SE

A less expensive Apple Watch that's still a fantastic beast.

Reasons to buy

+
Most features for the price
+
Fast processor
+
Variety of options

Reasons to avoid

-
No Sp02 monitor
-
No ECG monitor

In 2020, Apple revealed two new Apple Watches at the same time. The Apple SE has many of the same features as the Apple Watch Series 6, but for much less. On it, you'll find high and low heart rate notifications and irregular heart rhythm notifications, emergency SOS alert, fall detection, an always-on altimeter, and more.

Best Budget: Apple Watch Series 3

Apple Watch S3 Spearmint Sport Loop with Multicolor Modular face

Apple Watch S3 Spearmint Sport Loop with Multicolor Modular face (Image credit: iMore)

Apple Watch Series 3

It still packs a punch

Reasons to buy

+
Price is right
+
Supports watchOS 6
+
Great for swimming
+
Good battery

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited selection
-
Older design

The Apple Watch Series 3 includes a smaller display area than the more recent model and older internals. However, it's still packed with many of the same features that make it worth considering, especially for students and young people looking for a deal. These include an onboard optical heart sensor, water-resistance up to 50m, a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts up to 18 hours between charges, and a barometric altimeter.

The Series 3 doesn't include the refreshed design first introduced with the now-discontinued Apple Watch 4, and there's no gold finish option. Despite this, you can't deny the awesome price of this still impressive wearable device.

Best Status Symbol: Apple Watch Series 6 Hermès

Apple Watch Hermes

Apple Watch Hermes (Image credit: Apple)

Apple Watch Series 6 Hermès

You've got the money, and now you've got the look to prove it. Let your rich flag fly.

Reasons to buy

+
Beautifully designed bands
+
Exclusive Hermès-designed Apple Watch face

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
Only comes in a cellular model

The Hermès line of Apple Watch is incredibly exclusive and will definitely let the world know that you know luxury. The only way to get the exclusive Hermès-designed watch face is to buy from the series directly (no cheating and buying an after-market Hermès band). Each band is crafted from quality leather and comes in a variety of eye-catching colorways. The casing material is only available in stainless steel, and all Hermès Apple Watches are GPS + Cellular.

If money is no object, and you want people to know that, investing in the Apple Watch Hermès series will show off your status while also giving you all the benefits of the best Apple Watch.

Classy Luxury: Apple Watch Series 6 Titanium Edition

Apple Watch Space Black Titanium

Apple Watch Space Black Titanium (Image credit: iMore)

Apple Watch Series 6 Titanium Edition

It's the first-class version of the Apple Watch.

Reasons to buy

+
Deep rich metal look
+
Stronger than aluminum or stainless steel
+
Serious status symbol

Reasons to avoid

-
Only two color options
-
Only comes in a cellular model

The Titanium Edition Apple Watch is like the well-bred, financially independent cousin of the aluminum series. It's got a familiar brushed metal look, but the colors are a little richer ... a little deeper. It comes in titanium or Space Black. It's the perfect watch for someone wanting to make a very subtle statement. "I can afford a Ferrari, but I choose to drive a BMW because I'm classy like that."

If you're the type of person that doesn't show off your Benjamins but still likes to look well put-together, this is a luxury watch for your understated tastes.

Best Apple Watch for seniors

If you're a senior looking for a new Apple Watch, you'll quickly notice there's a wide selection of versions available. Our favorite model for most folks in this category is the flagship Apple Watch Series 6, which offers the latest bells and whistles, including an always-on display, fall detection, ECG monitor, Sp02 monitor, and other goodies.

The Apple Watch Series 6 features the largest displays to-date and the best internals available in multiple styles and price points. Find the one that's perfect for you, and have fun buying new bands to complement your purchase.

Looking for more? Consider our favorite Apple Watch accessories of the year.

Why are Apple Watches good for the elderly?

Having an Apple Watch can be useful for senior folks, with their blood monitors, heart rate monitors, and exercise tracking. They're easy to set up, and the latest models will even report a fall to the local authorities or your friends and family in the instance that you can't help yourself.

Tammy Rogers
Buying Guides and Deals Writer

As the Buying Guides and Deals writer for iMore, Tammy puts over a decade of experience in finding the best prices of Apple products to work, helping you save money on the equipment that you want. An audiophile at heart, she loves all things audio and visual, but you’ll also find her drooling over the latest Macs and MacBooks. With a Masters in screenwriting, Tammy likes to spend her free time writing feature-length and TV screenplays or driving digital cars around virtual circuits, to varying degrees of success. Just don't ask her about AirPods Max - you probably won't like her answer.