Updated Feb 2026
Apple Watch Screen Sizes 2026
Complete Apple Watch screen dimension reference: Ultra 2, Series 10, and SE. Resolutions, PPI, and watchOS design specs.
All Apple Watch Models — Quick Reference
| Model | Case Size | Screen Size | Resolution | PPI | Display Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | 49mm | 1.93" | 502 × 410 px |
338 PPI | 1,164 mm² |
| Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm) | 46mm | 1.96" | 496 × 403 px |
326 PPI | 1,220 mm² |
| Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) | 42mm | 1.69" | 430 × 352 px |
326 PPI | 1,000 mm² |
| Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm) | 45mm | 1.90" | 484 × 396 px |
326 PPI | 1,143 mm² |
| Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm) | 41mm | 1.65" | 430 × 352 px |
326 PPI | 904 mm² |
| Apple Watch SE (44mm) | 44mm | 1.78" | 448 × 368 px |
326 PPI | 977 mm² |
| Apple Watch SE (40mm) | 40mm | 1.57" | 394 × 324 px |
326 PPI | 759 mm² |
Detailed Specifications
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Case Size
49mm
Screen Size
1.93 inches
Resolution
502 × 410 px
Pixel Density
338 PPI
Display Area
1,164 mm²
Display Type
Always-On LTPO3 OLED
Max Brightness
3,000 nits
Pro Tips:
- Largest Apple Watch display with flat sapphire crystal
- Design for Always-On display — dim content when wrist is down
- Use @2x assets (326-338 PPI standard for watchOS)
- Extra Action Button on left side — consider in UI design
Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm)
Case Size
46mm
Screen Size
1.96 inches
Resolution
496 × 403 px
Pixel Density
326 PPI
Display Area
1,220 mm²
Display Type
Always-On LTPO3 OLED
Design Notes:
- Largest standard Series watch — 9% bigger screen than Series 9
- Thinner case design with wider display
- Standard 326 PPI matches most watchOS apps
- Design scales from 42mm — test both sizes
Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm)
Case Size
42mm
Screen Size
1.69 inches
Resolution
430 × 352 px
Pixel Density
326 PPI
Display Area
1,000 mm²
Display Type
Always-On LTPO3 OLED
Design Notes:
- Smaller Series 10 option — ideal for smaller wrists
- Same display technology as 46mm model
- Resolution matches Series 9 41mm for app compatibility
- Use adaptive layouts to support both sizes
Apple Watch SE
Case Sizes
44mm / 40mm
Screen Sizes
1.78" / 1.57"
Resolution (44mm)
448 × 368 px
Resolution (40mm)
394 × 324 px
Pixel Density
326 PPI
Display Type
Retina LTPO OLED
Budget Option:
- Affordable Apple Watch with core features
- No Always-On display — screen turns off when wrist down
- Same PPI and app compatibility as Series watches
- Still runs watchOS 11 (2026)
watchOS Design Guidelines
Key Design Principles:
- Design for Points: watchOS uses @2x scale (1pt = 2px on all models)
- Round Corners: All Apple Watches have rounded rectangular displays
- Safe Area: Keep critical content 4-6pt from screen edges
- Glanceable Content: Users view watch for 2-3 seconds — prioritize key info
- Digital Crown: Design for scrolling via crown, not touch swipes
- Complications: Support all complication families (Circular, Rectangular, Modular)
- Always-On: Dim colors and simplify UI when wrist is down (Series/Ultra only)
- Test Multiple Sizes: Ensure layouts work on 40mm-49mm displays
Understanding Apple Watch Screen Specifications
Case Size vs. Screen Size
Apple Watch case size (40mm, 44mm, etc.) refers to the vertical height of the case body, not the screen diagonal. The actual screen size is smaller and measured diagonally in inches.
Display Area Comparison
Apple Watch displays vary significantly in usable area:
- Ultra 2 (49mm): 1,164 mm² — largest with flat design
- Series 10 (46mm): 1,220 mm² — largest curved display
- Series 10 (42mm): 1,000 mm² — compact modern option
- SE (40mm): 759 mm² — smallest current model
Pixel Density
All modern Apple Watches use 326 PPI (Retina standard) or 338 PPI (Ultra 2 only). This means:
- @2x scale: 1pt = 2px on all Apple Watch models
- No @3x assets needed: Unlike iPhone Pro models
- Consistent design units: UI designed in points scales across all sizes
Design Resolution
When designing watchOS apps:
- Design in points: Ultra 2 = 251 × 205 pt, Series 10 46mm = 248 × 201.5 pt
- Export at 2×: Multiply point values by 2 for pixel assets
- Use Adaptive Layouts: Apps must work on all case sizes (40mm-49mm)
- Test on Device: Rounded corners affect visible area more on smaller watches
Always-On Display Design
Series and Ultra models support Always-On display. Design considerations:
- Two Display States: Active (wrist up) and Ambient (wrist down)
- Dim Content: Reduce brightness and hide non-essential UI in ambient mode
- Use System Styles: watchOS automatically dims standard UI elements
- Test Both States: Ensure readability in both active and ambient modes
Complications
Watch face complications must support multiple families:
- Circular: Small round complication (e.g., corner positions)
- Rectangular: Horizontal bar complication
- Modular: Large square complication (center of Modular face)
- Graphic: Rich circular, bezel, corner, and rectangular variants
- Extra Large: Full-screen complication (X-Large face)