It should be common knowledge by now: The Apple Watch is almost upon us. It begins shipping on 24th April, and has been available to preorder since the 10th. The problem is, there are so many different options that it’s hard to know which to choose. Enter this article, which will give a brief overview of the main features and differences between each watch.
Features
- The Force Touch function: a nifty feature which enables the Watch to make a distinction between a tap and a press. This proves handy in contexts such as in iTunes: a tap pauses and plays the music, whereas a press brings up a new set of controls for functions such as repeat and shuffle.
- The Digital Crown: unique to Apple, the feature allows you to twist the crown in order to cycle through apps, options, and zoom in and out when need be.
- Yo: an app designed to get around the limitations of using a small screen for interacting with friends. You can send a contact a notification to let them know you’re thinking of them, a Sketch function to share drawings, and a walkie-talkie feature. You can also send friends your heartbeat, which will then beat in time with theirs on their display – the romantic in me really likes this feature.
So, what are the specifications of each model?
Watch Sport
The baby of the three models, Watch Sport is the lightest of the three watches by far (straps excluded). The body is made from aluminium and Ion-X glass, and there are a choice of five different colour bands to choose from – personally, I rather like the blue.
The 38mm and 42mm versions of Watch Sport are priced at £300 and £340 respectively, which isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s the lowest price you’re gonna get.
Watch (yes, just Watch)
The mid-range model is the most customisable, and is available with sports straps, leather straps, Modern Buckles and stainless steel link bracelets. It also has a sapphire crystal watch face and stainless steel body.
£480 is the starting price for Watch, which will get you the 38mm version with white sport band. However, the price range is incredibly broad for this tier, and you can almost double your budget if you fancy buying the 42mm version, with space black link bracelet, for £950.
Watch Edition
As well as a sapphire crystal watch face, the watch for millionaires comes in an 18-karat rose or yellow gold casing… Just to show off exactly how much money you have (or had, before you bought it). The software is the same as the previous two tiers, so it is just the flashy exterior that you’re shelling out on here.
If you essentially have more money than sense, go for this one. And the “more money” part really is important because the starting price for this version, , is an eye-watering £8000. This tier also unlocks you access to around-the-clock technical support, which is clearly worth the extra thousands.
All models of the Watch come in two sizes – 38mm (for the more slender-wristed of us) and 42mm. The battery, which is charged magnetically, probably won’t last most people more than a day, which could be seen as an inconvenience. Unless you are just using it as a watch and nothing more – then it’ll last around 48 hours.
Are you planning on buying an Apple Watch, or have you already put in an order? Leave a comment below to let us know.
