Apple Watch

A family of smartwatches from Apple that debuted in April 2015 with more than 40 models from USD $349 to $17,000. Compatible with iPhones starting with the iPhone 5, the screen's Force Touch senses the difference between a tap and a press to enable two modes of touch interaction. Available in two case sizes (38/42mm) and numerous band styles, the watch's Taptic Engine "taps" the wearer on the wrist for notifications.

Apple Watch 2 and 3
Five months after the unveiling, the Series 2 was introduced, including Hermes-branded models (see below). In 2017, the Series 3 improved performance and added an altimeter and Apple Music streaming. However, the cellular option in the 3 made it a stand-alone cellphone (Series 3 models without cellular are less expensive than their Series 2 counterparts). Approximately eight million 3s were sold in the last quarter of 2017; more than all the watches exported from Switzerland, the world capital of watchmaking.

Apple Watch 4
In 2018, with new watch styles available, the fourth incarnation of Apple Watch is .07 millimeter thinner but with a 30% larger screen by reducing the bezel and adding two millimeters to the case sizes (40/44 versus 38/42mm). The fourth-generation CPU, twice as fast as the previous combined with watchOS 5 offers a variety of enhancements. The Digital Crown delivers a click-like feel when scrolling. Along with a new heart sensor, the Crown was enhanced to generate an electrocardiogram with the ECG app. See watchOS.

Wi-Fi Too
If the watch was previously paired with the iPhone via Bluetooth but goes out of range, it can use the same Wi-Fi network to send iMessages, an animated sketch, taps and heartbeats to other Apple Watch users (see Digital Touch). The device can also run Siri over Wi-Fi.

Original Collections

No smartwatch debuted with such variety. Sport models have aluminum cases and plastic bands; the Watch line has stainless steel cases and several bands, while Edition models had gold-plated cases. (Images courtesy of Apple Inc.)

Changes in 2016

The Edition models changed from gold to ceramic at a fraction of the price tag. Nike+ and Hermes models were also added. Sport models became Series 1, and the Apple Watch became Series 2. See Apple Watch Series 2. (Images courtesy of Apple Inc.)

A Digital Crown

Apple's Digital Crown is used to zoom, scroll, activate Siri and display the home screen. The power button accesses contacts and Apple Pay.

Easy to Connect the Charger

Apple's MagSafe connector latches magnetically onto the back of the watch.

Apple Watch Bands

Almost overnight, an industry of third-party Apple Watch bands sprang up; witness this assortment at Best Buy.