You’re probably looking at a used Apple Watch SE 1 and wondering if it’s a steal or just electronic waste. It’s a fair question. Back in 2020, this thing was the "everyman's" watch. It took the guts of the Series 5, stripped away the fancy sensors, and gave us a Retina display that didn't break the bank. But time moves fast in tech. Real fast.
Most people assume that because it's an "SE" model, it's somehow more "future-proof" than the older numbered series. That's actually a pretty common misconception. Honestly, the hardware inside this watch is pushing six years old.
Is the Apple Watch SE 1 Still Supported?
Here is the cold, hard truth: the Apple Watch SE 1 has officially hit its expiration date for major software updates. As of the release of watchOS 26, Apple has dropped support for the first-generation SE. If you’re holding one right now, you’re likely topped out at watchOS 10 or 11, depending on when you last hit "Update."
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Why does that matter? It's not just about losing out on new emojis or fancy watch faces.
Security is the big one. When a device stops getting OS updates, it eventually stops getting security patches. In 2026, using a device that isn't receiving active patches for vulnerabilities is a bit like leaving your front door unlocked in a crowded city. It might be fine for a while, but the risk is always there. Plus, third-party apps like Strava, Spotify, or your banking app will eventually stop supporting the older OS versions. You'll go to update an app, and the App Store will simply say "Not Compatible."
The Hardware Reality Check
Let's talk about that S5 chip. At launch, it was snappy. Today? It's feeling the weight of modern apps. You’ll notice a "hiccup" when you raise your wrist to see a notification. Apps take a few beats longer to load than they do on the SE 2 or the Series 10.
One thing that still holds up—kinda—is the screen. It’s a 1000-nit Retina LTPO OLED. It’s bright. It’s clear. But remember: there is no Always-On Display here. If you want to sneak a peek at the time during a meeting without doing a dramatic "wrist flick," you’re out of luck. The screen stays black until it detects motion.
Battery Life in the Real World
Apple originally rated this for 18 hours. In 2020, that was a "day." In 2026, most of these watches have batteries that have been through hundreds of charge cycles.
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- New condition: You might still get 14-16 hours.
- Used/Refurbished: You’re looking at 8-10 hours if the battery health is below 85%.
- Workout impact: Fire up the GPS for a run, and you’ll watch the percentage drop like a stone.
If you’re buying one of these used today, check the Battery Health in the settings immediately. If it's at 80% or "Service Recommended," you're going to be tethered to a charger by lunchtime.
What You’re Missing Compared to Newer Models
The Apple Watch SE 1 was built to be a budget device, so it never had the "medical-grade" stuff. You won't find an ECG (Electrocardiogram) app here. There is no Blood Oxygen (SpO2) sensor. There isn't even a temperature sensor for cycle tracking.
What it does have is the second-gen optical heart sensor. It’s great for basic fitness tracking and high/low heart rate notifications. It has Fall Detection too, which is a legitimate lifesaver. It’s basically a high-end notification buzzer and a solid step counter. Nothing more, nothing less.
Should You Buy One Today?
Probably not. Unless you’re getting it for $30 to give to a kid as a "starter" watch, your money is better spent elsewhere. The Apple Watch SE 2 (2022) is vastly superior because it uses the S8 chip—the same one found in the Series 8 and Ultra 1. That chip is much more likely to keep receiving security updates for the next year or two.
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The Apple Watch SE 1 is essentially a ghost in the machine at this point. It’s a beautiful piece of design that’s being outpaced by the software it was meant to run.
Actionable Next Steps
If you currently own one, start looking for trade-in deals now. Apple often stops offering trade-in value entirely once a device is a few years past its last software update.
- Check your Battery Health: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If it’s under 80%, don't bother repairing it; the cost of a battery replacement is often more than the watch is worth.
- Audit your Apps: If you notice apps crashing or failing to sync, it's a sign the processor is struggling with the current software version.
- Look at the SE 2 or SE 3: If you want to stay in the budget lane, the SE 2 is the minimum "safe" buy in 2026. The SE 3 is even better if your budget allows for it, as it brings significantly better battery efficiency.
- Safety First: If you use your watch for Emergency SOS or Fall Detection, be aware that software glitches on unsupported devices can occasionally affect reliability.
Basically, the SE 1 had a great run. It proved that you didn't need to spend $400 to get the "Apple Watch experience." But in 2026, the experience is getting pretty laggy. It’s time to let this one go.