Entering the Market Late

Initially, I found it challenging to grasp the value of the Apple Watch. Despite its popularity, I was unsure of how it would enhance my daily life. However, my perspective shifted after the launch of the Apple Watch 8 during last year's fall event.

To be honest, my decision to purchase was driven by curiosity and the potential for creating engaging content rather than high expectations for its practical use.

A Close Runner-Up

As the year concluded, like many content creators, I reflected on my tech purchases. While I named the AirPods Pro 2 as my top product of the year, the Apple Watch 8 came in as a very close second. If you haven’t tried one before, it may take some time to fully appreciate its benefits. Yet, while it quietly rests on your wrist, it continuously collects data about you—not in a negative sense, but to assist you.

It tracks your daily activities and nudges you to stay active. We all know the struggle of sitting too long at our desks, and the watch helps combat that habit. In the aftermath of COVID-19, it also monitors blood oxygen levels, providing valuable insights for potential health issues and even offering ECG capabilities. For women, it assists with cycle tracking and, if worn overnight, tracks sleep patterns as well.

Competing with Myself

I openly admit my competitive nature. The Apple Watch subtly encourages me to stay active. Just as I write this, I received a prompt from my watch about achieving my movement goal, and it motivated me to rise from my seat. It’s clear that this device has my back.

A New Chapter for Apple

Since its debut in 2015, the Apple Watch marked Apple's first new product category since the iPad in 2010. The significance of introducing a new category is underscored by Apple's upcoming foray into augmented and virtual reality with the Apple Vision. Should this headset achieve even a fraction of the success of the Apple Watch, Apple will have much to celebrate.

The statistics surrounding the Apple Watch are impressive: - Over 59 million units shipped in 2021 alone. - More than 100 million Apple Watch users worldwide. - Capturing over 35% of the global smartwatch market. - A growth rate of 76% in 2021. - Annual revenue reaching $70 billion.

With such remarkable figures, the Apple Watch has become a vital component of Apple's financial landscape. Consequently, the company continuously seeks ways to enhance the user experience.

Patent Insight #1

One patent that piqued my interest has been in development for several years. Since 2019, Apple has pursued a patent for a built-in camera in the Apple Watch, which was finally granted last year. Originally, the camera was intended to be placed within the watch's crown, but recent developments suggest a shift in design.

The latest patent appears to explore the possibility of positioning the camera on the underside of the watch. While this location is practical, it could present challenges, such as needing to remove the band to capture photos. To address this, Apple has proposed a wristband design that separates into two parts, allowing users to detach the top portion to take pictures effortlessly.

Patent Insight #2

This innovative wristband aligns with Apple’s vision for the watch, which has already spawned a fashion industry around its bands. However, Apple is also focusing on sustainability and longevity. A recent patent aims to create a wristband capable of changing colors using electrochromic technology, allowing users to match their attire or receive notifications.

The Big Potential

There have long been rumors about the Apple Watch's capacity to monitor diabetes. The dream of a non-invasive glucose sensor remains elusive but is actively under development. Continuous monitoring is the most effective method for tracking blood glucose levels. If Apple can devise a way to achieve this, it could centralize all health data in one device.

Apple's ongoing work on a glucose sensor using Raman spectroscopy, a non-invasive technique that avoids skin penetration, could revolutionize health monitoring on the watch. There have already been cases where the Apple Watch, in conjunction with continuous glucose monitoring, has significantly impacted lives.

A Bit of Bad News

Recently, President Biden opted not to block a potential import ban on the Apple Watch in the U.S. This situation hinges on AliveCor's ability to overturn a previous ruling regarding the validity of their patents. AliveCor has expressed concerns over the ECG app's inclusion on the Apple Watch, claiming it infringes on their patented technology. If enforced, this ban could prevent Apple from importing new models that support ECG functionality.

Conclusion

The Apple Watch has become a major success, surpassing even Apple’s expectations since its introduction eight years ago. The release of the Apple Watch Ultra last year underscores its significance to the company. With ongoing patent filings, it’s evident that there is still much potential for further development.

If Apple succeeds in introducing glucose monitoring ahead of its competitors, it could solidify its standing in the wearable tech market.

The Apple Watch has become an indispensable part of my daily routine, now ranking just behind my phone in terms of irreplaceability.

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Originally published at https://talkingtechandaudio.com on February 22, 2023.