Apple has unveiled Apple Watch, offered in three distinct collections: Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition, and two size options, 38 mm and 42 mm. Apple has also developed a range of watch straps: the high-performance elastomer Sport Band; the Milanese Loop in a flexible magnetic stainless steel mesh; the Leather Loop in soft, quilted leather that conceals magnets; the leather Modern Buckle, which closes with a solid metal claps; the leather Classic Buckle; and the stainless steel Link Bracelet.
Apple Watch comes equipped with an iOS-based user interface created specifically for a smaller device and a charging system that combines Apple's MagSafe technology with inductive charging for a quick connection that snaps into place. Apple Watch features Digital Crown, offering a new way to scroll, zoom and navigate, without obstructing the display. The Digital Crown also serves as the Home button as well as a way to access Siri.
The Retina display on Apple Watch features Force Touch, a technology that senses the difference between a tap and a press, providing a new way for users to access controls within apps. Apple Watch also introduces the Taptic Engine and a built-in speaker that together discreetly enable a new suite of alerts and notifications that the user can both hear and feel. In addition, Apple Watch comes with a custom-designed S1 SiP (System in Package) that miniaturises an entire computer architecture into a single chip, and support for Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g and Bluetooth 4.0.
Apple Watch offers eleven watch faces ranging from traditional analogue faces to new faces such as the dynamic Timelapse face; the Astronomy face with an interactive, real-time 3D model of the earth, sun, moon and planets; and the Solar face, a contemporary sundial. Apple Watch can also be personalised in appearance and capability with additional information such as upcoming events, moonphases or activity level.
Additionally, Apple Watch features Smart Replies and dictation that allow users to respond quickly to messages, Handoff, which allows users to begin a message on their Apple Watch and continue where they left off on their iPhone and Digital Touch, which enables users to send a sketch, a gentle tap, an audio message through Walkie Talkie or their heartbeat. On Apple Watch, users can swipe up from the watch face for Glances that quickly show information such as their current location, stocks or their next meeting. Pressing the side button brings up Friends, a view of a user's favourite people, so they can easily contact them if needed. Apple Watch also allows users to pay for goods and services using Apple Pay, board a plane with a Passbook boarding pass, control their Apple TV or get directions.
Apple Watch also includes an Activity app designed to motivate users to be more active during the day and an all-new Workout app designed to provide metrics during dedicated workout sessions. Apple Watch utilises the accelerometer, a built-in heart rate sensor, GPS and Wi-Fi from a user's iPhone to provide a picture of daily activity. The Activity app measures three separate aspects of movement: calories burned, brisk activity and how often you stand up during the day. The Workout app provides goal-setting and pacing during popular session-based workouts, such as running and cycling. The companion Fitness app on iPhone collects activity data to provide activity history in more detail.
Apple has also introduced WatchKit, providing new tools and APIs for developers to create new experiences for Apple Watch. With Apple Watch, developers can create WatchKit apps with actionable notifications and Glances that provide timely information. Later in 2015, developers will be able to create fully native apps for Apple Watch.
Apple Watch will be available in three collections. Apple Watch, with a polished or space black stainless steel case and a choice of straps; Apple Watch Sport, with a space gray or silver anodised aluminium case and Sport Band; and Apple Watch Edition, with an 18-karat rose or yellow gold case and a choice of straps exclusive to this collection. Apple Watch straps include the Sport Band in black, blue, green, pink and white; the Classic Buckle in black and midnight blue; the Leather Loop in bright blue, light brown and stone; the Modern Buckle in midnight blue, brown, soft pink, rose gray and bright red; the Milanese Loop in stainless steel; and the Link Bracelet in brushed stainless steel and polished space black. Apple Watch will be available in early 2015 starting at USD 345. Apple Watch is compatible with iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus running the latest version of iOS 8.
