With the Apple Watch, It's Time for Smartwatches to Get Serious Priced at $349 and available in an array of different face and band options, Apple's 'most personal product' will arrive early next year.

By Geoff Weiss

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

It's about time.

After months of speculation surrounding its foray into the wearables realm, Apple unveiled today its Apple Watch -- marking the company's first new product category launch under the stewardship of Steve Jobs successor Tim Cook.

Cook called the Apple Watch -- not the iWatch, as it had long been rumored the device would be called -- "the most personal product we've ever made."

Samsung, LG, Motorola and other tech giants have all introduced watches of their own to a somewhat lukewarm response in recent years, but the Apple Watch -- given the company's unique ubiquity -- holds potential for widespread adoption of the wearables category.

Related: If Fashion Is Your Thing, This Smartwatch Could Be For You

It will be available in two different sizes with three options for faces -- the stainless steel Apple Watch, the anodized aluminum Apple Watch Sport and the 18-carat gold Apple Watch Edition. Customers can also choose from six different kinds of straps.

Priced at $349, the Apple Watch is compatible with 5th generation iPhones and beyond.

Despite the long road leading up to the announcement, eager Apple fans will have to wait longer yet for the device, which Cook said will arrive early next year.

Of note is that the Apple Watch charges wirelessly, via a magnet that latches onto its back. In addition, rather than merely interacting with the watch face by touching it, the new interface can be controlled via a multi-functional side dial that Cook called a "digital crown," which takes users "home' and activates Siri.

Related: Why Business Can't Risk Ignoring Crazy Technologies

Apple Watch will also boast Fitness and Workout apps, said Cook, that will enable users to monitor their daily activity as well as set broader exercise goals.

And in addition to telling time, users can also use Apple Watch to respond to messages, read stock information and communicate with friends by sending sketches, audio messages and even recordings of one's own heartbeat.

Apple Watch is also compatible with the company's brand new mobile payment system, Apple Pay, which was also unveiled today.

Related: What Is Keeping Wearable Tech From Being Fashionable?

Wavy Line
Geoff Weiss

Former Staff Writer

Geoff Weiss is a former staff writer at Entrepreneur.com.

Editor's Pick

She's Been Coding Since Age 7 and Presented Her Life-Saving App to Tim Cook Last Year. Now 17, She's on Track to Solve Even Bigger Problems.
Lock
I Helped Grow 4 Unicorns Over 10 Years That Generated $18 Billion in Online Revenues. Here's What I've Learned.
Lock
Want to Break Bad Habits and Supercharge Your Business? Use This Technique.
Lock
Don't Have Any Clients But Need Customer Testimonials? Follow These 3 Tricks To Boost Your Rep.
Why Are Some Wines More Expensive Than Others? A Top Winemaker Gives a Full-Bodied Explanation.

Related Topics

Living

5 Ways to Manage Your Mental Health and Regulate Your Nervous System for Sustainable Success

Your body and mind are the cornerstones of your success — are you taking care of yourself?

Legal

You Could Lose Your Entire Business in a Personal Injury Claim. Here's How to Protect Yourself

As the prevalence of personal injury lawsuits grows nationally, what does this mean for small business owners? How can you be proactive as a business owner, plan ahead for the potential of accidents, and create a safe work environment? Careful planning and training can go a long way.

Devices

Score a Refurbished, Grade-A iPad Mini and Free Headphones for Just $99.99

Take advantage of this amazing price just in time for summer.

Business News

3 Companies to Pay Over $1 Billion in Settlement Over 'Forever Chemicals' Allegedly Contaminating U.S. Water Systems

Polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, are nearly impossible to break down and can have serious consequences to human health and the environment.

Leadership

3 Mundane Tasks You Should Automate to Save Your Brain for the Big Stuff

Automation is one way to cut through the noise: daily check-ins, circle-backs, status updates, etc. — and leave mental space for the big stuff.