April 24, 2015

Apple Watch released

Apple began selling the Apple Watch on April 24, 2015 — a smartwatch running watchOS with a new app SDKSoftware development kit — tools and libraries for building software on a platform. and Digital Crown input.

What it was for

Apple WatchwatchOS brought SwiftApple's language for iOS, macOS, and server apps — designed for safety and performance./UIKit extensions to the wrist — complications, health sensors, and glanceable notifications. Developers built companion apps paired with iPhoneApple's smartphone line — touch-first mobile computing and the App Store ecosystem since 2007. backends; Apple later added cellular models and native App StoreApple's marketplace for iOS apps — centralized distribution and in-app purchases on iPhone. distribution on-watch. It opened wearable computing as a mainstream platform beyond fitness bands.

Companies

  • Apple

Why it's here

The Apple Watch launched watchOS as a first-class Apple developer platform.

Why it mattered

It created a new form factor for companion apps, health APIs, and glanceable UIUser interface — the parts of software people see and interact with. patterns.

What it solved

Users wanted smartphone notifications and health tracking without pulling a phone from their pocket.

Media

  • Apple Watch
    ImageApple Watch

    KK IN HK, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Related