Apple is set to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch soon. The Cupertino company unveiled its first smartwatch on September 9. It was launched for sale in April 2015 across nine countries.
Table of contents
“Apple has introduced several groundbreaking products to the world—the Mac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, during the presentation. “And once again, Apple is poised to captivate the world with a revolutionary product that can enhance people’s lives. It’s the most personal product we’ve ever created.”
He was correct. While Apple did not invent the smartwatch, the Apple Watch has become a benchmark in the market. As the Apple Watch approaches its tenth anniversary, let’s revisit some key highlights about this innovative product.
1. Before 2014, there was talk of an iWatch
Despite Apple’s efforts to maintain secrecy, information leaks are common. In 2013, rumors circulated about Apple developing a smartwatch, then dubbed the iWatch. Speculation suggested a potential 2013 release.
However, the Apple Watch was officially unveiled in 2014. Notably, by 2013, the connected watch market already boasted compelling products, including Pebble watches funded through Kickstarter. In 2016, Pebble was acquired by Fitbit, which later became a Google subsidiary.
2. The first big Apple novelty in the Tim Cook era
Following Steve Jobs’ passing in 2011, Tim Cook assumed leadership at Apple and remains CEO as of 2024. The Apple Watch stands out as the first major product launched under Cook’s stewardship. Jony Ive, former head of design at Apple, reflected on this in an interview with the podcast “Life in Seven Songs” (via Business Insider), stating, “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished with the watch because it’s something I initiated after Steve passed away.”
Read Also: Apple Watch Series X and its new design are in trouble
3. A huge success from the start
Some Apple products, such as the HomePod speaker, have not been hugely successful. But as far as the Apple Watch is concerned, it has been a hit since its launch. While the Cupertino firm rarely gives figures on its sales, an article in The Guardian relays data from the measurement company Slice which indicates that in the United States, almost 1 million Apple Watches were pre-ordered on the first day.
4. Apple Watch: A life-saving product
In developing the Apple Watch, Apple has placed significant emphasis on monitoring health and well-being. In 2018, the company’s smartwatch made a life-saving impact by introducing the ECG (electrocardiography) feature with the Apple Watch Series 4. This feature can alert users to potential heart issues, prompting them to seek medical advice. Testimonials quickly followed, such as the case of a user who discovered atrial fibrillation thanks to their Apple Watch alert on December 7.
This health detection capability has continued to advance in subsequent Apple Watch models. Additional health tracking features, including the blood oxygen level sensor, have also been introduced.
5. 100 million Apple Watches in use in 2021?
The exact number of Apple Watches in current use remains undisclosed by the company. However, an analysis by the Above Avalon website estimated that by 2021, over 100 million units of the Apple Watch had been actively used.
6. A special version for 10 year olds?
The buzz surrounding the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch is largely fueled by rumors suggesting Apple may unveil a new model specifically for this milestone. Reports indicate Apple plans a significant update, as outlined in a recent newsletter from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The next Watch “Series X” could feature larger screens akin to those on the Apple Watch Ultra. Additionally, Apple is said to be developing a more potent chip capable of integrating AI-driven functionalities.
How could the Apple Watch evolve in the coming years?
While Apple currently holds a prominent position in the wearables market, the Apple Watch faces significant challenges, particularly with battery life, a common concern for smartwatches. However, promising advancements in battery technology could address this issue. TDK, an Apple supplier as reported by CNBC, recently unveiled solid-state batteries with an energy density of 1,000 Wh/l, nearly 100 times higher than traditional batteries, targeting markets like connected watches.
Additionally, AI is poised to transform the functionality of the Apple Watch. Apple’s introduction of Apple Intelligence this year brings generative AI features to compatible iPhones, iPads, and Macs, though integration into the Apple Watch isn’t currently on the company’s agenda.
Rumors have also circulated about Apple’s efforts to develop sensors capable of measuring blood sugar levels, which could potentially revolutionize the Apple Watch. Presently, checking blood sugar requires a blood sample, but such technology, while speculative for now, holds promise for future innovations.
