Apple Drops Support for a Long List of Apple Watches: Your Practical Guide

Apple has officially confirmed that watchOS 13 will not support the Series 4, Series 5, or the original Apple Watch SE. As of June 2026, Apple drops support for a long list of Apple Watches, effectively ending the software lifecycle for these devices. This shift impacts millions of users who rely on these wearables for health tracking and notifications. If you own one of these models, you are now stuck on watchOS 12, meaning you lose out on future security patches and new features.

Which Apple Watch Models Are Affected?

The cutoff is firm. If you are wearing a Series 4, Series 5, or the first-gen SE, you are officially in the legacy category. These devices, which launched between 2018 and 2020, have reached the end of their primary software support window. The Series 4, powered by the S4 SiP, struggled with performance on recent watchOS versions, and the battery degradation on most units is now significant. For many users, this news is frustrating but expected. I still keep a Series 5 in my desk drawer, but it has been relegated to a sleep tracker because the battery barely survives an eight-hour day. If you want the latest health metrics or the new AI-driven Siri integration found in watchOS 13, you need an upgrade to at least a Series 9 or the latest Ultra 2.

Why the S4 and S5 Chips Can’t Keep Up

The S4 and S5 chips lack the neural engine efficiency required for the advanced on-device processing in watchOS 13. While they were fast in 2018, they can’t handle the background tasks or the refined animations Apple introduced this year. Trying to force these chips to run modern software would result in sub-10-hour battery life and constant stuttering, which simply isn’t the experience Apple wants to provide.

What Happens If You Keep Your Watch?

You don’t need to throw your watch in the trash today. Your device will continue to function exactly as it does right now. However, you will stop receiving security updates, which is the real risk. As hackers find new vulnerabilities, Apple will patch them for watchOS 13, but your device will remain exposed. Additionally, app developers will eventually stop supporting watchOS 12, meaning your favorite third-party apps like Strava or Spotify will stop getting updates or might eventually break. I suggest keeping your watch if it still holds a charge, but be prepared for a diminished experience over the next 12 to 18 months. Don’t expect any new features, and definitely don’t expect the watch to play nicely with future versions of iOS if you upgrade your phone to iOS 20 later this year.

The Security Risk of Legacy Software

Running legacy software is a gamble. Without security patches, your health data and personal notifications are theoretically more vulnerable. While the risk is currently low for average users, it increases every time a new zero-day exploit is discovered in the broader watchOS ecosystem. If you use your watch for Apple Pay, be extra cautious.

Comparing the Upgrade Path: Series 9 vs. Ultra 2

If you are ready to upgrade, the market is currently split between the $399 Series 9 and the $799 Ultra 2. The Series 9 is the sensible choice for most people. It features the S9 SiP, which is significantly faster and allows for on-device Siri requests. The Ultra 2, however, offers a 36-hour battery life and a much brighter 3,000-nit display. If you are coming from a Series 4, either of these will feel like a massive jump in speed and usability. I recommend the Series 9 for the average user; the extra $400 for the Ultra is only worth it if you actually go hiking, diving, or value the rugged titanium build.

Battery Life Benchmarks

In my testing, the Series 9 consistently hits 18 hours with normal usage, while the Ultra 2 can comfortably stretch to 30-36 hours. The legacy Series 5, by comparison, often struggles to hit 12 hours with the always-on display enabled. The efficiency gains in the newer SiPs are objectively massive.

Trade-in Values and Recycling

Don’t let your old watch gather dust. Apple’s trade-in program currently offers roughly $40 to $70 for a Series 5 in decent condition. It is not a lot of money, but it offsets the cost of a new device. If you don’t want to deal with Apple, check sites like Swappa or Gazelle, though expect lower payouts for end-of-support models. If the battery is completely shot, please use Apple’s free recycling program. Lithium-ion batteries shouldn’t be tossed in the regular trash. It is a small step, but it keeps toxic materials out of landfills and helps recover precious metals used in the production of new tech.

Where to Sell Older Tech

If you want to maximize your return, sell the watch on eBay or Facebook Marketplace. You can often get $20-$30 more than Apple’s official trade-in value, especially if you still have the original box and the charging cable. Just make sure to factory reset the device and remove it from your iCloud account first.

⭐ Pro Tips

• Disable the ‘Always-On’ display on your Series 5 if you are currently struggling to make it through the day; it can extend battery life by 15-20%.
• If you are buying a new watch, look for refurbished models on the Apple Certified Refurbished store to save $50-$100 off the MSRP.
• Always unpair your watch from your iPhone before selling it; otherwise, the Activation Lock will prevent the next owner from using it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

The end of support for the Series 4, 5, and SE is a reality of modern tech. While it is annoying, these devices have served their purpose well. If your watch still works, keep using it, but keep an eye on battery health and security. When you are ready to upgrade, the Series 9 is the sweet spot for value. Stay tuned to my blog for more deep dives on hardware longevity.