Would you be interested in an activity/sleep only band?

[satchmo]

While Apple is dominating the smartwatch category, I wonder if they are missing a segment of the population who would just prefer a cheaper band that focuses on activity and sleep. No apps, or fancy display.
I'm thinking in the $129-150 range (given the AW3 is $199 USD).

Now before you say Apple doesn't do cheap devices, they had multiple tiers of iPods (Nano, Classic etc.) It would be a great stocking stuffer and those who don't want to dish out a lot of money for an AW (or they prefer traditional watches)
It's also another way to lure users into their ecosystem.

 

[mikedis]

While Apple is dominating the smartwatch category, I wonder if they are missing a segment of the population who would just prefer a cheaper band that focuses on activity and sleep. No apps, or fancy display.
I'm thinking in the $129-150 range (given the AW3 is $199 USD).

Now before you say Apple doesn't do cheap devices, they had multiple tiers of iPods (Nano, Classic etc.) It would be a great stocking stuffer and those who don't want to dish out a lot of money for an AW (or they prefer traditional watches)
It's also another way to lure users into their ecosystem.

It's literally a $49 jump from $150 to $199. You can find used watches under $150 all over eBay, OfferUp, etc. I feel like anyone in the market for a wearable who doesn't have the money for an Apple Watch yet still wants an Apple branded solution (small niche) would just go with a used watch, or save up an extra $70-$50.

 

[satchmo]

It's literally a $49 jump from $150 to $199. You can find used watches under $150 all over eBay, OfferUp, etc. I feel like anyone in the market for a wearable who doesn't have the money for an Apple Watch yet still wants an Apple branded solution (small niche) would just go with a used watch, or save up an extra $70-$50.

So price it at $99. I only used $129-150 given all Apple products are generally higher.
Obviously price plays a factor in a product's desirability.

It was more to see if there was interest in a slimmed down feature set.
But given the poll results so far, it seems more prefer a full-featured watch.

 

[ApfelKuchen]

The issue with slimmed-down feature sets is always "Which features?" The OS and apps have been written, so it comes down to hardware. Every watch needs a CPU, battery, display, case, band... So, less-durable glass? Lower-resolution display? Less water resistance? It couldn't be a cellular model at that price point. Basically, what's left would be sensors - heart rate, altimeter, compass, etc. In many regards, that's the difference between Series 3 and Series 5. What could you deduct from the Series 3 to shave $50 off the price, bring back the Series 1?

Apple sells an overall experience. Distinctions between models tend to be obvious tradeoffs - you can't get an iPhone without front and back cameras, but you can decide how good/how many cameras you want. Larger/smaller displays, storage capacity, biometric scanning method, faster processor... But for the most part, other than things like camera modes that require more/better cameras, all products in a product line are going to deliver some version of all those things. An iPhone without either Face ID or Touch ID, or unable to use Apple Pay, or no selfie camera...

That leaves people with a product that can't deliver what other users of the same product are enjoying. That tends to lead to disappointment, and people rarely blame their disappointment on their own choices, they blame the company that sold it to them.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I don’t see Apple releasing such a model as the market for one of these kind of watches would be niche and very small, in opinion.

 

[satchmo]

The issue with slimmed-down feature sets is always "Which features?" The OS and apps have been written, so it comes down to hardware. Every watch needs a CPU, battery, display, case, band... So, less-durable glass? Lower-resolution display? Less water resistance? It couldn't be a cellular model at that price point. Basically, what's left would be sensors - heart rate, altimeter, compass, etc. In many regards, that's the difference between Series 3 and Series 5. What could you deduct from the Series 3 to shave $50 off the price, bring back the Series 1?

Apple sells an overall experience. Distinctions between models tend to be obvious tradeoffs - you can't get an iPhone without front and back cameras, but you can decide how good/how many cameras you want. Larger/smaller displays, storage capacity, biometric scanning method, faster processor... But for the most part, other than things like camera modes that require more/better cameras, all products in a product line are going to deliver some version of all those things. An iPhone without either Face ID or Touch ID, or unable to use Apple Pay, or no selfie camera...

That leaves people with a product that can't deliver what other users of the same product are enjoying. That tends to lead to disappointment, and people rarely blame their disappointment on their own choices, they blame the company that sold it to them.

Sure, but I wonder if there's a subset (albeit smaller) that is happy without a full feature set. It may be just as you've suggested, a device comprised of a few sensors and small low-res display with a gauge bar indicating how close you are to reaching your activity goals.

I'm talking simple so, there wouldn't need to be a tiered product line. Their experience is slap it on the wrist and pair to the iPhone. No setting up notifications or spend the time setting up complications in various colourways. The interaction only happens when they open up the app to view their results.

Frankly, the only customization could be different coloured interchangeable activity bands.
This would also serve as gateway product towards buying a fully featured Apple Watch.

 

[honglong1976]

Yes. Long battery life, small screen. Apple Fit!