Apple Watch: First impressions from an afternoon with Cupertino's new wearable


Apple's unveiling of its new watch is unique in two respects. First, it only comes in one technical version. There's no model differentiation in memory capacity, processor speed, display resolutions or in sensors across the entire lineup of devices Apple plans to sell. 

In fact, they all use the same electronic package inside, which Apple calls "S1," comparable in some respects to the A8 chips powering its latest iPhone 6. The difference is that virtually everything in the new watch is in the S1 chip, not just the primary processor cores as is the case in the Ax-powered iPhone and iPad.

Secondly, there is incredible diversity in non-technical versions of the product. For starters, there are two device sizes, distinguished solely by display size rather than by functionality. Apple also makes no effort to associate the two sizes with specifically assigned gender roles, so individuals can choose the size of their watch as a personal preference.

Second, Apple offers its watch in three different material combinations. The first, WATCH Sport, uses lightweight aluminum in either a silver or darker "space grey" finish, with a hardened glass face Apple refers to as "Ion X" and a rear composite cover.