TechSmartwatchesApple Watch 10 years on: Ten things the Series 0 couldn’t do that we now take for grantedHow far has wearable technology come in the last decade?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechSmartwatchesApple Watch 10 years on: Ten things the Series 0 couldn’t do that we now take for grantedHow far has wearable technology come in the last decade?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
How far has wearable technology come in the last decade?
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Apple)
(Image credit: Apple)
As we approach the 10th anniversary of theApple Watchin 2024, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on the remarkable journey of this iconic wearable. While we may not anticipate a dramatic overhaul to mark this milestone, it’s worth taking a step back to appreciate just how far theApple Watchhas come since Tim Cook unveiled the original Series 0.
Much has changed since then. TheApple Watch Series 9is a testament to a decade of innovation, vastly surpassing its predecessor in both features and hardware capabilities. To honour this evolution, we’ve compiled a list of ten defining attributes that showcase how Apple has redefined wearable technology—features that were unimaginable for users of the original Apple Watch.
Always-On Display
The Series 0 Apple Watch had a decent OLED Retina display with a resolution of 312x390 pixels (42mm model) and a maximum brightness of 450 nits, but it did not have an always-on capability. The Series 9 not only has an always-on Retina LTPO OLED display with a 396 x 484 resolution (45mm model), but it increased luminosity to a whopping 2,000 nits.
GPS capability
That’s right; the original Apple Watch didn’t have an onboard GPS chip. Instead, it relied on the proximity—and the GPS—of a pairediPhone(at the time, it was theiPhone 6). Conversely, the Series not only has a GPS, but it’s a dual-band chip, allowing you to track outdoor activities with high precision without an iPhone in sight.
LTE connectivity
The original Apple Watch did not have LTE connectivity at all. It was fully dependent on being connected to an iPhone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to access data services such as notifications, calls, messages, and apps. LTE-enabled Series 9 watches can now make and receive calls, send messages, stream music, use apps, and receive notifications without needing to be connected to a smartphone.
(Image credit: Apple)
(Image credit: Apple)
Swim-ready construction
Wanted to go for a swim wearing your Apple Watch Series 0? Too bad! It was only rated for splash resistance but wasn’t suitable for swimming in the pool or elsewhere. The latest Series 9 is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and other water-based activities. Not quiteApple Watch Ultra 2levels of dive capability, but still.
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Advanced health tracking
While the Series 0 laid the groundwork for the Apple Watch’s role as a health and fitness powerhouse, it was primarily focused on basic activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, and workout tracking. It couldn’t track sleep, blood oxygen levels, estimate V02 max, or recovery time, to name a few. It could only monitor basic workouts such as running, walking, and cycling – a far cry from what the Series 9 can do.
ECG and temperature sensors
More storage and memory
Back in 2014, the 8GB storage offered on the Apple Watch Series 0 was plenty. However, it somewhat restricted app installations and performance (at the time, we didn’t think so, but still). The latest Apple Watch has four times the storage (32GB) and memory, allowing for more apps, music, and better multitasking.
(Image credit: Apple)
(Image credit: Apple)
Double Tap
Improved connectivity
The original Apple Watch only had Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz), while the Series 9 has Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz and 5GHz), plus optional cellular models with LTE. That’s faster transfer times and more solid smartphone connection for you.
Offline Siri
The S9 SiP added Double Tap and offline Siri functionality to the Apple Watch Series 9. The latest iteration of Apple’s smart assistant can process some queries offline, allowing you to organise your life better without constantly tethered to your iPhone.
+1 18-karat gold version
The Apple Watch Edition, as it was called, was positioned as a high-end, luxury item with prices ranging from $10,000 to $17,000, depending on the specific model and configuration (such as band choices and case size). Sadly, we don’t have a similar model in the current portfolio. Maybe 2024 will be the year when it makes its return?
Today’s best Apple Watch dealsApple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular$193.65ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Series 9$399ViewSee all pricesApple Watch SE (2022)$249$199ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Ultra$19.45ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Ultra 2$799$759ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Apple Watch dealsApple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular$193.65ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Series 9$399ViewSee all pricesApple Watch SE (2022)$249$199ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Ultra$19.45ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Ultra 2$799$759ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Apple Watch dealsApple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular$193.65ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Series 9$399ViewSee all pricesApple Watch SE (2022)$249$199ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Ultra$19.45ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Ultra 2$799$759ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Apple Watch deals
Apple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular$193.65ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Series 9$399ViewSee all pricesApple Watch SE (2022)$249$199ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Ultra$19.45ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Ultra 2$799$759ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular$193.65ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular$193.65ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular
Apple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular
$193.65View
$193.65
$193.65
See all prices
Apple Watch Series 9$399ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch Series 9$399ViewSee all prices
$399View
$399
$399
See all prices
Apple Watch SE (2022)$249$199ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch SE (2022)$249$199ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch SE (2022)
Apple Watch SE (2022)
$249$199View
$249$199
$199
See all prices
Apple Watch Ultra$19.45ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch Ultra$19.45ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch Ultra
Apple Watch Ultra
$19.45View
$19.45
$19.45
See all prices
Apple Watch Ultra 2$799$759ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch Ultra 2$799$759ViewSee all prices
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