How is the Apple Watch Performing?

William Morris once said, “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” This quote encapsulates the essence of the Apple Watch’s value proposition.

The Apple Watch, like other new Apple products, has experienced a condensed hype cycle, swinging between extreme anticipation and skepticism before most people have even used it. This pattern is typical for transformative products, such as the iPod or iPhone, but it can also signal a product that fails to meet expectations, like Google Glass.

Sales figures for the Apple Watch have been promising but not conclusive. Apple reported over $1bn in revenue and around 3m units sold in the first partial quarter, indicating a strong start but not necessarily long-term success. Historical precedents, such as the initially modest sales of the iPod and iPhone, suggest that early sales are not always predictive of a product’s ultimate trajectory.

The Apple Watch offers a multitude of small conveniences that enhance the user experience. For instance, it provides walking directions with a glance at the wrist, negating the need to repeatedly check a phone. Contactless payments, quick access to meeting locations, and efficient notification triage are among the benefits that, while not essential, enhance daily life.

These features are not groundbreaking applications but rather incremental improvements that are simply better executed on a watch than a phone. The Apple Watch aspires to be both a beautiful tech product and a useful luxury item, though it leans more towards being a useful luxury, starting at a lower price point than any previous Apple product.

The confusion surrounding the Apple Watch stems from its unique position at the intersection of technology and luxury. The tech press may overlook the luxury aspect, while the luxury press may not fully appreciate the technological advancements. The gold Apple Watch Edition exemplifies this dichotomy, challenging conventions by offering a luxury tech product with a high price tag and a non-eternal lifespan.

The Apple Watch’s software experience is still evolving. Third-party apps are expected to improve with the upcoming release of WatchOS 2, which will allow apps to run directly on the watch. Currently, the smartphone experience is not fully replicated on the watch, which relies heavily on notifications. The most successful apps are those that provide concise, actionable information, rather than attempting to replicate the smartphone app experience on a smaller scale.

Despite these considerations, the Apple Watch excels in reducing the daily friction of technology use. It offers all-day battery life, eliminating the need for a battery indicator or frequent charging. The device’s waterproof design and touchless wake-up functionality contribute to a seamless user experience.

The Apple Watch’s true value lies in its ability to facilitate numerous, small, personal interactions effortlessly. It’s a product that’s difficult to demonstrate or articulate fully, as its benefits are best understood through everyday use. The device’s launch ads focus on these subtle enhancements to daily life, emphasizing the importance of pleasure and luxury in a product that’s worn, rather than merely used.

In many ways, the Apple Watch is reminiscent of Google Now, offering non-essential but highly convenient features that streamline everyday tasks. It’s not about what the watch can do that a smartphone can’t; it’s about the seamless integration into life’s moments, providing a level of convenience that feels almost superhuman.

In conclusion, the Apple Watch is not just a tech gadget but a personal accessory that aims to blend utility with beauty, reducing friction in our interactions with technology and enhancing the quality of our daily lives.