Apple Watch Series 3
Our verdict
Repurpose it.
Its update days are over. Its useful days aren’t.
I
Give it a job
A sleep tracker, a bedside clock, or a spare for workouts.
II
Keep it off the open web
Without security updates, treat it as a single-purpose appliance rather than a daily browser.
III
Or let it go
Apple no longer services this model, but Apple Stores still take it for free recycling. Working units are worth more sold than scrapped.
ObsoleteTops out at watchOS 8.8.1.
Where to sell it
The record
Introduced
2017
Model identifier
Watch3,1, Watch3,2, Watch3,3, Watch3,4
Variants
38mm GPS + Cellular · 42mm GPS + Cellular · 38mm GPS · 42mm GPS · GPS · GPS + Cellular
Chip
Apple S3
Architecture
64-bit ARM
Latest official release
watchOS 8.8.1
With OpenCore Patcher
Not applicable
Security updates
Ended — watchOS 8 received its final security update in 2023 (last release 8.8.1).
Apple hardware status
Obsolete — no longer serviced
Data confidence
high
Common questions
What is the newest watchOS for the Apple Watch Series 3?
The Apple Watch Series 3 officially tops out at watchOS 8.8.1.
Is the Apple Watch Series 3 still getting security updates?
No. Ended — watchOS 8 received its final security update in 2023 (last release 8.8.1).
Is the Apple Watch Series 3 vintage or obsolete?
Apple classifies it as obsolete: no more parts, no more service. Apple Stores will still recycle it for free.
Same shelf