The Apple Watch Series 2 marked a turning point in Apple’s wearable journey. Launched in September 2016, it was a substantial upgrade over the original model. With water resistance, built-in GPS, a brighter display, and an improved processor, it redefined what a smartwatch could achieve in terms of both lifestyle and fitness. Even years later, it remains a noteworthy device in the history of smartwatches.
Design and Build Quality
The Apple Watch Series 2 retained Apple’s iconic rectangular shape but refined its overall structure. Available in aluminum, stainless steel, and ceramic options, it ranged from sporty to premium in appearance. The interchangeable bands allowed users to personalize their watch to suit different occasions.
The standout improvement was the second-generation OLED Retina display, which offered brightness levels up to 1000 nits. This made it far easier to read outdoors, especially when running or cycling under sunlight. Combined with smooth touch responses, the display elevated the watch’s overall usability.
Water Resistance and Swimming Capabilities
One of the biggest talking points of the Series 2 was its 50-meter water resistance. While the original Apple Watch was only splash-resistant, the upgrade meant users could now confidently swim or engage in water-based activities. In addition, special swimming workout modes—both for the pool and open water—helped track laps, calories burned, and overall performance.
Apple also introduced an innovative mechanism using sound waves to eject water from the speaker, showing the company’s attention to detail in making the device fully swim-proof.
Built-in GPS for Outdoor Fitness
Fitness enthusiasts welcomed the addition of built-in GPS, a feature absent in Series 1. This allowed runners, cyclists, and hikers to track their routes and pace without carrying an iPhone. Maps and workout history could be easily reviewed within the Activity or Workout app afterward.
The GPS feature empowered the device to rival dedicated fitness wearables like Garmin and Fitbit, making the Apple Watch more autonomous and appealing to serious athletes.
Hardware and Performance
The Apple Watch Series 2 was powered by the S2 dual-core processor, delivering double the performance of the original model. Apps loaded faster, navigation felt smoother, and the watchOS 3 operating system took advantage of the improved hardware.
Battery performance stayed at around 18 hours of daily use, which was ideal for light to moderate usage. While GPS-intensive sessions could drain the battery faster, the Series 2 still provided enough endurance for most users’ daily routines. Wireless charging through a magnetic puck added to its convenience factor.
Health and Fitness Tracking
A major highlight of the Apple Watch Series 2 was its fitness ecosystem. With enhanced sensors, it tracked heart rate, steps, calories, and daily movement through the iconic Activity Rings.
- The Move ring tracked calories burned.
- The Exercise ring encouraged at least 30 minutes of activity daily.
- The Stand ring reminded users to move hourly, reducing sedentary behavior.
These activity goals provided motivation and gamified the fitness journey. The watch also integrated seamlessly with third-party apps, offering advanced training data for runners, yoga practitioners, and strength trainers.
Integration with the Apple Ecosystem
One of the Series 2’s biggest strengths was its deep integration with Apple’s ecosystem. Notifications, calls, and messages mirrored from the iPhone created a smooth communication experience. Users could also interact with Siri, control music playback, and respond to texts right from their wrist.
Other features included:
- Apple Pay for cashless transactions.
- Mac unlock capabilities without typing a password.
- Notifications from various apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, or Mail.
This ecosystem synergy separated the Apple Watch from other wearables, making it more than just a fitness tracker.
Apple Watch Nike+ Edition
Apple further extended its appeal to athletes by launching the Apple Watch Nike+ Edition. This special model came with exclusive Nike watch faces and breathable perforated sport bands. It was tailored for runners who wanted both performance-oriented features and a bold sporting aesthetic.
Legacy and Market Impact
The Apple Watch Series 2 played a pivotal role in cementing Apple’s dominance in the smartwatch industry. By combining lifestyle, fitness, and health in one premium device, it managed to attract a wide audience—from professionals looking for productivity to athletes seeking advanced tracking.
Its innovations, such as built-in GPS, swim-proof design, and brighter display, set the standard for future models and reshaped market expectations around wearables. Competing brands had to up their game, while Apple built upon this success with subsequent generations.
Key Features of Apple Watch Series 2
- 50-meter water resistance for swim tracking
- Built-in GPS for accurate routes and pace
- OLED Retina display with 1000 nits brightness
- S2 dual-core processor for faster performance
- Heart rate monitoring and activity tracking
- Integration with Apple ecosystem (Apple Pay, Siri, notifications)
- Interchangeable bands and multiple watch case options
Final Thoughts
The Apple Watch Series 2 was more than just a smartwatch—it was Apple’s statement to the world that wearables had the potential to improve both lifestyle and health. By focusing on fitness, durability, and seamless ecosystem integration, Apple transformed its watch from a novelty gadget into an essential daily tool.
Even though newer models have since overshadowed the Series 2 with advanced health sensors and LTE options, it remains an iconic device that set the direction for the future of smartwatches.
