Apple Watch’s 10 Biggest Milestones

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Apple Watch Celebrates a Decade of innovation: A Look Back at Key Milestones

CUPERTINO, Calif.– As 2025 approaches, Apple is gearing up to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch, a device that has evolved from a fashionable accessory to a vital health and fitness companion. While the official anniversary is pegged to the April 24, 2015, launch date, the Apple Watch was initially unveiled on Sept. 9, 2014, with pre-orders beginning April 10, 2015.

To commemorate this milestone, Archyde.com takes a look back at the top 10 milestones that have shaped the Apple watch into the device it is today:

1. LTE/cellular Connectivity (Series 3): Introduced in 2017,the Series 3 was a game-changer,allowing users to make calls,stream music,and access data without needing an iPhone nearby. This marked a important step toward the Apple Watch becoming a standalone device. Apple continued selling the Series 3 until September 2022.
2. Low Power Mode (watchOS 9): Before 2022, extending the apple Watch’s battery life meant resorting to Power Reserve mode, which essentially turned the device into a basic digital watch. watchOS 9 introduced Low Power mode, which extends battery life while still allowing key features like activity tracking to remain active.
3. In-Store Purchases: Initially, the Apple Watch could only be ordered online. Customers would visit Apple Stores to try on the watch and then place their orders online. However, after a few months, Apple began selling the Apple Watch in stores.
4. The End of 18 Karat gold: The original Apple Watch included two 18 Karat solid gold options, rose and yellow, which cost $17,000.WSJ reported that Jony Ive was convinced the Apple Watch was a fashion accessory, while other Apple execs saw it as an extension of the iPhone.Thousands of gold Apple Watch models went unsold, and on September 16, 2016, Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Series 2, and the gold option was notably absent.
5. Waterproofing (Series 2): In 2016, Apple introduced waterproofing to the Apple Watch lineup with the Series 2. The 2016 model featured a water resistance rating of 50 meters for swimming, surfing, or just lounging in the pool.
6. GPS (Series 2): Also introduced with the Series 2, built-in GPS allowed users to track their workouts and outdoor activities without needing to carry their iPhone. This feature was crucial for fitness enthusiasts and solidified the Apple Watch’s role as a fitness tracker.
7. ECG App (Series 4): In 2018,the Series 4 brought a potentially life-saving feature to the Apple watch: the ECG app. This allowed users to take an electrocardiogram directly from their wrist, providing valuable data for detecting atrial fibrillation and other heart conditions.
8. Always-On Display (Series 5): The Series 5, released in 2019, introduced an always-on display, allowing users to see the time and other facts at a glance without having to raise their wrist.
9. Blood Oxygen Monitoring (Series 6): Apple added blood oxygen monitoring to the Series 6 in 2020, providing users with another metric for tracking their health and fitness.
10. Crash Detection (Series 8, Ultra): The Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra, launched in 2022, introduced Crash Detection, which can automatically call emergency services if the watch detects a severe car crash.

From its initial unveiling to its current capabilities, the Apple Watch has redefined the smartwatch category and become an indispensable tool for millions of users.As the device enters its second decade, it will be captivating to see what innovations Apple has in store.

What feature of the Apple Watch has impacted you moast personally and why?

Apple Watch 10th Anniversary: An Interview with Tech Historian Dr. Anya Sharma

To commemorate a decade of Apple Watch innovation, Archyde.com sat down with Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading tech historian and author of “The Wrist Revolution: A Decade of the Apple Watch,” to delve into the milestones that shaped the device we know today.

The Genesis of Innovation: Early Days and Key Features

Archyde: Dr. Sharma, thank you for joining us. Let’s begin at the beginning: what was the initial impact of the Apple Watch when it launched, and how did it distinguish itself in the crowded smartwatch market?

Dr. Sharma: It was a fascinating period. Initially, the Apple Watch was perceived as a luxury item, notably with the gold editions. However, it quickly transitioned into a device focused on health and fitness, with features like in-store purchases, waterproofing, and GPS helping to differentiate it. The initial focus on design, blending fashion with technology, was a key differentiator.

Archyde: The gold Apple Watch models were quite a statement! Can you elaborate on why gold made such a strong statement in tech at the time?

Dr. Sharma: The gold Apple Watch was a strong statement of luxury and high fashion for the tech world. It showcased the level of premium price and craftsmanship Apple was trying to create within the smartwatch market. It was a clear demonstration of their ambition to make it a fashionable product. Even though the gold models ultimately did not last, from that aspect it did impact the way that manufacturers were making the smartwatch market overall by highlighting different materials and price ranges.

The Evolution of Health and Fitness

Archyde: the Apple Watch has become synonymous with health and fitness. What were the pivotal moments that cemented this role?

Dr. Sharma: The introduction of GPS in Series 2 was a turning point, freeing users from needing their iPhones during workouts.Then, the integration of the ECG app in Series 4 was groundbreaking, offering a possibly life-saving feature. Blood Oxygen monitoring and Crash Detection were also significant advancements, further solidifying its position as a comprehensive health tool.

Archyde: The ECG app seems revolutionary. How did these features change consumer expectations around smartwatches?

Dr. Sharma: It completely redefined what a smartwatch could do. Before the Apple Watch, were consumers were familiar with the more basic fitness tracking. The Apple Watch began to emphasize real-time data, leading to a more proactive approach to health management, and set a new standard for what consumers came to expect from their wearable devices.

Technological Advancements and Standalone Capabilities

Archyde: Cellular connectivity, introduced with Series 3, was a defining technological leap. How did this impact the Apple Watch’s standalone capabilities?

Dr. Sharma: LTE/cellular connectivity was monumental. It made the Apple Watch a more standalone device that allowed people to make calls, stream music, and access data without their iPhone nearby. It transformed what began as a companion device into a more autonomous one.

Archyde: Extended battery life has always been a concern. how did low-power mode address this, and how has it evolved?

Dr. Sharma: Before watchOS 9, users had limited options beyond Power Reserve, which essentially disabled most smartwatch functions. Low Power mode offered a balance, extending battery duration while preserving crucial features. As technology advances, we expect to see further improvements in battery efficiency.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Apple Watch

Archyde: As we look ahead to the next decade, what innovations might we anticipate in the next generation of Apple watches? What do you think Apple will focus on for the next generation?

Dr. Sharma: I beleive we’ll see more sophisticated health sensors, possibly incorporating features for diabetes management or advanced sleep analysis. The integration of AI and machine learning is another area to watch, enhancing personalized fitness recommendations and health insights. I also anticipate more advancements in battery technology, design, and screen technology. The future for the Apple Watch is full of possibilities, especially towards better integration with our lives and health.

archyde: What feature or innovation of the Apple Watch has impacted you most personally?

Dr. Sharma: One of the most impactful features for me personally is the crash detection feature. It’s incredible how technology can have a direct impact on human safety.

Archyde: Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Sharma. It has been a pleasure speaking with you.

Dr. Sharma: Thank you for the opportunity. It’s been a great discussion.

Archyde: As the Apple Watch continues its evolution,what feature are you most excited about for the future? Share your thoughts in the comments below!