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Engadget
The Apple Watch was expensive and lacked a few key features, like other first-generation Apple products like the iPhone and iPad. But perhaps a bigger problem was that the company failed to make a consistent sales launch for the Watch. Everyone remembers the introduction of the iPhone, a device Jobs released as a phone, an iPod, and an Internet communications device in one. It was clear what he would get if he bought one.
On the other hand, the Apple Watch lacked that clear focus. When Apple introduced the device in the fall of 2014, an extensive presentation covered a confusing combination of features. Perhaps most bizarre were the “digital touch” communication features that could only be sent to friends who also had an Apple Watch. Apple also showed off third-party apps like Instagram and Twitter that just didn’t make sense, along with a user interface that offered too many ways to do the same. We also saw a variety of fitness and health monitoring functions, and much more. It was a breakneck presentation that left me confused as to why exactly I would want an Apple Watch.
But starting with Series 2 in the fall of 2016, Apple began methodically solving the initial problems with the watch, and the company quickly began to dominate the market. And we’re not just talking about smart watches: At the end of 2017, analysts estimated that Apple was the number one watch maker in the world.
These are some of the most important changes Apple has made since the launch of the first watch:
Performance: Simply put, the first Apple Watch was underpowered. Applications took too long to start, which meant it was generally faster to use your phone. But since then, Apple has vastly improved performance, a crucial change that is felt throughout the experience.
Focus on fitness: With the Watch Series 2, Apple outlined a clear direction for its wearable device: health and fitness. Most importantly, the Series 2 watch had built-in GPS for more accurate workout tracking without your phone. Activity and training tracking apps get more features over time, you can compete with friends to be the most active, and Apple made the Series 2 watch waterproof for swimming workouts. Beyond workouts, there are other general wellness features like deep breathing exercises, heart rate tracking, an ECG sensor, and more. Combined with Apple’s HealthKit SDK, it also enables people to participate in health studies, such as one at Johns Hopkins University, to find a way to predict seizures.
More achievable luxury: Perhaps the most ridiculous thing about the first Apple Watch was the 18-carat solid gold “Edition” watch that started at $ 10,000. Apple was obviously selling more affordable options; The basic aluminum model started at $ 350. But it was easy to scoff at the audacity of a $ 10,000 device that would be obsolete in years. Apple quickly gave up gold models with the 2 series and has since offered relatively affordable luxury with materials like ceramic, titanium, and stainless steel. All of this costs a premium over the basic aluminum model, but they’re in the $ 800 to $ 1,300 range instead of $ 10,000.
Wider price points: Along with Series 2, Apple introduced a cheaper “Series 1” watch that reduced the cost of getting into the Apple Watch. Since then, Apple has kept an older model for sale along with newer ones: the excellent Series 3 has been on sale for more than two and a half years. After the launch of the Series 4 in 2018, it has served as a great way to get most of the key features of Apple Watch for just $ 200.
Screen always on: People have been requesting this feature for years, and Apple finally delivered last year with the 5 Series. The company came up with a fancy way to keep the screen on at all times, giving each watch its own “dimmed” version that still maintains the style. and information easily visible. Battery life isn’t all that great with this feature turned on, but the fact that you can still get the same 18-hour battery life that it promised from the first watch is impressive.
All of these improvements meant that Apple has brought other smart watches to the periphery, just like the iPod with music players and the iPad with other tablets. It’s not a runaway success like the iPhone, which still accounts for the majority of Apple’s earnings, but its “wearables, home and accessories” segment generates more money than the Mac and iPad segments. AirPods are a big part of that equation, too, but the Apple Watch has clearly recovered from a rough start to resonate with many people, even if it’s not yet an essential tool like the iPhone.
