The Apple Watch, produced by Apple Inc., is a smartwatch that integrates fitness tracking, health-oriented features, and wireless telecommunication. It seamlessly integrates with watch OS and other Apple products and services. Launched in April 2015, the Apple Watch quickly became the world's best-selling wearable device, with 4.2 million units sold in the second quarter of fiscal 2015 alone. By December 2022, it was estimated that over 115 million people were using an Apple Watch.
Apple introduces a new generation of the Apple Watch with improved internal components each September. These are labeled by Apple as a 'Series', with certain exceptions. Each Series is initially sold in multiple variants, defined by the watch casing's material, color, and size. Starting with Series 3, aluminum variants offer LTE cellular connectivity as an option, which comes standard with other materials. Additionally, there are special editions co-branded with Nike and Hermès, offering exclusive bands, colors, and digital watch faces.
The Apple Watch operates alongside the user's iPhone, allowing for functions such as configuration and data syncing with iPhone apps. However, it can also connect to Wi-Fi networks independently for data-reliant purposes like communication, app usage, and audio streaming. LET-equipped models can perform these functions over mobile networks and even make and receive phone calls independently, reducing the reliance on an iPhone after initial setup.
The development of the Apple Watch began shortly after the death of Steve Jobs in October 2011. Apple's design chief Jony Ive became interested in building a watch, leading to the formation of a team to work on the project. In September 2014, the Apple Watch was unveiled during a press event alongside the iPhone 6. Initially marketed as a fashion accessory, its focus later shifted to health and fitness-oriented features.
Initially, it was not available for walk-in purchases at Apple Stores, with customers having to make appointments for demonstrations and fitting. The first retail store to display the Apple Watch was Colette in Paris. Later on, selected models became available at luxury boutiques and authorized resellers. In September 2015, Apple launched special editions of the Apple Watch in collaboration with Hermès, followed by another collaboration with Nike in the subsequent year.