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Apple Watch (Series 2) Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Article ID = 173
Article Title = Apple Watch (Series 2) Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Article Author(s) = Graham Needham (BH)
Article Created On = 7th September 2016
Article Last Updated = 20th September 2019
Article URL = https://www.macstrategy.com/article.php?173

Article Brief Description:
Frequently Asked Questions about the Apple Watch 2
Q. When was the Apple Watch Series 2 launched in the UK?
A. The Apple Watch Series 2 launched in the UK on 7th September 2016 with pre-orders on 9th September 2016 and started shipping on the 16th September 2016.
Q. What models of Apple Watch Series 2 are available?
A. There are four models:
  • Standard - aluminium or stainless steel case (from £369)
  • Nike+ - aluminium case with Nike Sport Band (from £369)
  • Hermès - stainless steel case with Hermès strap (from £1149)
  • Edition - ceramic case + magnetic charging dock (from £1249)
NOTE: Prices go up depending on the model, watch face size, type of case and type of strap you want.
Q. What sizes (watch faces) are the Apple Watch come in?
A. There are two screen/watch face sizes: 38mm and 42mm.
Q. What are the different cases?
A. There are three cases some with different colour schemes:
  • Stainless steel case available in "highly polished" or space black
  • Toughened, anodised aluminium case available in silver, space grey, gold and rose gold
  • Ceramic case available in white
Apple Watch Series 2 Cases
Q. What straps are available and is the strap detachable/interchangeable?
A. Straps are detachable/interchangeable and there are many official options along with third party products available too. Apple's official straps include:
  • Sport
  • Woven nylon
  • Leather (classic buckle, modern buckle, leather loop)
  • Stainless steel (milanese loop, link bracelet)
  • Hermès (single tour, double tour, double buckle cuff)
Q. What are the primary new/upgraded features of the Series 2 compared to the original?
  • S2 processor with built-in GPS
  • Water resistant to 50 metres under ISO standard 22810:2010
  • Second-generation OLED Retina display with Force Touch which is 2× brighter (1000 nits)
See Apple UK's comparison chart for a full feature by feature comparison.
Q. Can the face be scratched?
A. With difficulty as the face is made from:
  • Aluminium case - alumina-silicate Ion-X glass (specifically resistant to scratches and impact)
  • Stainless steel case - sapphire crystal (the second hardest transparent substance known to man after diamond)
  • Ceramic case - sapphire crystal (the second hardest transparent substance known to man after diamond)
Q. Is the Apple Watch water proof?
A. Yes. Apple states "Apple Watch Series 2 has a water resistance rating of 50 metres under ISO standard 22810:2010. This means that it may be used for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean. However, Apple Watch Series 2 should not be used for scuba diving, waterskiing or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth. Stainless steel and leather straps are not water resistant".
Q. Can I buy the standard (non "Edition" model) from anyone other than Apple?
A. Yes, you can buy from retailers including:
Q. What are the requirements for using an Apple Watch Series 2?
A. You need an iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, SE, 6 or 6+, 6s or 6s+, 7 or 7s+ with iOS 10 or later.
Q. Can I use the Apple Watch without an iPhone?
A. No. You need a compatible iPhone to first pair the watch which then enables the watch to communicate with your iPhone via Bluetooth (close proximity) or local Wi-Fi network. The Watch does not stop working if it cannot communicate with its paired iPhone but obviously some features are not available (e.g. notifications of incoming emails/messages). Without the iPhone the watch does continue to function e.g. tell the time, track data such as exercise and heart rate, play music and view photos from the internal storage in the Watch.
Q. What about left handed users?
A. Users are able to choose the orientation of the interface when starting the watch up for the first time. The Apple Watch wrist bands are interchangeable and can be swapped around too. The only difference for left handed users is that the Digital Crown input wheel will be on the bottom left instead of the top right.
Q. How long does the battery last?
A. Apple's web site states that it has "a battery that lasts up to 18 hours" with more detailed information available on a dedicated Apple Watch battery web page.
Q. How is the Apple Watch charged?
A. Apple has created an innovative charging solution where the back of the watch can be attached/placed on to a charger in any orientation.
Apple Watch Charging Solution
Q. Does the Apple Watch have any internal storage?
A. Yes - 8GB. However, some types of media are limited to the storage they can take up: music has a maximum of 2GB (approximately 400-500 songs) and photos have a maximum of 75MB (but at a resolution of just 312x390, which is the pixel size of the 42mm display, that's approximately 1500 photos).
Q. Are there any third party apps/content for the Apple Watch?
A. Yes - see this Apple web page. Third party apps can be searched for, downloaded and transferred to your Apple Watch via a dedicated "Watch" application on your iPhone (requires iOS 10 or later).
Q. Can I use the phone to make calls ala Dick Tracy style?
A. Yes, as long as your Watch is in proximity to your iPhone (either via Bluetooth or local Wi-Fi newtork). The Apple Watch has a microphone.
Q. What's this I hear about "force touch"?
A. There are two types of touch capability built into the face. Standard tap and swipe gestures along with a pressure sensitive "force" touch which is like pressing a button. For example, when the normal watch face is showing on the screen a force touch brings up different watch faces each of which can be customised.
Q. Can the Apple Watch work with the Apple Pay system?
A. Yes it does. See this article for more information about the Apple Pay system. A passcode is required for setting up Apple Pay with the Apple Watch. For security, this passcode must be re-entered every time the watch is put back on after being removed. A payment can be made by tapping the side of the Apple Watch twice and holding it near a payment terminal. As long as the Watch is paired with your iPhone and the passcode has been entered the Watch does not need to be in proximity to you iPhone to make payments.
Q. Can the Apple Watch control the iPhone?
A. Yes. The Watch can control certain aspects of your iPhone such as music and even be used as a remote control for the iPhone camera which is ideal for group/timed shots.
Q. Does the Apple Watch have it's own operating system?
A. Yes - it's called "watchOS". The Apple Watch Series 2 comes with watchOS 3.0.

watchOS 6 requires an iPhone 6s or later, running iOS 13 or later
the watchOS 6.3 security update for all supported models was released on 14th December 2020.
the watchOS 6.2.9 bug fix update for all supported models was released on 5th November 2020.
the watchOS 6.2.8 feature/bug fix/security update for all supported models was released on 15th July 2020.
the watchOS 6.2.6 security update for all supported models was released on 1st June 2020.
the watchOS 6.2.5 feature/bug fix/security update for all supported models was released on 18th May 2020.
the watchOS 6.2.1 bug fix update for all supported models was released on 8th April 2020.
the watchOS 6.2 bug fix/security update for all supported models was released on 24th March 2020.
the watchOS 6.1.3 bug fix/security update for all supported models was released on 18th February 2020.
the watchOS 6.1.2 bug fix/security update for all supported models was released on 28th January 2020.
the watchOS 6.1.1 bug fix/security update for all supported models was released on 10th December 2019.
the watchOS 6.1 bug fix/security update for all supported models was released on 29th October 2019.
the watchOS 6.0.1 bug fix update was released on 30th September 2019.
watchOS 6 was released on 19th September 2019 for Series 3 and 4 models only and included:
  • New watch faces
  • Enhanced Siri
  • Activity trends - viewable on a linked iPhone
  • Independent apps - no longer need an iPhone to manage/install apps
  • App Store on the Watch
  • Redesigned Reminders app
  • New Apple apps:
    • Noise - measure audio loudness and warns when too loud - requires Series 4 model or later)
    • Cycle Tracking - keep track of female menstrual cycles
    • Audiobooks
    • Voice Memos
    • Calculator - including "tip" and "split with friends" facilities
    • Taptic Chimes e.g. on the hour
  • In-app purchases for ‌‌Apple Watch‌‌ apps (watchOS 6.2 or later)
The following features were added with the watchOS 6.2.8 update:
  • Adds support for digital car keys for Apple Watch Series 5 - on launch the following BMW cars are supported: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, X5, X6, X7, X5M, X6M and Z4 manufactured after 1st July 2020
  • ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 or later now available in Bahrain, Brazil, and South Africa
  • Irregular heart rhythm notifications now available in Bahrain, Brazil, and South Africa
NOTE: Some features may not be available for all countries or all areas. This information is derived from Apple's publically available release notes.


the watchOS 5.3.9 bug fix update was released on 5th November 2020.
the watchOS 5.3.8 security update was released on 15th July 2020.
the watchOS 5.3.7 bug fix update was released on 18th May 2020.
the watchOS 5.3.6 security update was released on 24th March 2020.
the watchOS 5.3.5 bug fix update was released on 18th February 2020.
the watchOS 5.3.4 security update was released on 10th December 2019.
the watchOS 5.3.3 security update was released on 29th October 2019.
the watchOS 5.3.2 security update was released on 26th September 2019.
the watchOS 5.3.1 bug fix update was released on 26th August 2019.
the watchOS 5.3 feature/bug fix/security update was released on 22nd July 2019.
the watchOS 5.2.1 feature/bug fix/security update was released on 13th May 2019.
  • ECG (Watch series 4 only) + irregular heart rhythm features now enabled for more European countries:
    • Croatia
    • Czech Republic
    • Iceland
    • Poland
    • Slovakia

the watchOS 5.2 feature/bug fix/security update was released on 27th March 2019.
  • ECG (Watch series 4 only) + irregular heart rhythm features now enabled for some European countries:
    • Austria
    • Belgium
    • Denmark
    • Finland
    • France
    • Germany
    • Greece
    • Hungary
    • Ireland
    • Italy
    • Luxembourg
    • Netherlands
    • Norway
    • Portugal
    • Romania
    • Spain
    • Sweden
    • Switzerland
    • United Kingdom

the watchOS 5.1.3 bug fix/security update was released on 21st January 2019.
the watchOS 5.1.2 bug fix/security update was released on 6th December 2018.
the watchOS 5.1.1 bug fix/security update was released on 5th November 2018
the watchOS 5.1 bug fix/security update was released on 30th October 2018 and withdrawn as it bricked some watches
the watchOS 5.0.1 bug fix was released on 27th September 2018
watchOS 5 was released on 17th September 2018 and included:
  • Participate in Group FaceTime calls via audio (requires iOS 12.1 or later or macOS 10.14.1 or later)
  • Enhanced Do Not Disturb - set for meetings, time and/or location
  • New background audio mode supporting third-party apps
  • Activity competitions
  • Brand-new workouts (yoga + hiking)
  • Automatic workout detection
  • Pace alerts
  • Apple Podcasts support
  • Walkie-Talkie feature (not available in China, UAE and Pakistan)
  • Smarter Siri
  • Improved Notifications
  • View web content
  • Contactless student ID cards via Wallet (very limited locations at first, primarily in the USA)
NOTE: Some features may not be available for all countries or all areas. This information is derived from Apple's publically available release notes.


the watchOS 4.3.2 bug fix/security update was released on 9th July 2018.
the watchOS 4.3.1 bug fix/security update was released on 29th May 2018.
the watchOS 4.3 bug fix/security update was released on 29th March 2018.
the watchOS 4.2.3 bug fix/security update was released on 19th February 2018.
the watchOS 4.2.2 bug fix/security update was released on 23rd January 2018.
the watchOS 4.2 bug fix/security update was released on 5th December 2017.
the watchOS 4.1 bug fix/security update was released on 31st October 2017.
the watchOS 4.0.1 bug fix/security update was released on 4th October 2017.
watchOS 4 was released on 19th September 2017 and included:
  • Activity
    • Daily inspiration
    • Evening push
    • Monthly Challenge
    • Celebrations
  • Workout
    • Quick start
    • High intensity interval training
    • Enhanced swim tracking
    • Gym equipment sync (TechnoGym / Matrix / LifeFitness / Cybex / Star Trac / StairMaster / Schwinn)
    • Quick switch
    • Do not disturb
  • Music
    • More songs on your wrist - Apple watch knows what you love to listen to and holds more of it
    • Automatic sync
  • Other improvements:
    • Siri watch face
    • Kaliedoscope watch face
    • Toy Story watch face
    • Person to person payments (via Apple Pay)
    • Apple Pay Cash
    • News App - curated news headlines throughout the day
    • Flashlight option in Control Center
NOTE: Some features may not be available for all countries or all areas. This information is derived from Apple's publically available release notes.


the watchOS 3.2.3 bug fix/security update was released on 19th July 2017.
the watchOS 3.2.2 bug fix/security update was released on 15th May 2017.
the watchOS 3.2 bug fix/security update was released on 27th March 2017.
the watchOS 3.1.3 bug fix/security update was released on 23rd January 2017.
the watchOS 3.1.1 bug fix update was released on 12th December 2016.
the watchOS 3.1 bug fix/security update was released on 24th October 2016.
watchOS 3 was released on 13th September 2016 and included:
  • Performance and Navigation
    • Press the side button to access your favorite apps in the Dock
    • Apps in the Dock launch instantly with already updated information
    • Add up to 10 apps in the Dock, control music from Now Playing or launch your most recently used app
    • Swipe edge-to-edge to quickly switch your watch face
    • Swipe up from the bottom of your watch face to access important settings in Control Center
  • Watch faces
    • New Minnie Mouse, Activity, and Numerals watch faces
    • Complications now available on Photo, Photo Album, Timelapse, and Motion
    • New complications including Workout, Music, and Messages
    • New Face Gallery in the Apple Watch app on iPhone to add and customize watch faces
    • Discover and add third party complications in the Face Gallery
  • Activity
    • Ability to share and compare your Activity rings
    • Rank alphabetically, or by progress towards Move goal, Exercise goal, steps or today’s workouts
    • Automatic notifications when a friend completes their rings, finishes a workout, or earns an achievement
    • Customized smart replies for encouragement or smack talk
    • New Sharing tab in the Activity app on iPhone to view history
  • Workout
    • Quick Start for most commonly used workouts
    • Multiple metric view, customizable for each workout type
    • New gestures for pause, resume, and marking segments
    • Labels for “Other” workouts to keep track of Yoga, Pilates, Cross Training, and more
    • Auto-pause for running workouts
    • Siri support for pause, resume, and end workouts
    • Route maps with speed indicators for outdoor workouts
  • Wheelchair use
    • Activity rings optimized for wheelchair users
    • Accounts for varying speeds, terrains, and pushing techniques
    • Pushes contribute to all-day calorie goals
    • Time to roll notification and roll ring
    • New Outdoor Run Pace and Outdoor Walk Pace workouts
  • Breathe
    • New Breathe app to take a moment in your day for short deep breathing sessions
    • Calming visualization and haptic cues guide you while you inhale and exhale
    • Adjust session length and breaths per minute
    • Summary upon completion including heart rate
    • Time to breathe reminders
    • Weekly summary
  • Communication
    • Expressive Messaging
    • Full-screen effects to celebrate special moments
    • Tapback for quick replies to messages, links, and photos
    • Handwritten messages animate like ink on paper
    • Send recent built-in or third-party stickers
    • View secret messages with invisible ink
    • Scribble
    • Write words on the display and Apple Watch will convert the handwriting to text
    • Use the Digital Crown to scroll through predicted options
    • Available in English (US), Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese
    • Reply options available in the Messages and Mail notification, including Digital Touch, emoji, and smart replies
    • New emoji, including gender diverse options to existing characters, single parent family variations, rainbow flag, and redesigns of popular emoji
    • Emergency SOS
    • Press and continue to hold the side button to call emergency services
    • Automatically notify SOS contacts and share your location
    • Display your Medical ID with information about medications, allergies, and medical conditions
    • Adjusts the emergency number to your current location
  • Home
    • New Home app to control HomeKit enabled accessories
    • Enable scenes created on your iPhone to control groups of accessories with just a tap
    • Control favorite accessories from your wrist, even remotely with Apple TV or iPad
    • Support for IP cameras to see live video in rich notifications and accessory controls
  • Other improvements
    • New Reminders app for managing scheduled reminders, grocery lists, and more
    • New Find My Friends app for viewing location of friends and family
    • Pay with Apple Pay within third party apps
    • Delete events and switch calendars in Calendar app
    • Support for FaceTime Audio calls directly from Apple Watch
    • Search for Settings in Apple Watch app on iPhone
    • Camera app controls for Flash, Live Photos, HDR, Zoom, Burst, and Front or Rear facing
    • Siri support for Spanish (Chile), Chinese (Cantonese - China), English (Ireland), English (South Africa)
NOTE: Some features may not be available for all countries or all areas. This information is derived from Apple's publically available release notes.

Article Keywords: Apple Watch Series 2 AppleWatchSeries2 iPhone v10iOS iOS10 v11iOS iOS11 v12iOS iOS12 v13iOS iOS13 iOS 10 11 12 13 watchOS 3 4 5 6

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