Jony Ive suggests that Apple is bound to make some missteps as it continues to explore wearable devices, and offers some vague, tantalizing hints about Apple’s plans for the Apple Watch in a new interview.
“Regardless of whether we declare an interest in fashion or not, we are making products that are more and more personal, products that you wear and you wear every day,” he told Business of Fashion ahead of the Apple-sponsored Met Gala. “We’ve not done that before and we’ve got a lot to learn.”
The comments come shortly after Fitbit CEO James Park accused Apple of pursuing the wrong direction with the Apple Watch. Also, Tim Cook recently acknowledged that Apple had taken things purposely slow with its Apple Watch rollout.
“We know a lot more than we did a year ago,” Cook told Mad Money. “And you’ll see the Apple Watch getting better and better.”
Like his boss, Ive wouldn’t get specific about what’s planned for the Apple Watch next (what else is new?). However, Apple’s top designer did liken the wearable’s development to the progress Apple made with subsequent generations of its most iconic product lines.
“It’s quite interesting that if you look back at the first generation of the iPod or the Phone — what happens in the next two, three, four years is dramatic,” Ive said. “You’d be very surprised about some of the things you would absolutely assume that the first Phone did and it didn’t have [that functionality].”
Ive also took a shot at rivals, saying the Apple Watch wasn’t “us being opportunistic in the way our competitors are. It’s not us thinking, ‘Well, this is a growing category.’ That couldn’t be further from the truth.”
There’s still no consensus on when the Apple Watch 2 will arrive, but last month it was reported that Apple is ordering component parts for the device. In terms of how it will differ from its predecessor, again there is no clear consensus, although it is likely the device will feature far greater levels of iPhone independence, among other improvements.
What would convince you to buy an Apple Watch 2? And when do you think it’ll arrive? Leave your comments below.
Source: Business of Fashion
Luke Dormehl is a U.K.-based journalist and author, with a background working in documentary film for Channel 4 and the BBC. He is the author of The Apple Revolution and The Formula: How Algorithms Solve All Our Problems … and Create More, both published by Penguin/Random House. His tech writing has also appeared in Wired, Fast Company, Techmeme and other publications.
6 responses to “Jony Ive: Apple has a ‘lot to learn’ about wearables”
I have one and it is a life changer! I don’t have to search for my phone, and can answer phone calls, text messages on my watch if necessary. I receive emails on the watch, It tracks my steps, calories burned and reminds me when I am inactive. SIRI on the watch is 100 times better than any other device. I can pay for coffee with my Starbucks card or my credit card, I have my calendar with me at all times… And more and more apps are coming out every day! Love the Apple Watch
Same here! I must admit it took a while for me to get into the habit of putting on a watch every morning, but I’m glad I did.
No longer am I tied to my iPhone. Now I never miss a phone call or a text from someone important.
As for whether I would want the new Apple Watch 2, I doubt it. Maybe the Apple Watch #3 or #4. As far as new features, I’m not interested in it having its own GPS or being able to use it without my iPhone. When it becomes a genuine medical device and can tell me important stuff, like when I’m having a heart attack, then I’ll upgrade for sure. But for the time being, I’m good thanks!
You need to turn off the wrist turn activation to conserve battery life. Can’t swim with it. Can’t wear it in a sauna. Can’t shower with it. Doesn’t have any functionality unless tethered to the iPhone. So doesn’t have a compass, altimeter, barometer or GPS. So, without the iPhone it’s a watch you need to tap to get it to display the time. Circa 1978 LED WATCH. No tap though, you had to press a button on the side. Look how far we’ve come.
Your comments seem to indicate that you do not have an apple watch. I rarely ever get below 50% after a full days use, I have taken it to the beach, waterpark, jacuzzi, sauna, and pool for all day use with no problems. So what if i need my iPhone for certain functionality? I have it with me the majority of time anyway. I would imagine most users of the apple watch (or any other watch, for that matter) don’t have a pressing need for a compass, altimeter, or barometer, so that argument is relatively moot. I personally love my apple watch and it is a huge upgrade from both the standard watch and the fitness trackers, a la fitbit. I could see gps helping from a standalone fitness perspective, however it is a minor quibble and will likely be included in future versions.
It DOES have functionality without the iPhone; LOTs of functionality! I go 2 days without charging it and it charges in less than 1/2 hour. I don’t take my iPhone everywhere. And when you are on wifi you only have to be on the same network, you don’t have to carry your phone. It is far more than a fitness tracker… it is a computer on your wrist… I had Fitbits (got burned) and Garmins but ended up having to wear more than one device… The Apple Watch solved that problem…
I never been a watch person, but I like some of the features of a smart watch. However, the rectangular face of the Apple Watch looks too geeky to me, so I don’t own one nor would I wear one. In my opinion, Apple should have gone with a round face and rotating bezel for the Apple Watch. They still can, but if they do then they will be copying the competition instead of leading. Hopefully, Apple can lead with wearables in other innovative ways.