Apple Watch exhibited prototype of the connected watch. Enough to discover the software interface, but also the case, very different from the final design.
In 2014, Apple launched its very first connected watch, the Apple Watch, with all the success it is known to have. But as always, this first model has known, internally, predecessors. The Apple Demo leaker unveiled photos of a prototype Apple Watch.
This prototype’s interest was not so much to evaluate the design of the watch, since it differs in many respects, but above all to develop the internal software of the Apple Watch, the future watchOS 1.0.
Thus, the various images put online to make it possible to discover a software interface that is already very close to the final version, with a system of colour bubbles to navigate through the various applications. Initially, however, this menu was called “SpringBoard zoom” and was designed as an application in its own right.
A Prototype with a very Different Design from the Apple Watch
In terms of the device itself, this prototype already sported a square screen. Several connected watches of the time—like the Moto 360, already opted for a circular screen. A button below the screen with what appears to be a stick was to be used for navigation. While two keys on the left also allowed for interaction. Finally, Apple has chosen the touch screen with a button and its digital crown, the famous “digital crown”.
We can also see that the watch is running a pre-version of watchOS. Images shared by the Apple Demo account on Twitter show several previews of the OS and settings of the prototype of it. We can also observe an icon representing Lisa Simpson, about the Apple computer Lisa, released in the 80s.
On the label affixed to the watch case, it read: “This product is classified as Apple Confidential and is designated as an ‘Ultra’ security program”, as well as “This prototype MUST be returned when recalled or when your”, suggesting that it was an extraordinary model.
In any case, it’s hard to know why Apple abandoned this project.