Apple Watch Chronology: Evolution and launches since its inception

Last update: 05/11/2024

history of the apple watch

There were already some smartwatch models before the arrival of the apple smart watch, back in 2015. However, the emergence of this model represented a true revolution. And from then until today, each new release has meant a leap forward. To demonstrate it, in this post we review the Apple Watch timeline: its evolution and all the releases that have taken place since its inception.

Each new release surprises us with amazing new features. The possibilities offered to us today by these prodigious devices that we wear tied to our wrist, such as send calls, text messages and even count our heartbeats, It's something we've only seen in science fiction movies.

The first original Apple Watch (2015)

Watch Apple 2015

El first Apple Watch, a model that was unofficially called Serie 0, laid the foundations for what we all understand today as modern smart watches. Its design broke with the trend of previous competing models, which were too bulky, impractical and with very limited functions.

All of that was surpassed by this smartwatch, which came with the Apple quality seal and that would end setting a standard. It was a watch rectangular available in two sizes. That was already an outstanding innovation, since until then all brands offered a single size.

Although this Apple Watch Series 0 was a hit at the time, it was not immune to problems. Its operation was too slow, which was a small disappointment for its users. This bug would be fixed in later versions.

Apple Watch Series 1 and 2 (2016)

apple watch series 1

Just a year after the launch of the first model, Apple announced the release of a modified version of its smartwatch that improved the "defective" design of the original.

The next milestone in the Apple Watch chronology Arrived appeared with a much more reasonable price ($269), but above all It solved the speed problem. The key was to provide the Apple Watch 1 Series of a new dual-core processor that considerably improved the device's performance.

In parallel, the Apple Watch 2 Series. This variant was the same as Series 1, but introduced a series of elements that today already come standard in almost all smart watches, but that were completely new at the time. We are referring to the GPS sensor or protection against water. Also in 2016, the Breathe App, so that users could focus on performing healthy breathing exercises.

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Apple's efforts were recognized by the public, which resulted in sales success.

Apple Watch Series 3 (2017)

apple watch series 3

In September 2017, a new version of Apple's smart watch was released, making the launch an annual event, following the example of the iPhone. The most important thing to review about this Apple Watch 3 Series is that it was the first model with an independent mobile connection. In other words: the smartwatch could be used as a phone with which to receive or make calls.

This represented a huge leap forward in the Apple Watch timeline. Consequently, the price was somewhat more expensive.

Apart from this, this watch had a completely new S3 processor and more RAM. It was also the first model in the series that incorporated the assistant Crab.

Apple Watch Series 4 (2018)

Apple Watch timeline

The old speed and performance problems were already a thing of the past when the Apple Watch 4 Series. This new generation brought with it a new design, with larger screen sizes (44mm), an even faster processor than the Series 3, and a new W3 chip that supported Bluetooth connectivity.

But the great advance of this series was the arrival of the ECG (electrocardiogram) sensors. Apple Watch users could now get information about things like heart rate, as well as be warned about potential health problems.

Also in this same sense, the fall detection system and the possibility of establishing automatic communication with healthcare services, to which GPS information about the user's location was provided. Was the Apple's commitment to health, and also an attempt to gain market share among older users.

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Apple Watch Series 5 (2019)

Apple Watch Series 5

The main novelty of Apple Watch Series 5 was a feature long awaited by users: the always-on screen mode. This was made possible by the implementation of a new display technology called LTPO that allowed the display to refresh when not in use.

Other new features were the compass function, emergency calls, as well as great improvements in storage capacity (32 GB) and battery life, which reached a range of 18 hours.

Apple Watch Series 6 (2020)

apple watch series 6

Within the Apple Watch chronology, the 2020 series will not go down in history for its great innovations. On the other hand, it must be recognized that the Apple Watch 6 Series surprised users with A wide and varied range of colors available.

Beyond the aesthetic, we must refer to the introduction of the SpO2 sensor (to measure blood oxygen) and a rudimentary sleep quality monitoring system. Also included is a new S6 chip that improved the speed of the device by 20%.

Apple Watch SE (2020)

apple watch SE

Simultaneously with the launch of the Series 6, Apple also launched its Apple Watch SE. This model can be defined as a cheaper version with fewer functions. The idea was to offer a simpler smartwatch to an audience that did not have a very generous budget (its price in the United States was $280, cheaper than the original $400 that the Series 6 cost).

Apple Watch Series 7 (2021)

Apple watch series7

A small change to provide the Apple Watch 7 Series of a different aspect: a reduction in the thickness of the border that surrounded the screen, which now grew to reach 45 mm. It may seem that going from 44 mm to 45 mm is not a big deal, but in reality the difference was notable, especially if we take into account that it was a curved screen. Of course, the Series 7 smartwatches were still compatible with the previous Apple Watch straps.

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But there was even more: Battery charging was 33% faster than that of previous models. Another novelty is that for this load it was necessary a new type of charger, with the added option of wireless charging.

Apple Watch Series 8, SE 2022 and Ultra (2022)

Apple Watch series 8

El Apple Watch 8 Series It didn't bring many new features (the most notable was the body temperature monitoring system) although it is true that it once again improved the limits of performance and battery life.

However, in 2022 the Apple Watch SE 2022 and the Apple Watch Ultra. Three new models in the same launch, something never seen before in the Apple Watch chronology. The SE 2022 came with a new S8 processor and the built-in accident detection system. And all with a very affordable price of only $249.

As for the Apple Watch Ultra, it is undoubtedly a model that has revolutionized the world of sports watches, setting the bar very high for the competition. Submersible up to 100 meters, equipped with a diving computer capable of controlling the pressure and temperature of the water, with a battery that can last up to 2 days... Prodigious.

Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 (2023)

apple watch 9

While waiting for this year's new releases, the Apple Watch chronology ends with these models: the Apple Watch 9 Series and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Both are more or less evolved continuations of their respective predecessors.

The biggest new feature that Apple introduced with both models is the new “double tap” gesture. Now, users can answer calls or select apps without lifting their hands by simply tapping their thumb and index finger together twice. It seems like magic, but it is nothing more than an advanced technological development.

Finally, it should be noted that both watches have a built-in Apple's new S9 chip, guarantee of great performance, as well as a screen that reaches 2000 Nits of brightness.