Original Apple Watch is Now Obsolete, Including $17,000 Gold Model (2024)

FAQs

Original Apple Watch is Now Obsolete, Including $17,000 Gold Model? ›

The list of obsolete models includes the first-generation Apple Watch Edition

The first-generation Apple Watch released in 2015 is now classed as obsolete by Apple. Apple regularly updates a page that lists which of its old products are designated vintage (products that haven't been sold for between five and seven years) or obsolete.

The 1st Gen Apple Watch is still a great piece of tech, but if it hasn't been cared for over the years, then you're not going to be happy with it. So make sure you're buying one that's been properly cared for by professionals in the refurbished industry.

The gold edition—which was discontinued after a year—has been headed toward obsolescence for some time. In 2018, Apple said the watch would no longer work with its current software. From the start, there were questions about how Apple would handle repairs and upgrades.

It was never clear who the $10,000 to $17,000 18-karat gold Apple Watch was for, beyond celebrities and the ultrarich, but I hope whoever bought one way back in 2015 expected Apple to stop supporting them at some point.

You can definitely use the Apple Watch (1st generation) to do all of the above and more, but it will not support the latest versions of watchOS. So you will miss out on some features and other improvements. Thanks for reaching out!

In 2021, Apple did not drop support for any Apple Watch hardware with the release of watchOS 8. However, in September 2020, Apple dropped support for the Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2 with the release of watchOS 7.

The list of obsolete models includes the first-generation Apple Watch Edition with an 18-karat gold casing, which cost up to $17,000 in the U.S. when it was available. The solid-gold Apple Watch was discontinued in 2016 and replaced with a ceramic Apple Watch Edition, which was a more affordable luxury at up to $1,299.

Apple Watch Series 3: Apple will recycle it for you free of charge. Apple Watch Series 4: $60. Apple Watch Series 5: $90. Apple Watch Series 6: $115.

At this writing, a first-gen Apple Watch in "good" condition (as determined by Maxback upon receipt) would earn you $79. If it's merely "fair," however, meaning you can see deep scuffs or scratches, you'll get only $55.

How much is the Apple Watch 18k gold edition? ›

The so-called “Series 0” launched in 2015 and comprised the Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport, and the 18-karat gold Apple Watch Edition, on which moneyed shoppers could spend as much as $17,000.

The hardy, robust metal has been the most prevalent material for decades since, and given these objects an edge of utility in addition to luxury. But trends, as they say, come and go. And at the moment, it's looking like gold—lustrous yet durable in its own right—is coming back into favour.

The Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 were both banned in the US late last year as the result of a patent dispute with medical device maker Masimo. The International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that the blood oxygen sensors in both devices infringed on patents from Masimo.

Apple has added the Apple Watch Series 1 to its list of obsolete products, meaning that it will no longer receive updates or repairs. The Series 1 was launched in 2016 and featured a dual-core processor, heart rate sensor, and touchscreen Retina display.

The 1st generation Apple Watch (colloquially referred to as Series 0) uses the single-core S1 system-on-chip. It does not have a built-in GPS chip, instead relying on a paired iPhone for location services.

Software Updates

Although the Apple Watch SE (1st gen) is discontinued, it is still receiving support and updates.

Apple's first year sales of their watch was a failure with 10 million units sold instead of the projected 40 million.

2015: The first Apple Watch was released in April 2015. It featured a Retina display, Force Touch, Taptic Engine, heart rate sensor, digital crown, and interchangeable bands.

Apple Watch Series 1 requires an iPhone 5s or later with iOS 11 or later. Some features may not be available for all countries or regions. Click here to see complete list. To learn more about wearing Apple Watch, getting a good fit, potential skin sensitivity, and proper care and cleaning, click here.