The Apple Watch was first announced by Apple Inc. on September 9, 2014, and released on April 24, 2015. Designed to complement the iPhone, it was the first major product category introduced by Apple since the death of co-founder Steve Jobs. The Apple Watch incorporates fitness tracking, health-oriented capabilities, and wireless communication, becoming a staple in the wearables market.
The initial development of the Apple Watch involved a secretive team led by former Apple designer Jony Ive, who aimed to create a product that could reduce the time people spend on their iPhones. Interestingly, the project was internally codenamed "Gizmo."
One of the hidden facts about the Apple Watch is its Taptic Engine, a linear actuator that provides haptic feedback to the user. This technology allows the watch to deliver subtle taps on the wrist, alerting the user without the need for sound. The Taptic Engine was a revolutionary feature at the time of its release and remains a key element of the device.
The Apple Watch has a unique feature called the Digital Crown, inspired by traditional watch crowns but reimagined for navigation and input in a digital device. This allows users to zoom, scroll, and select without obstructing the display.
Fitness and health tracking are core functionalities of the Apple Watch. It can measure heart rate, track workouts, and even detect irregular heart rhythms. The Series 4 and later models are equipped with an electrical heart sensor, enabling the watch to take electrocardiograms (ECGs). In 2020, the Series 6 introduced a blood oxygen sensor, expanding the device's health monitoring capabilities further.
The Apple Watch also features an Emergency SOS function, which can call emergency services and notify emergency contacts if the user is in distress. Additionally, the Fall Detection feature, available on Series 4 and later, can detect if the wearer has taken a hard fall and automatically call emergency services if the user remains immobile.
One interesting trivia about the Apple Watch is its influence on the luxury watch market. Despite initial skepticism from traditional watchmakers, the Apple Watch quickly became the best-selling smartwatch globally. The gold Apple Watch Edition, introduced with the first model, was priced at $10,000 to $17,000, targeting the luxury segment.
The Apple Watch's software, watchOS, is periodically updated, adding new features and improving performance. The operating system has seen significant enhancements since its initial release, including the introduction of cellular models, allowing the watch to function independently of an iPhone.
In 2021, Apple introduced the Apple Watch Series 7, featuring a larger and more durable display, faster charging, and new health features. The progression of the Apple Watch showcases Apple's commitment to innovation and the integration of technology into everyday life.