From the Forums: Apple Watch Size Comparison

Apple Watch Size ComparisonApple Watch Size on Wrist Comparison
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.

Discussion Threads

  1. "38mm Versus 42mm Photoshop + Print to Size" posted by Technodynamic
  2. "38mm vs 42mm On Wrist Comparison" posted by lupend88

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.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 10

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

iPhone 17 Pro: 5 Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year

Monday September 1, 2025 4:35 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series this month, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming to...
iOS 18 on iPhone Arrow Down

Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears

Sunday August 31, 2025 4:35 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs. We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else. iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...

Top Rated Comments

rickdollar Avatar
138 months ago
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.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cariacou Avatar
138 months ago
Can I get the print-to-size for the Apple Car?
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
baryon Avatar
138 months ago
History suggests that people shouldn't rush out to buy the first iteration regardless.

They actually should, because then Apple will deem it a success and make a 2nd gen product for us to buy.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nookster Avatar
138 months ago
1st gen product

History suggests that people shouldn't rush out to buy the first iteration regardless.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
caligurl Avatar
138 months ago
oh dear..... seeing these pictures makes me think even the 38 is going to be GINORMOUS on my wrist! :eek:
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
KylePowers Avatar
138 months ago
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?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)