Which Apple Watch straps are compatible with each other?
One of the most exciting aspects of owning an Apple Watch is styling and customising the device to suit your personality and lifestyle. The customisation options are impressive, from different bezels and watch case colours to a multitude of different types of straps. You can choose from simple silicone straps to metal straps with rhinestones, depending on what you're looking for.
But with so many straps available, it can be difficult to know which straps are compatible with your Apple Watch. In this blog post, we explain what to look for when searching for the perfect strap for your Apple Watch.
→ When you’ve figured out what you need, check out our collection of Apple Watch straps and accessories for all models and series.
The key rule: Strap compatibility is based on case size
Apple Watch straps are interchangeable across generations as long as they match your watch's case size. The most important thing to remember is:
Strap compatibility is based on case size, not model number.
As long as the dimensions fit your watch, you can switch straps between the different series. The first Apple Watch Series 1 is compatible with all straps that have the same dimensions, and this compatibility continues through to the latest Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra models.
However, there are minor size differences between some sizes of Apple Watches. Depending on the size of your watch, make sure the strap size is compatible.
Apple Watch strap size groups
Apple groups watches into two main size categories for strap compatibility:
Smaller case sizes: 38mm, 40mm, 41mm
Straps for these sizes are cross-compatible:
- 38mm case (Series 1–3): Compatible with 38mm, 40mm, 41mm straps
- 40mm case (Series 4–6): Compatible with 38mm, 40mm, 41mm straps
- 41mm case (Series 7–11): Compatible with 38mm, 40mm, 41mm straps
A strap made for any of these sizes will fit the others.
Larger case sizes: 42mm, 44mm, 45mm, 46mm, 49mm
Straps for these sizes are cross-compatible:
- 42mm case (Series 1–3): Compatible with 42mm, 44mm, 45mm, 46mm, 49mm straps
- 44mm case (Series 4–6): Compatible with 42mm, 44mm, 45mm, 46mm, 49mm straps
- 45mm case (Series 7–9): Compatible with 42mm, 44mm, 45mm, 46mm, 49mm straps
- 46mm case (Series 10–11): Compatible with 42mm, 44mm, 45mm, 46mm, 49mm straps
- 49mm case (Apple Watch Ultra, Ultra 2, Ultra 3): Compatible with 42mm, 44mm, 45mm, 46mm, 49mm straps
→ A strap made for any of these sizes will fit the others.
Important: Apple Watch Ultra straps are designed for the 49mm case but use the same lug width as smaller models in this group, so they work on 42mm–46mm watches too. Conversely, straps designed for 42mm–46mm watches will fit the Ultra models.
→ See all of our Apple Watch Ultra straps and accessories.
Latest Apple Watch models (Series 10 & 11)
The newest Apple Watch models follow the same compatibility rules:
- Apple Watch Series 11 comes in 41mm and 46mm cases
- Apple Watch Series 10 comes in 42mm and 46mm cases
Compatibility:
- 41mm Series 11 uses the same straps as 38mm and 40mm watches
- 46mm Series 10/11 uses the same straps as 42mm, 44mm, 45mm, and 49mm watches
So if you upgrade from a 40mm Series 9 to a 41mm Series 11, your old straps still fit. If you move from a 44mm Series 8 to a 46mm Series 10/11, your old straps will work perfectly.
How to check your Apple Watch size
Don't know the size of your Apple Watch? No problem:
- On the back of your watch: Just flip your watch over and you can read the model and size of your watch (e.g., "41mm" or "46mm")
- In the Watch app on iPhone:
- Open the Watch app
- Go to: My Watch → General → About → Model
- Match the model number to Apple's size chart if needed
Third-party strap compatibility
The good news is that third-party straps made for Apple Watch work with all Apple Watches within the correct size group. You don't have to limit yourself to the original Apple Watch straps because Apple Watch straps have an interchangeable lug system. So any third-party strap that has the same system will work with your Apple Watch.
Most non-Apple-branded straps are often a more affordable alternative to Apple's original straps, giving you a wide range of choices to suit your style and complement the watch design.
When shopping for third-party straps:
- Look for straps labeled "for 38/40/41mm" or "for 42/44/45/46/49mm"
- Check product descriptions for explicit compatibility with Series 10 and Series 11
- Any strap with the correct lug width will work, as long as it's designed for Apple Watch
How to change your Apple Watch strap
The easiest way to replace the strap is to hold down the safety catch on the back of the watch and then gently remove the strap. Remember never to pull too hard and never force the bracelet into the opening. If you have inserted your strap correctly, it will not move.
Want to know more? Check out our guide to changing your Apple Watch strap.
Key takeaways
- ✅ Straps are compatible across Series 1–11 and Ultra 1–3 within the same size group
- ✅ 38/40/41mm straps are interchangeable
- ✅ 42/44/45/46/49mm straps are interchangeable
- ✅ Ultra straps work on 42–46mm watches, and vice versa
- ✅ Series 11 (41mm/46mm) follows the same compatibility rules as previous series
- ❌ Never mix small and large size straps (e.g., a 40mm strap won't fit a 46mm watch)
Buying a new strap for your Apple Watch doesn't have to be confusing. Remember, as long as you stick to the same size group as your case, there should be no problem. The best thing about owning an Apple Watch is that you don't have to limit yourself to buying only original Apple Watch straps – you can use other third-party retailers as long as they have the same mount.
This system makes it easy to reuse straps when upgrading, as long as you stay within the correct size group. So customise your Apple Watch to suit your personality and match your style. Personalising your smartwatch has never been easier than it is now.
