How long till Apple removes the crown?He

[DUIduckSAUCE]

this form factor isn't going anywhere.

 

[ipedro]

The digital crown is necessary for using the watch with wet fingers and/or under water. It's also a great solution for a small screen where any touch screen UI interaction would block the information you're trying to see.

It should remain, and even augmented. I'd like to see the next Apple Watch add dimensions to the digital crown by turning it into a joy stick of sorts. Not only could you turn it and press it but you could manipulate objects like a map by angling the pressure in different directions.

 

[rishiomedia]

You'd think they would remove the buttons and replace them with force touch buttons - but they won't (at least for a long time) because you can't use the touch screen when wet from sweat or water. The crown is also useful when the watch is wet. Maybe they'll come up with a solution but it will have to work with runners who are sweaty.

 

[Julien]

That's not a reason to keep it. It's certainly functional, but it's also prone to stuff getting stuck in it, etc. Any physical buttons are a weak link, at the end of the day.

So "It is very functionally for the size/space/ergonomics of a watch." are not reasons???? Also sticky crown means you need to wash it. Don't be afraid of water. Had mine since launch day workout like a dog 6 days a week including extreme trail running through mud. I show mine no respect or pampering. Also shower with it every day and have never even had the slightest hint of sticky crown.

While physical buttons are a weak link they are needed because you need feedback when pressing without looking. At this time full haptic feedback to simulate a button push in impractical on something as small as a watch.

Scrolling is VERY important and needs to be exact on a limited view display device. Button scrolling doesn't offer this precision and would be confusing and very frustrating in speed and accuracy.

 

[Smeaton1724]

I'm thinking we will see some pretty big changes in the next Apple Watch (Series 3???). Smart Watches in general are kind of in a weird place in the technology world since they don't drastically benefit your life in any major way and therefore, you can easily live without them. In order to improve sales, it seems like the Apple Watch is straddling the fence between being a smart watch and being a fitness accessory. Just look at the difference between the original Apple Watch reveal (very focused on smart functions) and the Apple Watch Series 2 reveal (very fitness focused).

Since there seems to be much higher demand for fitness accessories than smart watches, the Apple Watch will probably continue to lean towards being a fitness accessory. In doing so, I definitely think it will see some major design changes which might include either removing or redesigning the digital crown. If Apple can redesign the iconic home button, then there is no reason they can't do the same for the Apple Watch crown.

I can't wait to get my new Series 1 tomorrow but at the same time, I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what Apple does with the next generation.

I can definitely see them getting rid of it in further generations, or splitting the product line in to Aluminium for Sport (no crown) and stainless steel and ceramic (with crown) fashion accessories.