Overview of compatible bracelets – avoid confusion with the matrix | Message

Since the debut model of the Apple Watch was introduced ten years ago, Apple’s wearable has been available in two sizes. This is the case across the entire product range (apart from the Ultra). Apple avoided the designation “small/large” or “women’s/men’s”, but instead relied on the height of the OLED display in millimeters as a distinguishing feature. After ten years, this is causing a problem: after several increases in screen size, Apple is now moving into areas where the current “small” corresponds to the first “large”. If there are additional straps, this can make a bad purchase.

Reddit user “ReflectionThink2683” has created an overview graphic that helps users keep track of model and strap sizes. The Apple Watch 10 with a 42 mm screen height can be combined with straps that are available in sizes 38 to 41 mm. For straps of size “42 mm”, the year of manufacture is important: If the strap is from September 2024 or later, the 42 mm size will also fit. If the strap is from mid-2024 or earlier, 42 mm designates the “large” variant and is only suitable for the 49 mm Watch 10. Currently, only a single model is affected by strap uncertainty; in subsequent years, however, the strap-case matrix could become increasingly complex.

Problem home-made, but rare
Apple itself created this confusion when the different band widths were linked to the screen height. However, it should not be too challenging to continue to find the right strap: In September 2022, Apple took the Apple Watch Series 3 out of the range. There is now no new “large” Apple Watch with a 42 mm screen height. If Apple had decided on something other than a display dimension when marketing it, the confusion could have been avoided. On the other hand, one should not overlook the fact that Apple guarantees consistent compatibility of the straps: For ten years, users have been able to freely combine all straps of the corresponding case size. Straps from the first generation of watches fit (with a comparable width) in the guides of the Apple Watch 10 and all models in between. The only restriction relates to the materials used: Apple advises against combining aluminum cases with steel rails – local elements created in this way could lead to accelerated corrosion.