About 24 hours ago I was sitting in a room with Apple executives with an Apple Watch on my wrist, flipping through the different screens and options. I was immediately more impressed with the watch than I was when the device was first introduced in September 2014.
I’ve maintained since it was first shown to the public that for Apple Watch to be successful, it would need to do more than just show a notification or alert from iMessage. I really wanted the watch to do something to make it an indispensable part of my routine, no matter where I was or what I was doing. That’s what I saw yesterday.
Features like summoning Uber from the watch, while a small thing, is quite fascinating. These are the types of tasks that are initiated from the watch—it’s not just a reactionary response to something happening on your iPhone. It certainly opens your mind to other greater possibilities from other apps. Typical of Apple, the implementation of this functionality is done in a very cool way.
Of course, fitness is going to be a popular and great use of the Apple Watch. Being a walker myself, I’m looking forward to being able to better track my walks and the benefits I get from that exercise.
The simple fact that the watch screen is small, limits the amount of information Apple can reasonably display for the user. You could try to make everything smaller and cram as much into the UI as possible, but that would make it almost useless. These are the types of things that Apple thought about and implemented very well.
Even when you consider things like scrolling, you can see that Apple put considerable thought into how we would use the watch. For instance, you can scroll using your finger on the screen, much the same way you would with an iPhone, but if you wanted to scroll to the bottom of an email list very quickly, you can use the Digital Crown and be done in a jiffy.
There are other cool features too. I love the fact that you can mute an incoming call by covering the Apple Watch with your hand. That’s a level of detail that we only see from Apple these days. These are the types of “surprise and delight” features that become part of our everyday use.
I was also surprised that you could use Apple Pay on the watch. I know I shouldn’t have been, but I was. All you need to do is double-tap the button on the side of watch and your Apple Pay cards are up on the screen. Swiping left or right allows you to choose between the stored cards. They were very easy to see as well.
The prices of Apple Watch weren’t much of a surprise to me. What Apple announced at the event lines up pretty close to what I’ve been saying all along. Personally, I like the Apple Watch with the Milanese Loop—it will cost $699.
There have been some stories written that say the downside for Apple is that people will use their iPhone less often. I really don’t think those people understand the Apple Watch.
Apple Watch is an accessory for the iPhone. It’s meant to make your life easier and more convenient, not to replace the iPhone.
Personally, I don’t mind taking my iPhone out of my pocket to complete some tasks, like checking the time 1. However, the watch will make many of these tasks easier and less distracting. I can respond to an iMessage using one of the auto respond answers very quickly and get back to what I was doing.
I don’t think Apple is concerned that you won’t be taking your iPhone out of your pocket as much as you used to—they are more concerned that you are using their devices in the most efficient way possible.
That’s what Apple should be concerned about.
Update: fixed the price of the Apple Watch.
- Checking the time leads to responding to an iMessage, which leads to checking mail, which leads to responding to a tweet, and so on. I just wanted to know what time it was and all of a sudden, you’re “that guy” sitting at the table with his phone in his hand. ↩
I agree about the stainless steel watch with the Milanese band, it’s my favourite too. I saw the price as $699 though. Is there an option I didn’t see? I admit I did not preorder one, I only looked at the price on the website.
The feature about covering the phone to stop an incoming call is cool and yes, yet again, something I would immediately think… Apple. Thanks for sharing Jim.
I think Jim’s Canadian, so that’s 919 loonies.
Right, doh. Thanks.
but will it take a direct Chara slapshot?
Is that the 42mm on your wrist? Let us know – that shot might be one of the most useful “what size do I want” aids yet.
You can buy the Apple Watch Sport for $349/$399 and then buy the Milanese Loop seperately, which costs $150. I’m debating which route to go, depending on how nice the aluminum Sport looks with the steel Loop.
Let me preface what I’m about to say by saying that I’m a HUGE Apple fan. I’ve been using their computers exclusively since 1982.
I hate to say it, but I don’t think it’s going to be a huge success. Say, on the level of the iPhone or iPad. I hope I’m wrong.
Do I want one? Hell yes. Can I really afford one? Not really.
And I do pretty well. It’s a “that would be nice to have” item.
I think the price point – all around – is just too high.
Consider the iPad. High price point, but then again, you’re getting a lot in that 9.6 inch screen.
Then consider the iPhone. MOST people don’t pay for it outright. They’re buying an $800 device. But MOST have it subsidized by the cell phone carriers and don’t feel the bite. Most pay $299 out of pocket, but you’re getting a helluva phone/computer.
Which brings me to the watch. I don’t see many people ponying up $350 for the base (sport) model.
It really is a “that would be nice to have” item.
That’s a lot of money for “an accessory”.
Especially considering that other smart watches in that price point are maxed out in terms of what you get. With the Apple watch, at that price point, you’re just getting started. Just about every smartwatch on the market runs on Android. Only half of what’s offered today runs on iOS.
Consider the fact that the Watch may be obsolete in a year or two. Apple has been mum about upgrading, and what happens when they come out with model with newer guts.
I could (and hope that I am) completely wrong about this. But I can see Apple doing what they did with the iPhone shortly after launch and lowering the price point.
I think too many people are drinking the Kool-Ade on this one. I’m going to buy one too, but it’s really a very bulky, and very expensive thing for what it does.
This event is a kind of watershed for me though. I’m no longer “on board” with Apple being a “nice guy” company after their pricing announcement, and the raises in all international stores. They could also easily have made the watch more affordable and they not only didn’t, they jumped the other way entirely towards “luxury brands” instead. What they are doing with the edition watch is obscene IMO.
I’m no longer on board with them over design anymore either. Among other recent failures and mediocrities, no company that makes those horrible “fake gold” items can seriously laud their design credentials it seems to me. They might as well spray paint the laptops with lacquer.
My first iPod was a black and white 40 GB clickwheel model. Those things were selling for $299 for 20 GB and $399 for 40 GB.
Lots of people thought that was overpriced back then too, but we all know how that went.
The similarity in introductory price is probably no coincidence, and I’m sure Apple won’t have any trouble selling these watches.
There is a difference between “will it sell” and “is it good” though. Apple can easily sell anything it wants. That doesn’t mean the products are good (although I think they mostly are), and it doesn’t mean that they are good value.
It seems to me that the fact that things might sell well, or make money for Apple, have pretty much nothing to do with any of the points being made by “The Observer.”
Only a couple of things I would like to know is, surely but hasn’t been said is all bands fit all watch sizes i.e. all large bands fit all the large watches etc? Also could this watch be used without an iPhone?
The Modern Buckle is limited to 38mm cases, while the Leather Loop is limited to 42mm cases. Apple says the watch requires an iPhone 5 or up.
I really wanted the steel link strap, but there’s just no way I’m paying $1100 for this. $500 for a watch strap? Come on Apple….. You’re in Tag Heuer territory with that number.
It’s probably a nicer bracelet than what is on many Tag Heuers. It’s still a fraction of what an Omega or Rolex bracelet costs.
Agreed. I have a 20 yr old Tag and I LOVE the bracelet on it. This is I think where people are having a hard time. Apple are asking Swiss watch prices for a gadget that isn’t expected to last 20+ yrs. The gold version really hammers that point home. For $10K I’d expect that sucker to be worth at least $10K in 20 years but there’s no way that’s happening.
Those pricing raises in international stores are due to the rising US dollar. Apple does drop prices if the US dollar drops.
Is there any anti-theft feature on this watch? Like self destruct if stolen.
Coz with $17k on the high end, those who wear the bottom of the line $350 Apple Watches are going to be unfortunate targets of robbery.
I am sure there will be a lot of 3rd party Apple Watch bands. give it 6 months.
at the very least I think it will have all the security measures (block, remote wipe…) available on iOS devices.
The biggest barrier is not whether the Apple Watch is good, useful or attractive. It’s how many people will want to brandish it on their wrists. Smart phone loyalty can be a fierce emotion. But it’s one that you can hide in your pocket or purse. The watch announces to the world you are an Apple customer. How many want to do that? That is the ultimate test of Apple’s fashionability.
Yep, you’re wrong. The watch and fitness features alone are worth the price of admission. What’s your health worth?
Are you sure you’re not the Gilligan, in it for the humor? Thanks for the laugh little buddy!
I think the days of mechanicals appreciating in value are over.
As the feature set expands with Apple Watch, the traditional timepieces will become the 8 track of audio. Nothing wrong with jewelry, but a gold chain will make more sense than an expensive Tag Heuer watch that just tells time — and not very good at that.
“They could also easily have made the watch more affordable”
You could say that about Apple’s entire product line. But that’s not how Apple works. They’d rather sell you on quality and features to justify the price. If you don’t see the value proposition in buying their products, fine, not everything’s for everyone.
Also, this is just the start of the product. Better to start pricing a bit high and then lower it if they have to than have to raise it later. (Remember the original iPhone having it’s price cut a few months after it’s release?)
“What they are doing with the edition watch is obscene IMO.”
Yes, how DARE they exploit rich people!
“Apple can easily sell anything it wants.”
iPod socks.
Your argument is invalid.
(For once, that meme actually works logically)
^ iPod Hi-FI too.
On the contrary, I think my example handily addressed the assertion that: “I think the price point – all around – is just too high.”
not following your points about android watches. do they not go out of date? how? and if half of them dont run on iOS, how are they viable alternatives?
as for price, $350 doesnt seem like much to me. especially for a small, wearable computer. the first ipod was $400 in 2001.
Apple Hi-Fi.
Apple Cube.
the observer’s post was why this wont sell, (price). stay on topic.
Apple Hi-Fi.
Apple Cube.
what nonsense — how does making high-end material models available at high-end prices have to do w/ prices for the normal models? $350 is reasonable.
you also seem to suggest they should subsidize their own profit margin and sell below norm….just because…they can? sorry bud, thats not how anybody runs a business. try it and see.
its not even exploitation — it’s a value proposition. those w/ the disposable income to consider it will make their own decisions based on the cost/value to them.
and it’s a Tag-level band. whats wrong with charging for it? if youre not in the market for a high-end band, dont be mad that they exist. i like many high-end cars, but if im not in the market for them i dont resent their existence.
do you see how crazy that is?
youre thinking along the wrong value lines. youre thinking as someone who cannot afford a $10,000 gold watch. the people who evaluate the cost/value proposition for a high-end, gold apple watch arent likely considering it for longevity. it is a lavish show of wealth and aesthetic….thats fine. it’s along the same lines of high-end caviar or wine — short-term pleasures for those that can afford them.
trying to suggest they should last longer isnt the point.
huh? really not following your logic, here. because there are $50,000 watches in existence, do cheap Casios need anti-theft devices? why not?
No more so than those who wear $60,000 Rolexes.
assuming the watch bands are going to be reusable on future models, I would cheap out on the watch (aluminum sport) and splurge with the band you like. This is first gen hardware, and the watch seems very tethered to the phone. I would pay more for a second or third generation watch when it can run untethered from the phone.
If there is a $50 Casio watch that also has a $17k version that looks exactly the same, then it would be a problem too.
Thanks for that Jim, so would you go as far as to say that the Apple Watch is pointless if you do not have an iPhone? (I have an iPhone but I know people who would buy one that don’t)
Not completely pointless but you are definitely losing 75-90% of the Watch’s functionality by not using it with an iPhone. Remember, the Apple Watch is an iPhone accessory.
In this case though, they’ll have to go out of their way to tell people their watch actually cost 10k, because there’s one that looks 90% the same selling for $350.
Android Wear watches will work on iOS, watch Google I/O this year.
What I’m saying is that take a look at the installed Android user base vs. Apple’s installed Phone user base. And yes. Android watches do go out of date. But not at a $350 starting pricepoint. So doing the math, smaller userbase…less sales….etc.
Hey…I want one and I want it to be a success…