Apple Watch Series 1: The Refined Evolution of Apple’s Smartwatch
Hey there, tech enthusiasts and Apple fans! Do you Remember September 7, 2016? If you’re scratching your head, then let me jog your memory. It was the day Apple held its “See you on the 7th” event, and boy, did they have something special up their sleeve—or should I say, on their wrist? That’s right. We’re talking about the Apple Watch Series 1, the successor to the groundbreaking original Apple Watch (1st generation).
As Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, often says, “We believe technology is at its very best when it’s invisible when you’re conscious only of what you’re doing, not the device you’re doing it with.” The Apple Watch Series 1 took this philosophy to heart, even though a watch does not have any heart. Well, you know what I am saying. By Launching this new watch, Apple refinishes the smartwatch experience in subtle but significant ways.
Let’s strap in and take a deep dive into what made the Apple Watch Series 1 successful!
The Evolution of a Revolution:
The Apple Watch Series 1 wasn’t just a rehash of the original, It was something special. Apple had some tricks up its sleeve. While it might have looked similar on the outside, under the hood, this bad boy was packing some serious upgrades. But before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s set the stage.
Picture this: It’s 2016, and the smartwatch market is heating, Fitbit is dominating the fitness tracker scene, Samsung’s Gear watches are turning heads, and even traditional watchmakers are dipping their toes into smart territory but Apple? They’re not just dipping – they’re diving in headfirst with their Series 1.
Technical Specifications:
Alright, gearheads, let’s get down to brass tacks. What made the Apple Watch Series 1 special? Here’s the lowdown:
Processor:
The heart of the Series 1 was the T8002 processor, affectionately known as the S1P. This little powerhouse was the same CPU found in the Apple Watch Series 2, minus the GPS module. A decent performance boost from the previous model!
Display:
The Series 1 kept the gorgeous Retina display that made the original Apple Watch a feast for the eyes. The display was Crisp, clear, and oh-so-colorful.
Screen Material:
Apple didn’t skip on durability. The Series 1 came with a strengthened Ion-X glass, ready to take on the bumps and scrapes of daily life.
Compatibility:
To get the most out of your Series 1 watch, you needed an iPhone 5 or newer, running iOS 10 or later.
Casing:
Unlike its predecessor or the simultaneously released Series 2, the Series 1 came exclusively in an aluminum casing. It was Sleek, lightweight, and ready for action.
Internal Designations:
For the tech nerds out there (and we know you’re out there), the 38mm model was internally referred to as N27dAP (Watch2,6), while the 42mm version was N28dAP (Watch2,7), I know these weird name serves no purpose for regular readers but for nerds, these random words are what they live for.
Design and Aesthetics:
The Apple Watch Series 1 maintained the sleek, minimalist design that made the original such a hit. Available in 38mm and 42mm sizes, it catered to a variety of wrist sizes and personal preferences. The aluminum casing gave it a modern, sporty look that could transition seamlessly from the gym to the office.
As Jony Ive, Apple’s former Chief Design Officer, once said, “We believe that we need to own and control the primary technologies behind the products that we make.”
This philosophy shone through in Series 1’s design, where every curve and button was purposeful and refined by the company.
Performance Upgrades:
Now, let’s talk about the horsepower – performance. The Series 1 might have looked like its predecessor, but it ran circles around it. The S1P processor gave it a significant speed boost, making apps launch faster and interactions smoother. It was like trading in your trusty old bicycle for a sleek new e-bike – same basic concept, but man, what a difference in the ride!
Here’s a quick comparison to illustrate the point:
| Feature | Original Apple Watch | Apple Watch Series 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | S1 (32-bit) | S1P (dual-core) |
| Speed | Good | Significantly faster |
| GPU | PowerVR | Improved GPU |
Software and Features:
The Series 1 Apple Watch came with watchOS 3 out of the box, bringing a host of new features and improvements. Some highlights included:
- Faster app launching
- Enhanced fitness tracking
- Breathe app for mindfulness
- SOS feature for emergencies
- Activity sharing with friends
Health and Fitness:
While the Series 1 didn’t have the built-in GPS of its Series 2 sibling, it was still a solid fitness companion. It tracked your steps, monitored your heart rate, and kept you motivated with its iconic activity rings. For the average John looking to stay active, the Series 1 was more than enough.
Battery Life and Charging:
Apple managed to maintain the all-day battery life of the original Apple Watch, despite the performance upgrades. The magnetic charging cable made powering up a breeze – just plug it on before bed, and you’re good to go for another day of smartwatch goodness.
Connectivity and iPhone Integration:
The Series 1 continued the Apple tradition of seamless device integration. Just pair the watch and it becomes an extension of your digital life right on your wrist. Notifications, calls, and messages – all at your fingertips without having to dig your phone out of your pocket, Now that’s what we call convenience!
Impact and Legacy:
The Apple Watch Series 1 might not have been as flashy as the simultaneously released Series 2, but it played a crucial role in Apple’s smartwatch strategy to capture a wider audience, By offering a more affordable option with improved performance, Apple made its smartwatch technology accessible to a broader audience.
As tech analyst Ben Bajarin noted, “The Apple Watch Series 1 was a smart move by Apple. It gave consumers a taste of the latest Apple Watch technology without breaking the bank.”
Conclusion:
The Apple Watch Series 1 might not have been a revolutionary leap, but it was an evolutionary step that refined and improved upon the original in all the right ways. It brought faster performance, maintained the sleek design, and continued to push the boundaries of what a smartwatch could do.
As we look at the latest Apple Watch models today, with their ECG capabilities, always-on displays, and cellular connectivity, it’s easy to forget how far we’ve come but the Series 1 was a crucial stepping stone in that journey, making the Apple Watch experience smoother, faster, and more accessible to a wider audience.
So, the next time you glance at your wrist to check a notification or close those activity rings, take a moment to appreciate the legacy of the Apple Watch Series 1. It might not have been the flashiest model, but it was a refining fire that helped shape the future of wearable tech.
Want to know about the origin of this digital wearable evolution, check our article on the First Apple watch: Apple Watch (1st Generation): The Smartwatch that Revolutionized Wearable Tech