Apple Watch (stylized as WATCH) is a line of smartwatches developed, designed, and

marketed by Apple Inc. It incorporates fitness tracking and health-oriented capabilities with
integration with iOS and other Apple products and services. The original generation of the
device was available in four variants: Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch, Apple Watch Herms,
and Apple Watch Edition; each distinguished by different combinations of cases and first- or
third-party interchangeable bands. Apple Watch relies on a wirelessly connected iPhone to
perform many of its default functions such as calling and texting. It is compatible with
the iPhone 5 or later models running iOS 8.2 or later, through the use of Wi-Fior Bluetooth.
Announced by Apple CEO Tim Cook in September 2014, the device was released in April 24,
2015 The Apple Watch quickly became the best-selling wearable device with the supply of
4.2 million smartwatches in the second quarter of the 2015 fiscal year. The second generation
of Apple Watch, released in September 2016, includes two tiers: Apple Watch Series 2 and
Apple Watch Series 1, which includes the S1P chip, but is otherwise identical to the original.
The Series 3 was announced at a presentation at Apple Park on September 12, 2017 and
was released on September 22, 2017.

Development[edit]
The goal of the Apple Watch was to enhance the uses of an iPhone by using a watch.[14]
Kevin Lynch was brought on by Apple to make wearable technology for the wrist. He said:
"People are carrying their phones with them and looking at the screen so much. People want
that level of engagement. But how do we provide it in a way that's a little more human, a little
more in the moment when youre with somebody?"[14] The Apple Watch works by connecting
via Bluetooth to the phone and accessing any Watch compatible apps stored on the mobile
device. Apple's development process was held very much under wraps until a Wired article
revealed how some internal design decisions were made.[14]

Unveiling and release[edit]

Rumors surrounded an Apple-developed wearable device back as far as 2011, which
conceptualized the device as a variation of the iPod that would curve around the user's wrist,
and feature Siri integration.[15] On February 10, 2013, both The New York Times and The Wall
Street Journal reported that Apple was beginning to develop an iOS-based smartwatch with a
curved display.[16] On February 12, 2013, Bloomberg reported that Apple's smartwatch project
was "beyond the experimentation phase in its development", and had a team of at least 100
designers working on the project.[17] Further reports in March 2013 indicated that Apple
planned to release the device by the end of the year.[18] In July 2013, Financial Times
reported that Apple had begun hiring more employees to work on the smartwatch, and that it
was targeting a possible retail release in late 2014.[19]
In April 2014, Apple CEO Tim Cook told The Wall Street Journal that the company was
planning to launch new product categories that year, but did not reveal any specifics.[20] In
June 2014, Reuters reported that production was expected to begin in July for a release in
October.[21]
On September 9, 2014, during a press event where the iPhone 6 was also presented, the
new product was introduced by Tim Cook as "the next chapter in Apple's story" with a video
that focused on its design and the various combinations of bands and case styles that would
be available to the consumers. After the reveal video, the auditorium was filled with prolonged
applause and a standing ovation as Tim Cook reappeared onstage wearing an Apple Watch.
Cook explained that Apple Watch was "a precise timepiece, a new intimate way to
communicate from your wrist, and a comprehensive health and fitness device." [22][23]
In comparison to other Apple products and competing smartwatches, marketing of Apple
Watch focused more on advertising the device as a fashion accessory; a 12-page advertising
spread for Apple Watch in an issue of Vogue focused primarily on the different combinations
of body and band styles available, and downplayed the technological aspects of it. [24][25] Apple
has also, in particular, focused upon its health and fitness-oriented features, competing
against dedicated activity trackers,[26] and with WatchOS 3, has expanded on them with
fitness tracking for wheelchair users, social sharing in the Activity app, and a new Breathe
app to encourage mindfulness.

Release[edit]
Pre-orders for the Apple Watch began on April 10, 2015, with the official release on April
24.[27]
Initially, the Apple Watch was not available at the Apple Store; beginning on April 10, 2015,
customers could receive appointments for demonstrations and fitting, but the device was not
in-stock for walk-in purchases, and had to be reserved and ordered online (however, sales
representatives were able to assist in the process). CNET felt that this distribution model was
designed to prevent Apple Store locations from having long line-ups due to the high
demand.[28][29] Selected Apple Watch models were available in-store at certain luxury
boutiques and authorized Apple resellers in limited quantities.[30] On June 4, 2015, Apple
announced that it did plan to stock Apple Watch models at its retail locations. [29] On August
24, 2015, during an earnings call, Best Buy announced that it would begin stocking Apple
Watch at its retail stores by the end of September.[31] Both T-Mobile US and Sprint also
announced plans to offer Apple Watch through its retail stores.[32]
On September 9, 2015, in Apple's Special Event, Apple launched a new collection of Apple
Watch in collaboration with Herms. This new collection, Apple Watch Herms, comes in
stainless steel body with finely crafted leather bands in distinctive styles from Herms,
including the Single Tour, Double Tour and Cuff models. Initially, Apple Watch Herms was
only available in selected retail stores of Apple and Herms, but it became available for
purchase at Apple's website on January 22, 2016.[33] New colors for Apple-designed bands
were also announced, along with a release date for watchOS 2 update.
The device was not branded as "iWatch" (which would put it in line with its pre-existing
product lines such as iPod, iPhone, and iPad) due to trademark conflicts in certain territories;
in the United States, the "iWatch" trademark is owned by OMG Electronics who was
crowdfunding a device under the same name, and is owned in the European Union by Irish
firm Probendi.[34][35] In July 2015, Probendi sued Apple Inc. for trademark infringement,
arguing that through keyword advertising on the Google search engine, it caused advertising
for the Apple Watch to appear on search results pages when users searched for the
trademarked term "iWatch".[36]
Apple Watch went on sale in India on November 6.[37] The device has also launched in Chile,
the Philippines, and South Africa.[38] Apple Watch became available in Indonesia on
December 4.[39]
During the Apple Event on March 21, 2016, a refreshed color lineup of watch bands were
announced along with a new nylon band. The price of the Sport models were also cut by
$50.[40]

Specifications[edit]
Design[edit]
The original Apple Watch came in four collections (Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch, Apple
Watch Edition, and Apple Watch Herms)[41] and features two case sizes: 38 mm (1.5 in) and
42 mm (1.7 in).[42] The case of the watch includes a mechanism to enable the straps to be
interchangeable. For input, the watch includes a "digital crown", which can be turned to scroll
or zoom and pressed to return to the home screen, and a touchscreen that features Force
Touch technology, which makes it pressure-sensitive and capable of distinguishing between a
tap and a press.[5] The watch also has a side button which can be used to display favorite
contacts and access Apple Pay.[43] Apple rates the device's battery for 18 hours of mixed
usage.[5][44] Apple Watch is charged by means of inductive charging, using a cable similar to
the MagSafe cable from Apple's MacBook family of laptops.[9] If the watch's battery depletes
to less than 10 percent, the user is alerted and offered to enable a "power reserve" mode,
which allows the user to continue to read the time for an additional 72 hours. The watch then
reverts to its original mode when recharged.[45]
Apple does not explicitly market the original Apple Watch as being waterproof, stating that it
can withstand splashes of water (such as rain and hand washing), but does not recommend
submersion (IPX7). However, external testing by The Iconfactory and others revealed that
Apple Watch can function when submerged in various conditions (such as swimming),
although its touchscreen experiences "erratic" behavior when submerged. Additionally, usage
in water may void its warranty, constituting "damage caused by [use] outside Apple's
published guidelines", and apps taking advantage of this may not be allowed per App Store
policies which forbid the publishing of apps that encourage users to use devices in ways that
may damage them.[46][47]
Hardware[edit]
First generation[edit]

Apple S1
The first-generation Apple Watch uses the S1 system-on-chip. It does not have a built-in GPS
chip, instead relying on a paired iPhone for location services. It uses a linear actuator called
the "Taptic Engine" to provide haptic feedback when an alert or a notification is received, and
is used for other purposes by certain apps.[5] The watch is equipped with a built-in heart rate
sensor, which uses both infrared and visible-light LEDs and photodiodes.[48] All versions of the
Apple Watch have 8 GB of storage; the operating system allows the user to store up to 2 GB
of music and 75 MB of photos. When the Apple Watch is paired with an iPhone, all music on
that iPhone is also available to be controlled and accessed from the Apple Watch.[49]
The Apple Watch only turns on when you activate the watch (either by lifting your wrist,
touching the screen, or pressing a button).[50]
The hardware has a large number of proprietary and custom accessories available for a
customized look. Third-party bands and cases can be switched at the user's discretion.

Second generation[edit]
Main article: Apple Watch Series 2

Apple S1P

Apple S2
The second generation has two tiers. One, Series 1, has a dual-core variant of the Apple S1
processor, dubbed S1P, and has a lower starting price than first generation watches. [51] The
other, Series 2, has a dual-core Apple S2 processor, water resistance to 50 meters, a 2x
brighter display (1000 nits vs 450 nits), as well as GPS. [52]
Third generation[edit]
Main article: Apple Watch Series 3
Apple S3
The third generation of the Apple Watch features a faster dual-core S3 processor, Bluetooth
4.2 vs 4.0 on older models, a built-in altimeter for measuring flights of stairs climbed,
increased RAM size, and optional LTE cellular connectivity. Siri is able to speak on Apple
Watch Series 3 due to the increased processing speed of the Watch.[53]

Software[edit]
Apple Watch runs watchOS, whose interface is based around a home screen with circular
app icons. The OS can be navigated using the touchscreen or the crown on the side of the
watch.[5] Apple Watch must be paired with an iPhone 5 or later running iOS 8.2 or later; this
version of iOS introduced the Apple Watch app, which is used to advertise Apple Watch,
pairing with an iPhone, customize settings and loaded apps, and highlight compatible apps
from the App Store.[5]
It is capable of receiving notifications, messages, and phone calls via a paired iPhone. [5]
"Glances" allowed users to swipe between pages containing widget-like displays of
information; however, this feature was replaced by a new Control Center. WatchOS also
supports Handoff to send content from Apple Watch to an iOS or OS X device,[5] and act as a
viewfinder for an iPhone camera,[43] Siri is also available for voice commands, although it is
not capable of responding with voice prompts.[5] Apple Watch also supports Apple Pay, and
enables its use with older iPhone models that do not contain near-field communication (NFC)
support.[5]
Apple Watch's default apps are designed to interact with their iOS counterparts, such as e-
mail, phone, Calendar, Messages, Maps, Music, Photos, Reminders, Remote (which can
control iTunes and Apple TV), Stocks, and Wallet.[5] Using the Activity and Workout apps, a
user can track their physical activity and send data back to the iPhone for use in its Health
app and other HealthKit-enabled software.[5] With WatchOS 3, Reminders, Home, Find My
Friends, Heart Rate, and Breathe were added to the many stock apps.

Version history[edit]
See also: watchOS version history
watchOS 1.0.1 featured performance improvements and support for additional emoji and
languages,[54] and was released on May 29, 2015. At WWDC 2015, Tim Cook announced
watchOS 2.0; described by CNET as a "significant revamp", it included a new software
development kit that allows more direct access to the device's hardware, new watch faces,
the ability to reply to an e-mail, and other features.[55] watchOS 2.0 was set to be released on
September 16, 2015, but was delayed due to a bug fix taking longer than expected; [56] it was
instead released on September 21, 2015.[57]
watchOS 2.0 was released as a way to bring new features and more improvements to Apple
Watch. Although enhancements were seen through this software update, many users pointed
out that their apps are almost universally useless due to lag and touches that don't register
immediately.[58] However, there are ways to speed up the Apple Watch by turning off several
options from the Settings app.[59]
watchOS 3.0 was announced at WWDC 2016, with a priority on performance. Users are able
to keep apps running in memory as well as receive background updates and refreshed
information. Other updates include a new Dock invoked with the side button to replace the
performance-laden Glances, an updated Control Center, and new reply options on Messages.
Several new watch faces have also been added, including Minnie Mouse, along with the
ability to switch watch faces from the lock screen simply by swiping. A new feature called
SOS allows users to hold the dock button to make a call to the local emergency line and pull
up the user's Medical ID. Another feature is Activity Sharing, which allows sharing of workouts
with friends and even sending their heartbeats to one another. A new app called Breathe
guides users through breathing exercises throughout the day, with visuals and haptic
feedback. watchOS 3.0 was released to developers on June 13, 2016 and was made
available to the public on September 13, 2016.
WatchOS 3.1 was released to the public on October 24, and watchOS 3.2 was released near
the end of March, 2017.[60] Both updates added minor improvements and bug fixes.
watchOS 4.0 was announced at WWDC 2017 on June 5, 2017, and released to the public on
September 19. watchOS 4 features a proactive Siri watch face, personalised activity
coaching, and an entirely new music experience. It also introduces GymKit, a technology
platform to connect workouts with cardio equipment.
Third-party apps[edit]
watchOS supports third-party applications; a WatchKit app runs in the background on the
iPhone as an application extension while a set of native user interface resources are installed
on Apple Watch.[61] Thus, watchOS apps must be bundled within their respective iOS app,
and are synced to the watch either manually, or automatically upon installation of the phone
app.[5]
Starting June 1, 2016, the only new watch apps allowed on the App Store will be those
developed with the watchOS 2 (or later) SDK; no third-party languages or SDKs can be used
to develop apps.[62]

Models[edit]
See also: Apple Watch model comparison

An Apple Store display showcasing various Apple Watch models

As of October 2016, two generations and three series of Apple Watch have been released.
The series in bold are the current generation of the device:
Apple Watch (20152016)
Apple Watch Series 1 (2016present)
Apple Watch Series 2 (20162017)
Apple Watch Series 3 (2017present)
Apple Watch Series 2 models are divided into four "collections": Apple Watch, Apple Watch
Nike+, Apple Watch Herms and Apple Watch Edition. They are differentiated by
combinations of cases, bands, and exclusive watch faces; Apple Watch comes with either
aluminum or stainless steel cases, and various watch bands; Apple Watch Nike+ uses
aluminum cases and special variants of sport band; Apple Watch Herms uses stainless steel
cases and Herms watch bands; and Apple Watch Edition comes with ceramic cases (the
original generation Apple Watch Edition used 18-karat gold).[63]
Apple Watch Series 1 models are only available in aluminum cases and sport bands.[64]
Each model comes in a 38- or 42-millimeter body, with the 42 mm size having a slightly larger
screen and battery.[5] Each model has various color and band options. Featured Apple-made
bands include colored Sport bands, Woven Nylon Band, Classic Buckle, Modern Buckle,
Leather Loop, Milanese Loop, and a Link Bracelet.[5]

Reception[edit]
 An Apple Store opens its doors on the first day of sales of the Apple Watch.
Following the announcement, initial impressions from technology and watch industry
observers were varied; the watch was praised by some for its "design, potential capabilities
and eventual usefulness",[65] while others offered criticism of these same aspects.[65] Venture
capitalist Marc Andreessen said he "can't wait" to try it,[66] and Steve Jobs' biographer Walter
Isaacson described it as "extremely cool" and an example of future technology that is "much
more embedded into our lives".[67] However, Evan Dashevsky of PC Magazine said it offered
nothing new in terms of functionality compared to the Moto 360, except the customizable
vibration notifications.[68] In November 2014, Apple Watch was listed by Time as one of the 25
Best Inventions of 2014.[69]
Initial reviews for the device have been generally positive with some caveats. [70] Reviewers
praised the watch's potential ability to integrate into everyday life and the overall design of the
product, but noted issues of speed and price. Many reviewers described the watch as
functional and convenient, while also noting failure to offer as much potential functionality as
preceding smartphones. Farhad Manjoo of The New York Times mentioned the device's
steep learning curve, stating it took him "three long, often confusing and frustrating days" to
become accustomed to it.[71] Some reviewers also compared it to competing products, such
as Android Wear devices, and claimed "The Smartwatch Finally Makes Sense".[72] Reviewers
had mixed opinions on battery life though, with Geoffrey Fowler of The Wall Street Journal
saying "the battery lives up to its all-day billing, but sometimes just barely,"[72] and others
compared it to the Samsung Gear 2, which "strolls through three days of moderate usage."[73]
Tim Bradshaw of the Financial Times used several applications over a period of days. He
concluded that there is no "killer application" so far besides telling the time, which is the basic
function of a wristwatch anyhow.[74]
When using the Apple Watch, some users have reported issues using the heart monitoring
feature due to permanent skin conditions including tattoos. The Watch uses
photoplethysmography technology (PPG) which utilizes the green LED lights to measure
heart rates.[75] To gauge a user's heart rate, the watch flashes green light from the LEDs at
the skin and records the amount of this light that is absorbed by the red pigment of the
blood.[76] However, under certain circumstances the skin may not allow for the light absorption
to be read properly and thus provide inaccurate results.[77]
Some users have complained that the logo and text on the back of the Apple Watch Sport
model, primarily the space gray version,[78] can be easily worn off.[79]
The first generation Apple Watch Edition, where models could retail from $10,000 USD to
$17,000 USD (the latter being 18k gold), has received a lukewarm reception as the Apple
brand "hasnt established its value yet in gold" compared to similar-priced timepieces from
Rolex and Patek Philippe. These Swiss luxury manufacturers were known for their "products
intricate craftsmanship [that] justifies that high price tag". An analyst suggested What makes
a high-end watch? Its the Swiss movements, the inner workings. Thats why collectors buy
them. This [Apple Watch Edition] has none of that. Its inserting a high-end case on a piece of
electronics which was not endlessly upgradable and would become obsolete in a couple
years like other tech gadgets. In addition, Apple Retail Stores that carry the Apple Watch
Edition would be totally antithetical to their current retail model, according to the Jewelers
Security Alliance, since You cant have people touching it. You cant have it out on counters.
You have the same problems that retail jewelers have, in terms of distraction thefts, in terms
of switching, in terms of grab and runs".[80][81] Apple has apparently given up on competing in
the luxury watch market after failing to make much headway, as the second-generation Apple
Watch Edition is made of ceramic and sells for $1,249 USD.[82]

Sales[edit]
Financial analysts offered early sales estimates from a few million to as many as 34.7 million
in the first year.[83] Time's Tim Bajarin summarized the breadth of reactions, writing that "there
is not enough information yet to determine how this product will fare when it finally reaches
the market next year".[65]
Owing to the inadequacy of materials, the Apple Watch's delivery was delayed from its initial
pre-order release date of April 10, 2015.[84] As a result, only 22 percent of the pre-ordered
Apple Watches were despatched in the US during the weekend after the release date. [85] It is
estimated Apple received almost one million Apple Watch pre-orders in the US during the
initial six hours of the pre-order period on April 10, 2015, after which it sold out and further
orders would start delivering in June.[86] A report later on by an analyst stated that Apple
Watch was already a $10 billion business during its first year. [87][88][89]
Although the Apple Watch was launched to much fanfare, Apple has not disclosed any sales
figures of its Watch.[90] According to an estimate by IDC, Apple shipped over 12 million units
in 2015.[91] In late 2016, a veteran of the Swiss watch industry said Apple sold about 20
million watches and had a market share of about 50 percent.[92]

Developer Apple Inc.

Manufacturer Quanta Computer[1]

(contract manufacturer)

Type Smartwatch

Release date Original: April 24, 2015; 2 years ago

Series 1 and Series 2:September 16,
2016; 12 months ago
Series 3: September 22, 2017; 14 days
ago

Introductory Watch Sport

price 38 mm: US$349
42 mm: US$399
Watch
38 mm: US$549US$1,049
42 mm: US$599US$1,099

Watch Edition
38 mm & 42 mm: US$10,000
US$17,000[2]

Operating
Apple Watch Original:
system
Original: watchOS 1 Current: watchOS
 4
Apple Watch Series 1:watchOS 3.2.2

Apple Watch Series 2:watchOS 3.2.2

Apple Watch Series 3:watchOS 4

System-on- Apple Watch Original: Apple S1 (32-

chip used bit ARMv7[3])
Apple Watch Series 1: Apple S1P
Apple Watch Series 2: Apple S2
Apple Watch Series 3: Apple S3

Memory Original, Series 1 and Series

2: 512 MB DRAM[4]
Series 3: 768 MB DRAM

Storage Original, Series 1 and Series 2: 8 GB

Series 3: 8 or 16 GB

Display
OLED[5]
38mm
33.96 mm (1.337 in) diagonal,
272340 pixels, 326 dpi
42mm
38.96 mm (1.534 in) diagonal,
312390 pixels, 326 dpi
Watch Sport
Strengthened Ion-X glass

Watch/Watch Edition
Sapphire glass

Graphics PowerVR SGX543[6]

Connectivity Original, Series 1 and Series

2: Bluetooth 4.0
Series 3: Bluetooth 4.2
All models: NFC, Wi-
Fi (802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz only)
Diagnostics port

Power
Built-in rechargeable Li-Po battery
38mm
 3.8 V 0.78 Wh (205 mAh)[7][8]

42mm
3.78 V 0.93 Wh (246 mAh)[8]

Dimensions
38 mm
38.6 mm 33.3 mm 10.5 mm
(1.52 in 1.31 in 0.41 in)

42 mm
42 mm 35.9 mm 10.5 mm
(1.65 in 1.41 in 0.41 in)

Backward iPhone 5 and later running iOS 8.2 or

compatibility later, connected via Wi-Fior Bluetooth.

Website www.apple.com/watch