Apple Watch Edition 38mm 1st Gen The Complete Guide to Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to Apple Watch Edition 38mm (1st Gen)

The Apple Watch Edition 38mm (1st generation) stands out as a premier timepiece within Apple's inaugural series of smartwatches. Launched initially in September 2014 and released later in July 2015, this device was positioned distinctly in the luxury market, thanks to its exclusive materials and design features.

Design and Build

The design philosophy of the Apple Watch Edition 38mm was to blend sophisticated aesthetics with advanced technology. Its frame is crafted from 18-karat yellow or rose gold, providing a touch of elegance and luxury. The front is adorned with a sapphire crystal glass, offering superior scratch resistance compared to conventional glass. This is complemented by a ceramic back, adding to its luxurious feel.

Weighing 55 grams and measuring 38.6 x 33.3 x 10.5 mm, the device is compact yet solid. The attention to detail in its construction is evident, as each material was chosen not only for its elegance but also for its functionality.

Display Features

The Apple Watch Edition features a 1.5-inch Retina OLED display, known for its vibrant color reproduction and impeccable clarity. With a resolution of 340 x 272 pixels, the display achieves a pixel density of approximately 290 ppi, which ensures that text and images appear sharp and clear.

The inclusion of Sapphire crystal glass not only protects the screen but also maintains its premium visual aesthetics over time. The display supports a peak brightness of 450 nits, making it visible under various lighting conditions.

Internal Hardware and Performance

Inside the Apple Watch Edition 38mm, the Apple S1 processor is at work. This 28 nm chipset features a 520 MHz Cortex-A7 CPU alongside a PowerVR SGX543 GPU, ensuring smooth performance for daily tasks and apps. Although modest by today's standards, at the time of its release, the hardware was well-suited for its needs.

The device includes 512MB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, enabling users to store apps and some media directly on the watch. Despite lacking cellular connectivity, the available hardware ensures a seamless interaction with the paired iPhone, extending its functionality through watchOS.

Connectivity and Communication

The Apple Watch Edition supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0, facilitating easy connection with other devices. The inclusion of NFC technology enables Apple Pay, allowing users to make secure payments directly from their wrist.

While it does not provide direct GPS support or cellular connectivity, the watch can still benefit from the GPS data of a connected iPhone, allowing it to track workouts and deliver location-based functionality with assistance from the phone.

Battery and Charging

Equipped with a 205 mAh lithium-ion battery, the Apple Watch Edition can typically last a day on a full charge, accounting for regular usage patterns. The non-removable battery is wirelessly charged, a convenience that was warmly welcomed in a time when wireless charging was still gaining popularity.

The magnetic charging dock provided with the device simplifies the process, reinforcing the seamless, user-friendly experience Apple is known for delivering.

Operating System

The smartwatch originally launched with watchOS 1.0 and is upgradeable to watchOS 4.3.2. This development ensures that users could enjoy the latest features and improvements over time, helping to extend the device's usability beyond its initial technological constraints.

Through watchOS, users gain access to a variety of applications, notifications, fitness tracking capabilities, and customization options, all tailored to enhance the personal and functional value of the watch.

Sensor Technology

The Apple Watch Edition is packed with essential sensors aimed at improving the wearer’s health and activity tracking capabilities. An accelerometer, gyroscope, and optical heart rate sensor offer comprehensive fitness and health insights. These allow the watch to track workouts, monitor heart rates, and provide detailed health data directly to the user's wrist.

Market Position and Pricing

The Apple Watch Edition 38mm was targeted at a luxury demographic, with prices reaching around 11,000 EUR at launch. Its high price point was justified by the use of premium materials and the exclusivity associated with such a product.

Although discontinued, the device remains an important part of Apple's journey into high-end wearable technology, offering valuable lessons and insights that have shaped future product lines.

Conclusion

In sum, the Apple Watch Edition 38mm (1st generation) is a remarkable convergence of luxury, technology, and design. Its deployment in the market represented Apple's foray into not just crafting smartwatches, but creating icons of style and personal statements. Although succeeded by more advanced iterations, the first-generation Apple Watch Edition remains a testament to Apple's ability to blend form and function, paving the way for future innovations in wearable technology.