The Apple Watch 38mm (1st Gen), released in May 2015, brought a new era of smartwatches with its sleek design, high-end materials, and premium features. With its small form factor and luxurious build, this first-generation model captivated users who sought both style and functionality in a wearable device. Featuring a Retina OLED display and the Apple S1 chip, it offered a smooth user experience while staying true to Apple’s commitment to quality and design.
The 38mm model was the starting point for many users looking to integrate smartwatch technology into their daily lives. It offered features like fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, and notifications from your iPhone, all packed into a durable stainless steel frame. In this article, we will explore the full specifications of the Apple Watch 38mm (1st Gen), covering camera, design, display, performance, battery, and durability.
Apple Watch 38mm (1st Gen) Full Watch Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Release Date | May 2015 |
| Weight | 40g |
| Dimensions | 38.6 x 33.3 x 10.5 mm (1.52 x 1.31 x 0.41 in) |
| Build | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| OS | watchOS 1.0 (upgradable to watchOS 4.3.2) |
| Chipset | Apple S1 (28 nm) |
| CPU | 520 MHz Cortex-A7 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX543 |
| Storage | 8GB internal, 512MB RAM |
| SIM | No |
| Water Resistance | IPX7 water-resistant up to 1 meter for 30 minutes |
| Display Type | Retina OLED, 450 nits (peak) |
| Display Size | 1.5 inches |
| Display Resolution | 340 x 272 pixels (~290 ppi density) |
| Protection | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 LE, NFC |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion 205 mAh (0.78 Wh), non-removable |
| Charging | Wireless |
| Compatibility | Compatible with Apple iPhone 5 or newer |
| Price | About 650 EUR |
Camera
The Apple Watch 38mm (1st Gen) does not include a camera, which was a standard decision for early Apple Watch models. Although this model focuses on fitness tracking, notifications, and overall functionality, users interested in capturing photos or videos were left to rely on their iPhone. This design choice reflected the primary goal of the Apple Watch at the time: to provide a seamless extension of the iPhone, not a media-capturing device.
Design and Display
The Apple Watch 38mm (1st Gen) features a luxurious design with a stainless steel frame and a Sapphire crystal front, giving it a premium look and feel. It weighs 40 grams and measures 38.6 x 33.3 x 10.5 mm, making it a compact option for users with smaller wrists or those who prefer a lightweight device.
The 1.5-inch Retina OLED display offers crisp and vibrant visuals with a resolution of 340 x 272 pixels (~290 ppi). The display’s peak brightness of 450 nits makes it easy to read in various lighting conditions. Additionally, the Sapphire crystal glass offers increased durability and scratch resistance, ensuring the screen remains in good condition over time.
Performance
Powered by the Apple S1 chip, the 38mm Apple Watch (1st Gen) delivers solid performance for its era. The 520 MHz Cortex-A7 CPU and PowerVR SGX543 GPU handle basic tasks, notifications, and fitness tracking smoothly. The 512MB of RAM supports efficient multitasking, ensuring that the watch responds well to user inputs and applications.
With watchOS 1.0 (upgradable to watchOS 4.3.2), users can enjoy a range of apps and features. While not as fast as newer models, the Apple S1 chip was cutting-edge in 2015, providing solid performance for the needs of the time.
Battery and Charging
The Apple Watch 38mm (1st Gen) is equipped with a 205mAh Li-Ion battery that provides up to 18 hours of use on a single charge, depending on usage. This battery life is typical for smartwatches of that generation, though users may need to charge it daily, especially with frequent fitness tracking or notifications. The watch supports wireless charging, which adds a layer of convenience by eliminating the need for physical connectors.
Durability
The Apple Watch 38mm (1st Gen) is built to withstand daily use with an IPX7 water resistance rating. This allows the watch to be submerged up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, making it suitable for activities like washing hands, sweating during workouts, or wearing in the rain. However, it is not intended for swimming or submerging in deeper water.
The watch’s robust stainless steel frame, coupled with Sapphire crystal glass, ensures it is durable and resistant to scratches and minor drops. While it is not as rugged as sport-oriented wearables, the Apple Watch 38mm offers reliable durability for everyday activities.
