The Apple Watch, Apple’s arguably most iconic product, is a design and wearable technology landmark. Apple’s then-chief design officer Jony Ive was behind its creation, and thus it was a highly personal project that was taken on shortly after the passing of Steve Jobs. Development on the watch began in early 2012, marking a change of direction for Apple to put technology into more intimate and accessible locations. Ive referred to the Apple Watch as a progression of devices from the desk to the pocket and finally to the wrist, highlighting its special connection with the user.
The Apple Watch’s design involved massive consultation and input from experts, including horologists and astrophysicists. Ive has tried to make the watch functional and pretty at the same time, with customizability options such as different metals, straps, and faces. He ruled out customers having the ability to design every aspect of the watch, believing designers should provide fashionable choices rather than giving up their role.
Ive’s Apple Watch design also featured new elements like its rectangular shape with rounded edges, which he argued was more practical at showing lists than round shapes. The watch employed cutting-edge materials like sapphire crystal and zirconia ceramic for durability and elegance. Additionally, its display technology offered darker blacks than regular LED displays, offering a hassle-free visual experience.
Apple Watch came into the market in 2014 and has since undergone multiple updates to rank as one of the top-selling wearables globally. It has brought in massive revenues for Apple’s wearables business. Not withstanding its popularity as a business venture, the watch stands out as evidence of Apple’s commitment to incorporating technology into people’s daily lives through quality levels of design and functionality.
Jony Ive’s Apple legacy is best linked with the Apple Watch, showcasing his ability to balance technological innovation and artistic vision. After leaving Apple in 2019, Ive formed his own design agency, LoveFrom, and continued to influence the world of design.
