For years, many users of Apple noticed the small red ring surrounding the “Digital Crown” on certain Apple Watch models, sparking curiosity about its real purpose.
While some assumed it was simply a design detail, the red ring actually represented one of the smartwatch’s most important features.
The feature first appeared with the launch of Apple Watch Series 3 in 2017, when Apple introduced cellular connectivity to its smartwatches for the first time.
This upgrade allowed users to make calls, send messages, and access the internet directly from the watch without needing a nearby iPhone.
To distinguish the GPS + Cellular versions from standard GPS-only models, Apple added the now-famous red ring around the Digital Crown as a quick visual identifier.
Over time, the red ring became closely associated with Apple Watches that supported standalone cellular connectivity through an integrated eSIM.
Apple continued using the design across several generations before gradually changing direction with the introduction of the Apple Watch Ultra in 2022.
The Ultra models replaced the red ring with an orange accent that matched the watch’s rugged design language and complemented the distinctive orange Action Button.
Later, with the release of Apple Watch Series 10, Apple completely removed the red ring, opting instead for a cleaner appearance where the Digital Crown matched the color of the watch body itself.
Industry observers believe Apple’s decision was driven by a desire to simplify the design and create a more unified visual identity across newer devices, especially as cellular support became increasingly common in modern Apple Watch models.
Today, spotting an Apple Watch with the classic red ring usually means the device belongs to an older generation such as the Series 9 or earlier, while newer models now follow a more minimal and streamlined design approach.
