With the Apple Watch poised to launch in April, excitement for the wrist-worn device has been building within the forums. In particular, a few users have posted discussion threads that compare the 38mm and 42mm Apple Watch based on photographer Ryan Mack's print-to-size diagrams. Both mockups are attached to a regular watchband to provide a realistic preview of how the Apple Watch could look on the wrist.
The early consensus among users debating over which Apple Watch to get is largely split between the 38m and 42mm model, although many agree that they would be happy with either size. Given that the Apple Watch will be highly customizable with different sizes, editions and bands to choose from, visiting an Apple Store to test out the smartwatch on your wrist will likely be the best way to choose which one is right for you.
"If I had to pick right now, I think I'd get the 38mm," writes MacRumors forum member Technodynamic. "I just wonder if I'd rather the slightly larger screen for using the watch. Added pixels for the same image means you will see more detail on the 42mm versus the 38mm and I feel like I am missing on some clarity, but... I like the way the smaller one looks, from a jewelry perspective. First world problems."
If you are looking for an interesting weekend do-it-yourself project to take on, you can print and cut out your own Apple Watch diagrams [PDF] for size comparison. Make sure you print the diagrams at their 100% full size so that they are accurate. The width and depth of the Apple Watch diagrams are approximations based on press releases and images, while the height values have been confirmed by Apple for the two models.
Apple introduced the Apple Watch during its September 2014 media event alongside the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Pay. The smartwatch will be available in three collections for $349 and up: Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch and Apple Watch Edition. The wearable will be available in the United States first upon launch, with a wider international rollout likely to follow in the near future.
Friday December 5, 2025 9:40 am PST by Tim Hardwick
Apple is about to release iOS 26.2, the second major point update for iPhones since iOS 26 was rolled out in September, and there are at least 15 notable changes and improvements worth checking out. We've rounded them up below.
Apple is expected to roll out iOS 26.2 to compatible devices sometime between December 8 and December 16. When the update drops, you can check Apple's servers for the ...
Friday December 5, 2025 10:08 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Intel is expected to begin supplying some Mac and iPad chips in a few years, and the latest rumor claims the partnership might extend to the iPhone.
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Since iOS 26 launched in September, it has been displayed as an optional upgrade at the bottom of the Software Update interface in the Settings app. iOS 18 has been the default operating system option, and users running iOS 18 have seen iOS 18...
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Apple today seeded the release candidate versions of upcoming iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 updates to developers and public beta testers, with the software coming two weeks after Apple seeded the third betas. The release candidates represent the final versions of iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 that will be provided to the public if no further bugs are found during this final week of testing....
Thursday December 4, 2025 9:30 am PST by Joe Rossignol
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Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that Dye will lead a new creative studio within the company's AR/VR division Reality Labs.
On his blog Daring Fireball,...
Monday December 1, 2025 4:37 pm PST by Juli Clover
We're getting closer to the launch of the final major iOS update of the year, with Apple set to release iOS 26.2 in December. We've had three betas so far and are expecting a fourth beta or a release candidate this week, so a launch could follow as soon as next week.
Past Launch Dates
Apple's past iOS x.2 updates from the last few years have all happened right around the middle of the...
Monday December 1, 2025 3:00 am PST by Tim Hardwick
Apple is expected to launch a new foldable iPhone next year, based on multiple rumors and credible sources. The long-awaited device has been rumored for years now, but signs increasingly suggest that 2026 could indeed be the year that Apple releases its first foldable device.
Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.
Below, we've collated an updated set of key details that ...
A U.S. appeals court has upheld a temporary restraining order that prevents OpenAI and Jony Ive's new hardware venture from using the name "io" for products similar to those planned by AI audio startup iyO, Bloomberg Law reports.
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The iPhone Air has recorded the steepest early resale value drop of any iPhone model in years, with new data showing that several configurations have lost almost 50% of their value within ten weeks of launch.
According to a ten-week analysis published by SellCell, Apple's latest lineup is showing a pronounced split in resale performance between the iPhone 17 models and the iPhone Air....
Thursday December 4, 2025 5:18 am PST by Tim Hardwick
iPhone 17 Pro models, it turns out, can't take photos in Night mode when Portrait mode is selected in the Camera app – a capability that's been available on Apple's Pro devices since the iPhone 12 Pro in 2020.
If you're an iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max owner, try it for yourself: Open the Camera app with Photo selected in the carousel, then cover the rear lenses with your hand to...
History suggests that people shouldn't rush out to buy the first iteration regardless.
If everyone followed that logic there would never be a second version of any product from any company. Buying a first generation product is not a marriage. If someone has the money and is interested, they should buy one. If they don't like it, they can return it. Big deal.
I bought the first gen iPod. I listened to that thing 8 hours a day at work for years. I shouldn't have bought it because it was a first gen product? That's absolutely ridiculous.
FWIW, the 42mm is about the size of an iPod nano. So if you wear an iPod nano watch, it's a great comparison. The Apple watch is a tad thicker, however.
I wear an iPod nano watch, but I'm unsure of which direction I'm leaning toward. Might order both and return the one I like the least. I fear availability will be scarce, so preordering is a must!
its 2015 and they still havent figured out an energy efficient way to display the time all the time? i will wait for gen 3
I'm confused. Do you look at the time without looking at the time? What does it matter if the time doesn't appear until you lift your wrist up? Don't you do that with a normal watch anyhow?