3 Things You Need To Know About The Apple Watch

Apple-Watch-SE

Although the Apple Watch isn’t a must-have like your iPhone, Apple’s most personal device has the potential to change the way we interact with other people—and our phones. We’re now almost a year into wearing our watches, and they’ve improved with a major software upgrade, new band options, and a price cut.

What does watchOS have to offer? What’s it like to use an Apple Watch, and is it even worth buying? We answer all these questions and more in this ultimate guide to Apple Watch.

What’s the latest? Apple just slashed the prices of its Apple Watch Sport models in time for its spring event, which is also close to the 1-year anniversary of the watch’s launch. A 38mm Sport now starts at $299, and a 42mm model is $349. Apple also revealed a new Woven Nylon band and introduced new colors in its Sport and leather band lineup. Apple CEO Tim Cook said a third of Apple Watch wearers change up their bands on a regular basis, so it makes sense for the company to roll out more options.

What’s this watch all about, anyway? The Apple Watch started shipping almost a year ago, and reviews have been mixed, however one thing is for sure: The watch’s three models are beautiful in different ways. The mid-range stainless steel Apple Watch comes in a stunning and super shiny chrome or space black finish. Its touchscreen is covered by sapphire crystal, which should make it more scratch-resistant than the Gorilla Glass Apple has used on its iPhones. Prices range between $549 and $1,099, depending on whether you buy the 38mm or 42mm case and which band you choose.

How the Apple Watch works

Apple Watch Sport has an anodized aluminum case in silver or space gray, and the face is Ion-X glass, which also designed to be hard and rugged than the sapphire. It’s definitely the lightest of the three Apple Watch editions, making it an ideal exercise companion. It’s also the cheapest option at $299 for the 38mm version and $349 for the 42mm model.

As for the Apple Watch Edition, it ramps up the luxury factor with an 18-karat gold casing in yellow or rose. As you might expect, it’s heavy. Gold, y’know. The Apple Watch Edition also comes in a fancy leather box that doubles as a charging cradle! Also, it costs about as much as an entry-level car, ranging from $10,000 to $17,000, according to size and band choice.

Are there multiple models because one size doesn’t actually fit all? Of course, each edition comes in two sizes, which is something we haven’t seen with any Android Wear watches so far. You can buy Apple Watches in heights of 38 and 42 millimeters—about 1.5 and 1.65 inches, respectively, if you’ve had it up to here with the metric system. The Watch’s promotional videos feature lots of women wearing the watch, which is especially nice to see, since other smartwatch makers appear to be neglecting those of us with slender wrists.