Apple Watch 2 Display and Battery Components Measured Against Original Model in New Video - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Watch 2 Display and Battery Components Measured Against Original Model in New Video

After sharing photos and a video of the thin display and larger battery for the Apple Watch 2, Byte today posted a video focused on comparing the measurements of the new and old Apple Watch generations. As expected, the measurements for the Apple Watch 2 represent an overall slightly thinner display than the original model, while its battery is noticeably thicker.

Thanks to the detailed measurements, Byte was able to confirm that the Apple Watch 2's display is 2.86 mm at its thickest location and 2.12 at its thinnest, compared to 3.57 mm and 2.99 mm, respectively, for the original Apple Watch.

apple watch 2 measurements

The thickest point of the Apple Watch display (left) vs thickest point of the Apple Watch 2 display (right)

The Apple Watch 2's slightly different measurements continued in the height and width of its display (appearing to be a 42mm model), which measured 39.47 mm tall and 33.43 mm wide. The first generation Apple Watch came in at 38.74 mm tall and 32.65 mm wide, so while the Apple Watch 2 is slightly taller and longer, the overall difference appears to be similarly negligible as iPhone generations that jump between the main models and an "S" generation.

Byte also measured the thickness, length, and width of each generation of Apple Watch battery, with the first measuring 3.95 mm thick, 27.46 long, and 18.42 mm wide. Comparatively, the upcoming second generation Apple Watch battery measured 5.11 mm thick, 27.50 mm long, and 18.71 mm wide, falling in line with previous rumors that the Apple Watch 2 would have a larger battery to fuel speedier performance and improve its recharge life.


The battery for the 42mm Apple Watch 2 was investigated in a video last week, and was rated for 1.28 watt-hours. If proved true, this means that the 42mm Apple Watch 2 will have a 334 mAh battery that is 35.7% larger than the 246 mAh battery in the original 42mm model. Last week's video also showed Apple Watch 2 components like the Force Touch gasket, but the piece wasn't measured due to the similar size between each generation.

Byte also shared a circular gasket component of the Apple Watch 2, speculating its potential involvement in providing further water resistance to the unit, particularly its appropriate size for the heart rate sensor.

Apple is expected to announce the Apple Watch 2 during tomorrow's media event, along with the debut of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Despite the slight differences in the measurement of its display and battery, the new generation of Apple Watch will still keep the external design of the current model.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 11
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)

Popular Stories

earth day 2025 apple watch

Apple Watch Earth Day and International Dance Day Activity Challenges Launching Later This Month

Tuesday April 14, 2026 12:00 pm PDT by
Apple has two new Apple Watch activity challenges coming up, celebrating Earth Day and International Dance Day. The Earth Day activity challenge will launch on Wednesday, April 22, while the Dance Day challenge will take place a week later on Wednesday, April 29. To complete the Earth Day challenge, Apple Watch owners will need to complete a workout that lasts for 30 minutes or longer. This ...
apple watch series 11 spring

Apple Stores Will Soon Be Able to Restore Apple Watch Software In-House

Wednesday April 15, 2026 5:36 pm PDT by
Apple retail locations and Apple Authorized Service Providers will soon be able to restore Apple Watch software in-store without needing to send an Apple Watch to a service center, according to a retail source that spoke to MacRumors. Right now, Apple Watches that can't be restored using an iPhone need to be mailed to an Apple Repair Center for service. There is no in-store repair option, so ...
youtube iphone apple watch health ad 2026

New Apple Ad Sells the iPhone and Apple Watch Health Pairing

Thursday April 23, 2026 11:18 am PDT by
Apple has published a new ad to appeal to customers in the market for an iPhone and Apple Watch pairing, highlighting the insights it can offer for your health. Titled simply "Health with iPhone + Apple Watch," the half-minute ad focuses on a woman waiting in line at a cafe who begins receiving unsolicited health and fitness advice from other people in the queue, as well as local residents,...

Top Rated Comments

keysofanxiety Avatar
126 months ago
If the overall watch is the same size as the current model, the size of the individual parts is less important.
On the contrary: if the overall watch is the same size as the current model, but the size of the individual parts are smaller, then it will likely have a bigger battery and better battery life! So good news if this is the case.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
126 months ago
except for those who already have one (me) and see no reason to buy another one with this minimal change.

as well as everyone else who didn't buy it and still see no reason to.


So my question is... who is going to buy this?
"No one will want this because I don't want this"

This statement is nearly always incorrect.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
126 months ago
Why do people want always on when they don't constantly look at their watch.
Because it's getting difficult to complain about other things.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
noobinator Avatar
126 months ago
except for those who already have one (me) and see no reason to buy another one with this minimal change.

as well as everyone else who didn't buy it and still see no reason to.


So my question is... who is going to buy this?
Lots will buy it for the GPS, if this rumor is true.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
yaxomoxay Avatar
126 months ago

Current watch looks horrible on my small arms, it's slightly too thick.
Your arms are wrong. Replace as by Apple's instructions.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
126 months ago
OMG it's thinner!!! Just like EVERYBODY was requesting!


(not)
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)