Five Reasons Why You Should Wait for the Apple Watch

 

Now that Tim Cook’s officially unveiled the latest generation of iPhones and the Apple Watch, some of the hubbub is starting to die down. To be honest, this is good news – because all the ‘iWatch’ rumors were getting kind of ridiculous.

That said, a new pattern is emerging in the world of tech. There seems to be a large crowd pointing out reasons why you shouldn’t be excited for Apple’s newest device. Mashable, PC Advisor and several market analysts are busy spreading doom and gloom about it – and it’s not even supposed to launch until 2015. In light of that, we’re going to take some time to point out five reasons why you do want to wait for the Apple Watch.

Five Reasons Why You Should Wait for the Apple Watch

Image from AppleThe price is a bit steep at $349, especially when you compare it to other smartwatches on the market but when have you ever known Apple to conform in that respect. iPhones generally cost more than rival devices, and that hasn’t stopped people from buying them. Sure you can get the older generation models for cheaper, under subsidized plans but that’s not the point.

Android may be dominating the market right now, but people are still buying into Apple. As of July, 2014 Apple still holds 32% of the market. Even if that’s less than Android, that’s still a pretty significant number, especially when you consider that most smartwatches available don’t even work with iOS devices – which brings us to our first point.

1. The Apple Watch is Compatible with iOS Devices

Apple Watch and iPhone 6There are only a small handful of wearable devices currently available that work with iPhones, most of which are meant for fitness and health tracking. The watches that are compatible with iPhones aren’t quite so high-end or appealing for that matter. Meanwhile, Android Wear devices are getting more and more attractive as they flood the market in droves. By 2015, the number of iOS compatible smartwatches will likely be a little bigger, but the real spotlight is going to shine on the Apple Watch.

If you own an iPhone or iPad and you want a compatible high-end smartwatch, you don’t really have a choice but to wait. Unless you make the jump to Android, that is. That is why the first reason you do want to wait for the Apple Watch is because it’s compatible with your device(s), provided you have an iPhone generation 5 or up. As for the rest of you with older handsets, Apple has been trying to get you to upgrade for some time now – maybe this is the ideal time?

2. The Apple Watch is Convenient

Apple Watch messagesLike most smartwatches, the Apple Watch will be able to pull notifications, alerts and messages from your iPhone. If you don’t already own or use a smartwatch, it’s difficult to explain the convenience of such a thing. Once you actually start using it, you’ll fall in love. It enables you to stop worrying about your phone and related alerts. That may not seem like much, until you experience it for yourself.

How often do you find yourself checking email, text messages, social networks and more? How often do you worry that you missed an important call or message because your phone wasn’t on hand? With a smartwatch sitting on your wrist, you don’t have to fret about any of these things – because the information will be delivered to you in realtime.

3. Apple Pay

Apple introduced a new payment system called Apple Pay which allows you to pay for retail transactions by tapping your device to a register – or compatible equipment – with NFC.

“You can pay with Apple Watch — just double-click the button below the Digital Crown and hold the face of your Apple Watch near the contactless reader.”

Of course, this will depend on how many retailers and shops decide to join the program by installing NFC enabled equipment. However, if anyone can get a large majority of retailers on board, it’s Apple.

Apple Pay will be installed on the latest iPhone handsets and the Apple Watch. That means, you’ll be able to pay for goods and services using your smartwatch or smartphone – hopefully, eliminating the need to carry around a wallet and a stack of plastic cards. Since the new lineup is coming this month, the system will already be in place by the time the Apple Watch drops in 2015.

That will give plenty of us time to feel out the market, and see how Apple Pay is adopted.

4. It Can Stand On Its Own

Apple Watch timekeepingThe Apple Watch will have its very own app marketplace for software that works specifically with the navigation options, features and functionality of the device. That means, you won’t have to worry about downloading a shoddy app that was clearly designed with a larger screen device in mind. Everything accessible to the Apple Watch will have been developed for the Apple Watch.

In addition, the unique software and UI elements allow the device to stand on its own. Sure it connects with an iPhone to deliver notifications, alerts and messages – but the device can do a hell of a lot more than that. Thanks to powerful software behind the device it can be considered standalone. The digital crown, side button, touch and face sensitive controls and of course voice support all work to bolster its usability.

5. It Is Incredibly Personal

Apple Watch personalizationIn the smartphone world, Android has often taken the cake for its robust selection of customization and personalization options. Apple has never really been known for anything like this. Sure, you can add a background image to your home screen or change a few colors here and there – but that’s about it. The Apple Watch is different. Apple will be making available a wide selection of digital watchfaces, custom wrist bands, apps and more. Even better, if you don’t find a digital watchface you like it looks like you’ll be able to create your own.

Similar to how iPhone cases have exploded in the retail world, we’ll probably see the same thing happen with Apple Watch bands. At least a few third party manufacturers will join the party and offer cheaper – and maybe even more colorful – products.

The Apple Watch Will Arrive in 2015

We don’t know exact dates, but the Apple Watch will be available sometime in early 2015. Tim Cook said that it will retail for $349, which brings to light the biggest setback. That’s a pretty hefty price, especially for folks with devices older than the iPhone 5 – because they’ll have to purchase both a new iPhone and the watch if they want to use it.

That said, it’s easy to forget this is only the first iteration of the Apple Watch. Future generations will undoubtedly improve upon the formula, and that also means the original models will drop in price. It’s a little early to be planning for the next generation of Apple Watches to hit the market, yet it’s still something to keep in mind.

If you’d like to know a little more about what the Apple Watch has to offer, you can check out our in-depth look at the features and functionality of the device.

If you disagree with any of the points listed here feel free to share your thoughts below. However, please keep the discusion clean, constructive and free of any insults or flaming.

About The Author

Briley Kenney

Briley Kenney is an experienced tech enthusiast who enjoys all things electronic and gadget related. Currently, Briley writes for a plethora of professional websites including Digital Trends, Lifewire, Ideaing, SmartWatches, and several prominent, but confidential, SEO companies. He has also written in-game content for the indie gem Tales of Illyria and it's two sequels Beyond the Iron Wall, and Destinies.