<P> The Apple Watch was released on April 24, 2015 and quickly became the best - selling wearable device with 4.2 million sold in the second quarter of the 2015 fiscal year . </P> <P> The second generation of Apple Watches were released in two tiers in September 2016: the Apple Watch Series 1 and Apple Watch Series 2, while the first generation was discontinued . </P> <P> The Apple Watch Series 3 was released on September 22, 2017 alongside the discontinuation of the Apple Watch Series 2 . Apple still produces the second - generation Series 1 Apple Watch as an entry - level device . </P> <P> The goal of the Apple Watch was to enhance the uses of an iPhone while also providing the user with some additional new features . Kevin Lynch was hired by Apple to make wearable technology for the wrist . He said: "People are carrying their phones with them and looking at the screen so much . People want that level of engagement . But how do we provide it in a way that's a little more human, a little more in the moment when you're with somebody?" Apple's development process was held very much under wraps until a Wired article revealed how some internal design decisions were made . </P>

When did the apple watch 3 series come out