Will your old Apple Watch bands fit the new Apple Watch Series 6?

Will your old Apple Watch bands fit the new Apple Watch Series 6?

Best Answer: Yes, your old Apple Watch bands will fit the new Apple Watch Series 6 as long as you stick with the same size (38mm is the same as 40mm, and 42mm is the same as 44mm.) Even though Series 0-3 are not the same size as Series 4 and 5, the lug design has been the same since Series 3, allowing for maximum compatibility.Get the latest and greatest: Apple Watch Series 6 (From $399 at Apple)

So my Series 3 and earlier bands will fit?

If you have an older Apple Watch Series 0, 1, 2, or 3 Apple Watch, your bands should be for either the 38mm or 42mm case. However, even though the Apple Watch Series 4, 5, and the new Apple Watch Series 6 come in the slightly different case sizes — 40mm or 44mm —,your older bands from Series 3 and earlier will still fit.

This is because when Apple slightly increased the size of the Apple Watch case, they kept the strap sizes the same. So if you had a 38mm Apple Watch, your straps for that will fit the 40mm Apple Watch Series 6. And, if you had a 42mm, they'll work with the 44mm Watch.

Series 4 to Series 6 bands are fine?

Apple Watch Series 4, Series 5, and Series 6 come in the 40mm and 44mm case sizes, so they are the same. As long as you get the same size for the new Apple Watch, then the existing bands you have should fit without issue.

While the Apple Watch has been around for many years now, Apple has kept the same lug design every year. This makes it possible to use even original bands with the latest Apple Watch, so if you have a favorite strap from way back when that has been discontinued, you can still use it with your Apple Watch Series 6.

Until Apple makes a huge design change with the Apple Watch, any band you have that works with the square shape will work. If you want some new Apple Watch bands, check out some of the best ones available right now.

Luke Filipowicz
Staff Writer

Luke Filipowicz has been a writer at iMore, covering Apple for nearly a decade now. He writes a lot about Apple Watch and iPad but covers the iPhone and Mac as well. He often describes himself as an "Apple user on a budget" and firmly believes that great technology can be affordable if you know where to look. Luke also heads up the iMore Show — a weekly podcast focusing on Apple news, rumors, and products but likes to have some fun along the way. 


Luke knows he spends more time on Twitter than he probably should, so feel free to follow him or give him a shout on social media @LukeFilipowicz.