How a smartwatch changed the world
Initially, the Apple Watch didn’t have much of a chance of success, but that’s history. Today it dominates the smartwatch market. But what actually distinguishes the Apple Watch, which features have been added over the years? The short review of Apple’s smartwatch provides answers.
When the iPhone manufacturer presented the first Apple Watch in September 2014, you could not buy it directly. It wasn’t until the spring of 2015 that the smartwatch landed in stores. In the meantime, Apple brought the developers on board, who should diligently provide apps.
And there we have aside from the intuitive user interface (watchOS). central secret of success: The wide range of apps and the integration into the rest of Apple’s product world. It goes so far that Apple still requires an iPhone for the Apple Watch. Even if the smartwatch can be used more and more independently of the Apple cell phone, the initial setup still requires an iPhone. So if you only have an Android smartphone, you still can’t use the Apple Watch today. This does not detract from its success, as the iPhone user base is large enough.
The basic approach of the Apple Watch (here the promo video from 2014) still applies today:
Apple Watch: The smartwatch in retrospect
If you look at the original Apple Watch and the current Series 7, you will not notice any major differences as a technology layperson. But far from it, Apple’s Smartwatch has made one in recent years evolutionary development there. A look at the most important milestones and features proves this clearly:
Apple Watch (1st generation, 2015): The first model still characterizes the appearance of the following generations. Apple opted for a square instead of a round display and the bracelets can be exchanged in the simplest possible way. Different materials and two sizes (38 and 42 mm) for the housing ensure the necessary customization. Only the extremely expensive variant made of real gold has not survived the days, in the end an effective marketing gimmick that caused a corresponding sensation in the first few months.
Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2 (2016): The original can live on as “Series 1”, becomes cheaper and even a little faster. But only the “Series 2” gets a new chip, GPS and is protected against dust and water according to IP68 for the first time. Instead of an edition model made of gold, Apple now uses ceramics.
Apple Watch Series 3 (2017): As an option, the smartwatch now also transmits in the LTE network, making it more independent of the iPhone and making phone calls directly without mobile phone support. An altimeter was also integrated.
Bracelets can be easily exchanged on the Apple Watch:
Apple Watch Series 4 (2018): Apple is enlarging the screen for the first time, and the models are now available in either 40 or 44 mm. The focus is also on the health features, Apple is integrating an ECG for the first time. The smartwatch also recognizes heart problems (atrial fibrillation) and automatically falls. In an emergency, an emergency call can also be made directly.
Apple Watch Series 5 (2019): The manufacturer installs a compass and fulfills a big wish. Finally there is a so-called always-on display. Like a real watch, the smartwatch constantly displays a face and does not automatically turn off the display if the Apple Watch is not moved or tapped. For optimized power consumption, the brightness and refresh rate are reduced in always-on mode, and fewer complications are incorporated.
Apple Watch Series 6 (2020): The biggest innovation is a blood oxygen sensor, another important health feature. The always-on display has also been improved. Aside from the classic colors, things are getting really colorful for the first time with red and blue.
Apple Watch SE (2020): Following the example of the iPhone SE, Apple is now offering an affordable new model. The always-on display, an ECG and the blood oxygen sensor are missing, the chip from the older Apple Watch Series 5 works inside.
The current model of the Apple Watch presented:
Apple Watch Series 7 (2021): Three years after the Apple Watch Series 4, the display is enlarged again – the models are now available in 41 and 45 mm. The seamless design is clearly visible, the display edges have been reduced, and the display curves slightly in the outer area. There are no new sensors and more in the smartwatch, but it can now be charged 33 percent faster. Again, Apple introduces new colors, including a rich and dark green.
Such an Apple Watch currently remains a dream:
What does the future hold for the Apple Watch?
And what awaits us in the future with the Apple Watch 8 and beyond? Apple should Health features continue to expand, temperature, blood pressure and even blood sugar could be determined with the smartwatch in the years to come. A much-desired round Apple Watch will probably remain a dream.
