It's been a while coming. The constantly evolving iPhone and iPad line-up has taught us to expect Apple products to be updated on a yearly basis, but the first-gen Apple Watch was on the market for 16 months before Apple delivered its successor.

Using an Apple Watch during the past 16 months was a mixed experience: one that saw Apple's first wearable launch amid high praise, confusion, and skepticism of just how much a tiny wrist-worn computer should be able to do.

Finally; fast and reliable performance; Screen is easier to view; even in the sun; Built-in GPS; Water resistance is a nice feature for anyone to have

Battery life is still a day; two at most for non GPS users

The Apple Watch is a polarizing product. Sometimes it feels like a novelty, a gadget lifted straight from Dick Tracy or Inspector Gadget. Other times it seems essential, a heart rate-monitoring device that could save your life .

Apple Watch Series 2 isn't an essential upgrade for current Apple Watch owners, but it's our favorite smartwatch for fitness fanatics.

Brighter 1,000-nit screen is easier to see outdoors; GPS tracks your routes with no iPhone nearby; Water resistant to 50 meters; with new swim...

Still requires nightly charging

The Apple Watch is a polarizing product. Sometimes it feels like a novelty, a gadget lifted straight from Dick Tracy or Inspector Gadget. Other times it seems essential, a heart rate-monitoring device that could save your life .

Brighter 1,000-nit screen is easier to see outdoors; GPS tracks your routes with no iPhone nearby; Water resistant to 50 meters; with new swim workouts

The Apple Watch Series 2 has a few new tricks up its sleeve, but will you want to wear it on yours? While its processor, display and interactivity make it impressively capable, the new Apple Watch remains a sleek gizmo without a killer app.

Equipped with a noticeably faster dual-core S2 processor, its own standalone GPS radio, and now with a waterproof design, the Apple Watch Series 2 is a worthwhile and fantastic upgrade from the first-generation model. It's also a great jumping on point for new buyers.

Ever since Apple put its considerable weight into the smartwatch category it has caused a rising tide that has lifted all boats. As a result, the smartwatch/fitness wearable category has moved forward significantly.

The Apple Watch Series 2 bundles brains, beauty, and brawn into the best smartwatch yet.

Brighter screen is legible outside; Waterproof and ready to swim; Apps launch faster; WatchOS 3 is streamlined; Only watch that fits female wrists

Expensive; One-day battery life

Ironically, Apple has made the Apple Watch more appealing to more shoppers by narrowing its focus. From the GPS and water resistance to the new Activity watch face and activity sharing options, the $369 Series 2 is an excellent fitness tracker watch that happens to have lots of other talents.

Built-in GPS is huge for runners; Faster performance; Brighter display is good in sunlight; Longer battery life; Waterproof design is good for swimming

Not enough workout data on watch; Where's the watch-face store; Lacks LTE support