Watch Standard 38mm

Apple positioned the original Apple Watch as a high-precision timepiece, a device for instant personal communication, and a revolutionary health and fitness partner, which must be paired with an iPhone 5 or newer for most of its functions. All first-generation Apple Watch devices are controlled with a "Digital Crown" and feature a Retina-class display with "Force Touch" technology, enabling new navigational possibilities by distinguishing between a light tap and a firm press. Battery life was estimated by Apple at up to 18 hours of mixed use, with more specific ratings of up to 3 hours talk time, 6.5 hours audio playback or workout, and up to 72 hours in a low-power "Power Reserve" mode. This 38 mm model in stainless steel has a 272x340 display protected by a sapphire crystal layer, housed in a 316L stainless steel case with a zirconia ceramic back. Initially, ten configurations varying by finish and band were offered. The lineup was revised on September 9, 2015, and again on March 21, 2016, with several band options being added and discontinued. The model was ultimately discontinued on September 7, 2016.

The original Apple Watch Series 0 was groundbreaking as Apple's first foray into wearables, though reviews were mixed regarding its performance and purpose. Critics acknowledged the premium build quality of the stainless steel model with sapphire crystal, but consistently criticized the sluggish performance, with apps taking considerable time to load and navigate. Many reviewers struggled to identify a clear use case beyond notifications and basic fitness tracking. The device was praised for its design and the innovative Digital Crown interface, but the software experience felt unpolished with frequent lag and limited third-party app ecosystem. While revolutionary for establishing the smartwatch category, it was widely regarded as a promising first-generation product that needed significant refinement in subsequent iterations.