Demo Apple Watch Shows 70-Second Startup Time in New Video

A new video posted to YouTube over the weekend takes a look at the startup time for a demo Apple Watch, with the device taking exactly 1 minute and 10 seconds to go from a black screen to showcasing the clock face of the Watch. Although that startup time seems lengthy in comparison to those of other Apple products, multiple factors could be affecting the device's boot process.

The Apple Watch in the video is a demo unit, with internals reportedly very close to retail units, but heavy software customization and other factors particular to the demo setup could be impeding this particular Watch's boot time. It's also unclear how much starting up an Apple Watch will be an issue with consumers, with most likely to leave the device on while charging it overnight, similar to an iPhone.


The Apple Watch has been up for pre-order for just over a week, with many models drifting past the initial 4/24-5/8 delivery window from the moment of availability or very soon after, and all models selling out within just a few hours. Customers in the first wave of deliveries should begin getting shipping updates on their Apple Watch orders shortly as the official April 24 launch on Friday draws near.

(Thanks, Enis!)

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 11
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now)

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Top Rated Comments

darkslide29 Avatar
136 months ago
Why would I wear something that actually boots up longer than my phone (and is probably sluggish as well) when there are better watches on the market right now? It's like a turtle vs. rabbit race.

Image (https://boardgamerater.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/rabbit-vs-turtle.png)

I'm sticking around for Gen. 2 or 3...

You do remember in the story of the tortoise and the hare, the hare lost. ;)
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
waterskier2007 Avatar
136 months ago
If it is a demo unit, it probably has software on it that is set to restore the device upon boot up (from what I know, floor model iPhone have this too) so this could mean extra long boot sequences.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Canaan Avatar
136 months ago
Anyone else more concerned with this guy's nails than the watch?
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
KindredMAC Avatar
136 months ago
Start up time = no biggie.
Lagginess = oh boy....

Yes I do understand that it is a display model, but if that is the front line of what is trying to sell me, I just moved on to something else to spend $350+ on.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Dekema2 Avatar
136 months ago
Why would I wear something that actually boots up longer than my phone (and is probably sluggish as well) when there are better watches on the market right now? It's like a turtle vs. rabbit race.



I'm sticking around for Gen. 2 or 3...
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
scwinsett Avatar
136 months ago
That guy in the video really needs a manicure or something. Those are some nasty fingers
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)