Unveiling the Apple Watch 38mm First Gen Features Prices & Insights

Overview of Apple Watch 38mm (1st Gen)

The Apple Watch 38mm (1st Gen), also known simply as the Apple Watch, marked Apple's entry into the smartwatch market. Announced in September 2014 and released in May 2015, this device combined advanced technology with the brand's signature aesthetic design. The 38mm size catered to users who preferred a more compact and subtle wristwatch.

Design and Build

The Apple Watch 38mm features a sleek and elegant design with dimensions of 38.6 x 33.3 x 10.5 mm, making it a suitable option for users with smaller wrists or those seeking a less obtrusive wearable. Weighing just 40 grams, the device is comfortable for all-day wear. It is crafted with high-quality materials, including a glass front made of Sapphire crystal, a ceramic or sapphire crystal back, and a stainless steel frame, ensuring durability and a premium feel.

Display

The device boasts a 1.5-inch Retina OLED display, providing vibrant colors and sharp images with a resolution of 340 x 272 pixels and a pixel density of around 290 ppi. The screen's brightness peaks at 450 nits, allowing visibility in a variety of lighting conditions. The Sapphire crystal glass offers robust protection against scratches and everyday wear and tear.

Performance and Hardware

At the core of the Apple Watch 38mm is the Apple S1 chipset, built on a 28 nm process, accompanied by a 520 MHz Cortex-A7 CPU and PowerVR SGX543 GPU. This combination delivers satisfactory performance for day-to-day tasks and fitness tracking functionalities. The device includes 512MB RAM and 8GB of internal storage, which should suffice for apps and data, although it does not have an expandable memory option.

Software and Features

Initially launched with watchOS 1.0, the Apple Watch 1st Gen is upgradable to watchOS 4.3.2, allowing access to a broad range of features and apps. The watchOS interface provides an easy-to-navigate experience with customizable watch faces and access to numerous applications through the Apple Watch App Store.

Although it does not support cellular connectivity, the device is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, and NFC technology, enabling Apple Pay transactions and seamless connectivity with iPhones and other devices. The inclusion of an accelerometer, gyroscope, and heart rate sensor supports accurate fitness tracking and health monitoring.

Battery Life and Charging

The Apple Watch 38mm is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 205 mAh battery, which is expected to last a full day under regular use. Charging is effortless with wireless capabilities, allowing users to recharge the device without fumbling with cables.

Customizability and Styles

One of the appealing aspects of the Apple Watch is its customizability. It is available in several styles and colors, including Stainless Steel/Red, White, Brown/Black/Blue/Red/Marigold/Jay Buckle options, as well as various bands like Blue/Stone Leather Loop, Silver/Space Black Milanese Loop, and more. This range of options ensures that users can tailor the watch to reflect personal style preferences.

Price and Market

Upon its release, the Apple Watch 1st Gen was priced at around 650 EUR. Though it was discontinued eventually, it left a significant impact on the smartwatch industry, setting a high benchmark for functionality and design in wearable technology. Even today, many users and collectors appreciate the first-generation Apple Watch for its pioneering contributions to the market.

Conclusion

In summary, the Apple Watch 38mm (1st Gen) stands as a landmark product in Apple's history, symbolizing the tech giant's initial ventures into wearable technology. With its appealing design, robust performance, and integration with the Apple ecosystem, it captured the interests of tech enthusiasts and ordinary users alike. Despite its discontinuation, its influence on smartwatches' development and popularity continues to be felt, securing its place as a significant piece of tech history.