The smartwatch market continues to evolve at breakneck speed, but the Apple Watch 6 maintains a consistent presence in buyer discussions. Released in September 2020, this watch once stood at the frontier of wearable technology. Fast forward to 2025, many wonder whether this device is still a worthwhile investment. With newer models like the Apple Watch Ultra and Series 9 now dominating shelves, it’s important to evaluate if the Apple Watch 6 offers enough to remain relevant.
What Made the Apple Watch 6 Stand Out?
Upon its release, the Apple Watch 6 brought in features that were considered advanced at the time. These include the blood oxygen sensor, always-on display, faster S6 chip, and better brightness outdoors. It ran on watchOS 7 and later supported up to watchOS 10, offering improved fitness tracking, sleep monitoring, and family setup options.
The design was familiar but refined. It came in 40mm and 44mm case sizes, and offered multiple material options, including aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. It also introduced new colors like blue and red, appealing to a broader range of users.
Performance and Battery Life
The S6 chip in the Apple Watch 6 is still fairly capable. It offers smooth performance for most day-to-day tasks, such as fitness tracking, notifications, and music control. The battery life remains consistent at around 18 hours under normal usage, which aligns with newer models. However, when comparing to the Apple Watch Ultra, the Series 6 falls short in longevity, especially in extended tracking scenarios like hiking or travel.
The Apple Watch 6 in 2025: Use Cases That Still Make Sense
Despite the arrival of newer devices, the Apple Watch 6 continues to serve users who value functionality over novelty. Let’s break down some common scenarios where buying an Apple Watch 6 might still be a smart decision.
Fitness and Health Monitoring
For users looking for solid fitness tracking, the Apple Watch 6 provides a complete suite. It includes heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, workout detection, and an ECG app. These tools remain highly relevant and effective, even five years after launch. Unless you need advanced health features like temperature tracking or precision dual-frequency GPS, the Series 6 holds up well.
Affordability: A Smart Entry Point
One of the main reasons to consider the Apple Watch 6 now is price. As newer models are released, older models typically see a drop in price. Buyers can often find the Apple Watch 6 for significantly less than the latest versions. Checking the updated Apple Watch Price listings may reveal a compelling deal for those on a budget.
Compatibility with Apple Ecosystem
The Apple Watch 6 still integrates seamlessly with iPhones running iOS 14 and above. Features like unlocking your iPhone with your watch, responding to messages, and using Siri continue to work well. If you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, the Series 6 remains a compatible and functional option.
What Are the Downsides?
While the Apple Watch 6 does offer practical value, it also comes with limitations. Users looking for the most advanced features will find it lacking compared to the latest generation.
Lack of Future Software Updates
Apple tends to support its devices for about 5-6 years. While the Apple Watch 6 is still getting updates in 2025, this window is closing fast. Within the next year or two, it may no longer receive the latest watchOS updates, which could lead to security and feature limitations.
No Fast Charging and Limited Battery
Unlike newer models, the Apple Watch 6 does not support fast charging. For those who use sleep tracking, the overnight charging window becomes smaller and more inconvenient. Battery technology has improved in recent years, and the Series 6 is starting to show its age in this area.
Display and Sensor Gaps
While the always-on display in the Series 6 was a game-changer at launch, it’s less impressive today. The latest Apple Watch models feature brighter, more responsive screens. Additionally, newer sensors like skin temperature, advanced heart metrics, and better fall detection are missing from the Series 6.
Is It Worth to Buy Apple Watch 6 Now?
It all depends on your needs and budget. If you’re looking for a solid fitness watch with smart features and can find it at a discounted price, the Apple Watch 6 is still a capable option. However, if you require the latest health features or plan to keep your watch for several years, a newer model may be a wiser investment.
Buying for the First Time?
First-time smartwatch buyers who use iPhones may find the Series 6 a suitable entry point. It offers nearly all the essential features and introduces users to the Apple Watch ecosystem without a high upfront cost. If affordability is your main concern, the Series 6 offers strong value for money.
Upgrading from an Older Watch?
If you’re using an Apple Watch Series 3 or earlier, the Series 6 will feel like a massive upgrade. From speed and display quality to health monitoring and user experience, the jump is worth it. However, those coming from a Series 5 or SE might not notice much difference.
Tech-Savvy Users Should Look Ahead
If you’re someone who prioritizes having the newest tech or plans to use advanced apps and fitness modes, investing in the latest model like the Apple Watch Ultra might offer better value. While more expensive, it includes features like dive metrics, better GPS, and extended battery life.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch 6 still holds its own in 2025. It offers a reliable smartwatch experience for fitness, health, and productivity. It can be an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers, first-time smartwatch users, or those upgrading from older models.
However, potential buyers must weigh the short remaining lifespan of software updates, absence of cutting-edge features, and battery limitations. If you can purchase it at a good price and don’t need the newest bells and whistles, the Apple Watch 6 remains a smart buy even in 2025.
Ultimately, it’s not just about owning the latest device—it’s about choosing what works best for your lifestyle and budget.
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