We receive a lot of questions about Apple Watch bands, particularly around which bands fit which watches and whether bands carry over between generations. To make things easier, we've created the guide below. Simply find your Apple Watch model to determine the correct band size and compatible watches.
The good news is that Apple Watch band compatibility is simple: every Apple Watch band fits every Apple Watch of the same size group, across all generations from the original Series 1 through to the new Series 12 and Ultra 4, and across all case materials. Aluminium, stainless steel, titanium and ceramic models all take the same bands. The only thing you need to know is your case size, which is engraved on the back of your watch.
Every Apple Watch band comes in one of two size groups, and bands are fully interchangeable within their group.
Fits these cases: 38mm, 40mm, 41mm, and 42mm (Series 10, 11 and 12 only)
Compatible models:
Series 12 (42mm), Series 11 (42mm), Series 10 (42mm), Series 9 (41mm), Series 8 (41mm), Series 7 (41mm), Series 6 (40mm), Series 5 (40mm), Series 4 (40mm), SE 3 (40mm), SE 1st and 2nd gen (40mm), Series 3 (38mm), Series 2 (38mm), Series 1 (38mm).
Fits these cases: 44mm, 45mm, 46mm, 49mm, and 42mm (Series 1, 2 and 3 only)
Compatible models:
Series 12 (46mm), Series 11 (46mm), Series 10 (46mm), Ultra 4 (49mm), Ultra 3 (49mm), Ultra 2 (49mm), Ultra (49mm), Series 9 (45mm), Series 8 (45mm), Series 7 (45mm), Series 6 (44mm), Series 5 (44mm), Series 4 (44mm), SE 3 (44mm), SE 1st and 2nd gen (44mm), Series 3 (42mm), Series 2 (42mm), Series 1 (42mm).
Watch out for the 42mm trap: Apple has used "42mm" for two very different watches. The 42mm on the older Series 1, 2 and 3 is the larger case of its generation and takes the larger 44/45/46/49 bands, while the 42mm on the Series 10, 11 and 12 is the smaller case and takes the smaller 40/41/42 bands. If your watch says 42mm on the back, check which series it is before ordering, or shop directly from the 42mm Series 10/11/12 collection or the 42mm Series 1/2/3 collection.
| Model | Band Size |
|---|---|
| Series 12 (46mm) | 44/45/46/49 |
| Series 12 (42mm) | 40/41/42 |
The Series 12, released in September 2026, keeps the same 42mm and 46mm case sizes as the Series 10 and 11, and this applies to every finish including the new ceramic models. All existing bands carry over, so bands from a 45mm or 44mm watch fit the 46mm Series 12, and bands from a 41mm or 40mm watch fit the 42mm Series 12. Shop 42mm bands and 46mm bands.
| Model | Band Size |
|---|---|
| Series 11 (46mm) | 44/45/46/49 |
| Series 11 (42mm) | 40/41/42 |
Bands from a 45mm Series 7, 8 or 9 or a 44mm model fit the 46mm Series 11, and bands from a 41mm or 40mm model fit the 42mm Series 11, so your existing bands carry over when you upgrade. Shop Series 11 bands.
| Model | Band Size |
|---|---|
| Series 10 (46mm) | 44/45/46/49 |
| Series 10 (42mm) | 40/41/42 |
The Series 10 shares its case sizes and bands with the Series 11. Shop Series 10 bands.
Size: 49mm, takes 44/45/46/49 bands
Compatibility:
All four Ultra generations use the same 49mm case, so Ultra bands are interchangeable across the Ultra 4 (released September 2026), Ultra 3, Ultra 2 and original Ultra. Any band from the larger group also fits, including bands from 44mm, 45mm and 46mm models. Shop 49mm Ultra bands, Ultra 3 bands, Ultra 2 bands and Ultra bands.
| Model | Band Size |
|---|---|
| SE 3 / SE (44mm) | 44/45/46/49 |
| SE 3 / SE (40mm) | 40/41/42 |
All three SE generations use the same 40mm and 44mm cases, so SE bands are interchangeable across every SE, and also fit the Series 4, 5 and 6 in the matching size. Shop SE 3 bands and SE bands.
| Model | Band Size |
|---|---|
| Series 9 / 8 / 7 (45mm) | 44/45/46/49 |
| Series 9 / 8 / 7 (41mm) | 40/41/42 |
These three generations share the same 41mm and 45mm cases and are fully interchangeable with each other, plus every other model in their size group. Shop Series 9 bands, Series 8 bands and Series 7 bands.
| Model | Band Size |
|---|---|
| Series 6 / 5 / 4 (44mm) | 44/45/46/49 |
| Series 6 / 5 / 4 (40mm) | 40/41/42 |
These generations share the same 40mm and 44mm cases as the SE models, and their bands fit every other model in the matching size group. Shop 40mm bands and 44mm bands.
| Model | Band Size |
|---|---|
| Series 3 / 2 / 1 (42mm) | 44/45/46/49 |
| Series 3 / 2 / 1 (38mm) | 40/41/42 |
Note that the 42mm case in these early generations takes the larger band group, unlike the 42mm on the Series 10, 11 and 12. The 38mm case takes the smaller group, so a 38mm band also fits any 40mm, 41mm or 42mm (Series 10/11/12) watch, and vice versa. Shop 38mm bands and 42mm Series 1/2/3 bands.
If you want to use your own traditional watch band on your Apple Watch, you can simply buy an Apple Watch adapter that connects any standard watch band to your Apple Watch's lugs. We generally prefer the spring bar style adapters, which behave like a traditional watch band in terms of connection and simplicity. The screw style adapters work too, but their tiny screws are easy to lose during band changes, so it comes down to personal preference.
| Apple Watch Model | Case Sizes | Band Size Group |
|---|---|---|
| Series 12 | 42mm / 46mm | 40/41/42 / 44/45/46/49 |
| Series 11 | 42mm / 46mm | 40/41/42 / 44/45/46/49 |
| Series 10 | 42mm / 46mm | 40/41/42 / 44/45/46/49 |
| Ultra 4 / Ultra 3 / Ultra 2 / Ultra | 49mm | 44/45/46/49 |
| SE 3 / SE (1st and 2nd gen) | 40mm / 44mm | 40/41/42 / 44/45/46/49 |
| Series 9 / Series 8 / Series 7 | 41mm / 45mm | 40/41/42 / 44/45/46/49 |
| Series 6 / 5 / 4 | 40mm / 44mm | 40/41/42 / 44/45/46/49 |
| Series 3 / 2 / 1 | 38mm / 42mm | 40/41/42 / 44/45/46/49 |
Once you know your size, browse the full range of Apple Watch bands, shop by style such as leather, stainless steel, Milanese Loop, sport, silicone or nylon, or start with our Apple Watch best sellers.
As always, feel free to reach out to us at sales@ozstraps.com.au if you have any questions about Apple Watch band compatibility.
OzStraps Team