Apple categorizes its products based on how long they’ve been out of production. A device becomes “vintage” five years after Apple stops selling it, meaning repairs are still possible if parts are available. After seven years, it’s deemed “obsolete,” and Apple ceases offering hardware service or replacement parts. The Series 1, discontinued in 2017, has now crossed this seven-year threshold, joining the Series 2 in obsolescence. This means official repairs through Apple Stores or Authorized Service Providers are no longer available, as the company has likely depleted its stock of compatible parts.
The Series 1 and Series 2: A Tale of Two Models
The Apple Watch naming scheme in its early years wasn’t as straightforward as today. When Apple launched the original Apple Watch in 2015, it carried no “Series” designation. In 2016, Apple introduced two new models: Series 1 and Series 2. To clarify its lineup, the company retroactively dubbed the 2015 model “Series 0.” The Series 1 was essentially an updated version of the Series 0, featuring a faster S1P processor but lacking the GPS and enhanced water resistance of the Series 2. Despite being marketed together, both are considered second-generation devices, a distinction that can trip up even dedicated Apple fans.
Why Series 1 Outlasted Series 2
Interestingly, the Series 2 was marked obsolete before the Series 1, despite both being part of the same generation. Apple continued selling the Series 1 as a budget-friendly option alongside the Series 3 until 2018, giving it a longer retail lifespan. This delayed its vintage and obsolete designations by about a year. Reports suggest Apple exhausted its repair parts for the Series 2 first, likely due to higher demand for its components, which included unique features like GPS. Now, with parts for both models depleted, neither is eligible for official repairs.
What This Means for Series 1 Owners
If you’re still using an Apple Watch Series 1, the obsolete status doesn’t render it useless. The device will continue to function for basic tasks like timekeeping, notifications, and fitness tracking, provided it’s paired with a compatible iPhone. However, software support ended years ago, with the Series 1 capped at watchOS 4, limiting access to modern features like advanced health monitoring or new watch faces. For repairs, owners must now turn to third-party service centers, which may have limited or refurbished parts. Finding reliable repair options could become increasingly challenging as time passes.
Navigating the Future of Older Apple Watches
The obsolescence of the Series 1 underscores Apple’s approach to product lifecycles, balancing innovation with planned phase-outs. For users, this is a reminder to weigh the longevity of older devices against newer models like the Series 10 or Ultra 2, which offer extended battery life, brighter displays, and features like ECG and blood oxygen monitoring. If you’re considering an upgrade, refurbished Series 6 or later models might provide a cost-effective way to access modern watchOS updates while retaining core Apple Watch functionality.
