In 2026, the Apple Watch Series 5 is the cheapest Apple watch worth considering — as long as you buy it refurbished with warranty. It was the first with Always-On Display, has ECG, Always-On altimeter, and the familiar round design. But it is also a 2019 model, with some limitations compared to the Series 9, 10 and 11. Here is the honest analysis for 2026, covering iOutlet 24-month warranty alternatives.
In this article
- Apple Watch Series 5: Specifications in Detail
- What the Series 5 Does Well in 2026
- What the Series 5 Doesn't Do (And What Newer Models Do)
- watchOS Support in 2026
- Is It Worth Buying Apple Watch Series 5 in 2026?
- Yes, if...
- No, if...
- Series 5 vs Alternatives in Refurbished
- Buying Refurbished Apple Watch from iOutlet
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Apple Watch Series 5 still receive updates in 2026?
- Series 5 or refurbished Series 6?
- Does a refurbished Apple Watch battery last?
- Apple Watch SE or refurbished Series 5?
Apple Watch Series 5: Specifications in Detail
- Launch: September 2019
- Sizes: 40mm and 44mm
- Case colours: silver aluminium, space grey, gold; stainless steel; titanium; ceramic (discontinued)
- Connectivity: GPS or GPS+Cellular
- Chip: S5 SiP dual-core 64-bit, W3 wireless
- Display: Retina LTPO OLED Always-On (first generation with this feature), 1,000 nits
- Sensors: ECG, second-generation optical heart rate, always-on altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscope
- Water resistance: WR50 (water up to 50m)
- Storage: 32GB
- Battery: up to 18 hours in normal use
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi b/g/n 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0
What the Series 5 Does Well in 2026
- Always-On Display — see the time without raising your wrist, a premium feature
- ECG — atrial fibrillation detection, with Apple Health app
- Heart rate notifications for high, low and irregular heart rate
- Fall detection — automatically calls emergency in case of impact
- Apple Pay — contactless payments via NFC
- Exercise tracking with over 70 workout types
- Essential apps — Music, Messages, Phone, Calendar, Maps
- Built-in Compass — first-generation Apple Watch to have it
What the Series 5 Doesn't Do (And What Newer Models Do)
- Blood oxygen (SpO2) — sensor introduced only in Series 6
- Body temperature — sensor introduced in Series 8
- Crash Detection — only in Series 8 and later
- Double Tap gesture — only in Series 9 and later
- watchOS 11+ — Series 5 stuck on watchOS 10 (latest supported)
- Fast charging — only from Series 7 onwards
- Larger display 41/45mm — Series 7+ brought more screen in the same body
watchOS Support in 2026
The Apple Watch Series 5 is stuck on watchOS 10 — the latest supported version. It does not receive watchOS 11 or later versions. In practice:
- Essential functions continue to work (health, exercise, notifications, Apple Pay)
- Third-party apps may stop working as they update to watchOS 11+
- No new features from recent watchOS (vitals, double tap, etc.)
- Still receives occasional security updates
For basic everyday use, the Series 5 is still viable. For maximum future longevity, consider newer models.
Is It Worth Buying Apple Watch Series 5 in 2026?
Yes, if...
- You're looking for the cheapest Apple Watch with Always-On Display and ECG
- You want basic Apple smartwatch experience without spending much
- You buy refurbished with iOutlet 24-month warranty
- You don't need SpO2, body temperature or Crash Detection
- You accept that future support is limited
No, if...
- You want SpO2, body temperature or Crash Detection — go for Series 8+
- You want Always-On Display in a newer model — Series 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 all have it
- You want current and future watchOS — Series 6+ receives watchOS 11 and later
- You value double tap gesture, vitals app — Series 9 or higher
Series 5 vs Alternatives in Refurbished
| Refurbished model | Always-On | ECG | SpO2 | Temperature | Future watchOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Series 5 | Yes | Yes | — | — | Limited (stuck on watchOS 10) |
| Series 6 | Yes | Yes | Yes* | — | Guaranteed for more years |
| Series 7 | Yes | Yes | Yes* | — | Guaranteed for more years |
| Series 8 | Yes | Yes | Yes* | Yes | Guaranteed for more years |
| SE (2nd gen) | — | — | — | — | Guaranteed |
* SpO2 disabled in some markets (including Portugal) for recent Series 9+ — check Apple.com PT.
For most buyers in 2026, we recommend looking at an iOutlet refurbished Apple Watch Series 6 or 7 — similar price to Series 5 but with SpO2 and longer future support.
Buying Refurbished Apple Watch from iOutlet
Each refurbished Apple Watch from iOutlet goes through over 30 checks: battery tested with specialized technical software, display (no dead pixels), touch, sensors (heart rate, ECG, accelerometer, gyroscope, altimeter), microphone, speaker, GPS, NFC for Apple Pay and side button. watchOS reinstalled.
- iOutlet 24-month warranty — battery covered like any component
- Free delivery within 8 business days in Portugal
- 14 days to return with no questions
- European brand, not marketplace
- Up to 60% savings vs new Series 11
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Apple Watch Series 5 still receive updates in 2026?
It's stuck on watchOS 10. It only receives occasional security updates, not new features. Essential functions continue to work; some third-party apps may become incompatible over time.
Series 5 or refurbished Series 6?
Series 6 — typically similar price but adds SpO2 and has future watchOS 11+ support. Better value in 2026.
Does a refurbished Apple Watch battery last?
At iOutlet, yes — tested with specialized technical software before dispatch. If performance is insufficient, the unit is rejected or the component replaced. Covered by iOutlet 24-month warranty.
Apple Watch SE or refurbished Series 5?
SE 2nd generation has a newer chip, more future longevity, but no ECG or Always-On. Series 5 has ECG and Always-On but limited future support. For health, Series 5 (or higher). For longevity, SE.
Ready to choose? See all refurbished Apple Watch models available from iOutlet — Series 5 to Ultra — with iOutlet 24-month warranty, free delivery within 8 business days and up to 60% savings vs new.
Diagnostic tools
Get more articles like this one.
Refurbished tech analysis + €5 with BEMVINDO5 on your first order.
Looking for a refurbished Apple Watch?
Tested and certified Apple Watches with a 24-month warranty.
