If you walk into an Apple Store today, nobody is going to mention the Apple Watch Series 1. It’s basically a ghost. But if you're scouring eBay or digging through a junk drawer, this specific piece of hardware is a weird, fascinating milestone in tech history. It wasn’t the "first" watch, even though the name sounds like it. It was actually a mid-cycle correction. Honestly, the naming convention Apple used back then still confuses people to this day.
Most people assume the Series 1 is the original 2015 watch. Wrong. That’s the "Series 0" or the 1st Generation. The Series 1 actually dropped in September 2016 alongside the Series 2. It was the "budget" option of its time, a way for Apple to keep the entry price low while fixing the absolute snail-paced performance of the original model.
The Dual-Core Secret
The real magic of the Series 1 was under the hood. While it looked identical to the original 2015 Sport model, it featured the S1P dual-core processor. This was basically a dialed-back version of the S2 chip found in the Series 2.
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It was fast. Like, shockingly faster than the 1st Gen.
Apps that used to take ten seconds to open suddenly loaded in three. For a device meant for "glances," that speed was the difference between a useful tool and a frustrating toy. But there were major trade-offs. To keep the price at that sweet $269 starting point, Apple stripped away the GPS. You also didn't get the "swim-proof" water resistance or the super-bright 1,000-nit screen found on the Series 2. It was strictly a dry-land, tethered-to-your-phone experience.
Why It’s Not the Series 0
You can tell a Series 1 apart from a Series 0 by looking at the back of the case. The engravings will specifically say "Series 1." If it just says "Apple Watch" and nothing else, you're holding a first-generation model.
The 1st Gen is virtually unusable in 2026. The Series 1, while also extremely limited, actually had a longer software life because of that dual-core chip. It eventually topped out at watchOS 6.3.
The Battery Bloat and "Popping" Screens
If you own one of these now, you might notice the screen literally lifting off the body. It looks like a manufacturing defect, and in a way, it is.
Inside the tiny 38mm or 42mm aluminum casing, the lithium-ion battery has a tendency to swell as it ages. Since the screen is held on by a thin gasket of adhesive, the internal pressure pushes the OLED panel right out. It’s scary. You’ll see the delicate ribbon cables exposed.
Apple actually had an extended repair program for this, but that’s long gone. If your screen is popping now, it’s a fire hazard. Don't try to "superglue" it back down. That just traps the pressure and makes things worse. Honestly, at this point, the repair costs more than the watch is worth.
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Is It Still Useful in 2026?
Let’s be real: the Apple Watch Series 1 is a relic.
You can’t run the latest apps. It doesn't have an Always-On display. The battery, if it’s original, probably lasts about four hours before giving up the ghost. But surprisingly, for the most basic tasks, it sort of works.
- Notifications: It still mirrors your iPhone pings.
- Heart Rate: The sensor is still relatively accurate for resting heart rate.
- Music Control: It still acts as a remote for your Spotify or Apple Music.
But don't expect it to track a marathon. Without GPS, it’s just guessing your distance based on your arm swings unless your iPhone is in your pocket. It’s a fitness tracker for the casual walker, not the athlete.
The Collectors' Value
Interestingly, we're seeing a slight bump in "vintage" interest for these. Since the Series 1 was only sold in aluminum (Silver, Space Gray, Gold, and Rose Gold), it doesn't have the high-end appeal of the stainless steel Series 2.
However, because it was the first "affordable" Apple Watch, many people have sentimental attachments to it. It was the entry point into the ecosystem for millions. On marketplaces like Swappa or eBay, you can find them for $30 to $50, but honestly, unless you're a collector, that's $50 better spent on a used Series 6 or SE.
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Actionable Next Steps
If you have a Series 1 sitting in a drawer, here is what you should actually do:
- Check for Swelling: Look at the side profile. If the screen isn't perfectly flush with the metal, stop charging it immediately.
- Recycle or Sell: If it's in good shape, it makes a decent "first watch" for a kid who doesn't have a phone yet (though setup is a pain). Otherwise, take it to an Apple Store for recycling.
- Upgrade Strategically: If you're looking for a budget replacement, skip the Series 3, 4, and 5. In 2026, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) or the Series 7 are the "sweet spot" for price-to-performance without losing software support.
The Series 1 was a bridge. It proved that the Apple Watch could be fast enough for daily use, even if it took them a second try to get the processor right. It's a piece of tech history that basically paved the way for the Ultra and the Series 11 we see today. Just don't expect it to do much more than tell you the time and buzz when you get a text.