Skip to content

TechRepublic

  • Top Products
  • AI
  • Developer
  • Payroll
  • Security
  • Project Management
  • Accounting
  • CRM
  • Academy
Resources
  • TechRepublic Premium
  • TechRepublic Academy
  • Newsletters
  • Resource Library
  • Forums
  • Sponsored
Go Premium
Popular Topics
  • Top Products
  • AI
  • Developer
  • Payroll
  • Security
  • Project Management
  • Accounting
  • CRM
  • Academy
  • Project Management
  • Innovation
  • Cheat Sheets
  • Big Data
  • Tech Jobs
View All Topics
Go Premium
Apple

Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

By Bill Detwiler June 5, 2015, 3:11 PM PDT Bill Detwiler on Twitter billdetwiler

Image
1
of 34

applewatchteardown01.jpg
applewatchteardown01.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Apple Watch Teardown

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Apple Watch Teardown

The Apple Watch may be beautiful on the outside, but how about on the inside?

In this TechRepublic teardown gallery, Bill Detwiler goes inside the watch’s case for a look at the hardware that powers Apple’s new wearable.

To read his complete hardware analysis, check out his article, Apple Watch teardown reveals unique hardware and replaceable parts.

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown10.jpg
applewatchteardown10.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Pricing and models

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Pricing and models

The Apple Watch comes in three different models, two different sizes, and six different finishes. There are more than a dozen different bands and prices range from $349 all the way up to ridiculous $17,000 for the gold versions.

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown13.jpg
applewatchteardown13.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Dimensions and weight

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Dimensions and weight

Our test unit was a 42mm stainless steel model with a black sport band. It measured 42mm high, just under 36mm wide, 10.5mm thick. It weighed a very light 50 grams.

The front panel on this model is made from sapphire crystal, compared to Ion-X glass on the aluminum-bodied Sport model.

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown02.jpg
applewatchteardown02.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Back

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Back

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown11.jpg
applewatchteardown11.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Heart rate sensor

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Heart rate sensor

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown03.jpg
applewatchteardown03.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Digital Crown and Side button

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Digital Crown and Side button

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown04.jpg
applewatchteardown04.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Left side

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Left side

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown06.jpg
applewatchteardown06.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Speaker and microphone

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Speaker and microphone

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown07.jpg
applewatchteardown07.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Digital Crown and Side button from the bottom

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Digital Crown and Side button from the bottom

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown05.jpg
applewatchteardown05.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Sport band clasp

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Sport band clasp

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown08.jpg
applewatchteardown08.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Releasing the band

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Releasing the band

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown09.jpg
applewatchteardown09.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Hidden diagnostic port

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Hidden diagnostic port

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown12.jpg
applewatchteardown12.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Heating the display adhesive

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Heating the display adhesive

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown14.jpg
applewatchteardown14.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Separating the display and watch battery

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Separating the display and watch battery

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown15.jpg
applewatchteardown15.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Working my way around the display edges

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Working my way around the display edges

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown16.jpg
applewatchteardown16.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: First look inside the watch body

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: First look inside the watch body

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown17.jpg
applewatchteardown17.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Exposing the display cables

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Exposing the display cables

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown35.jpg
applewatchteardown35.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Display cable bracket

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Display cable bracket

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown34.jpg
applewatchteardown34.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Removing the display cable bracket

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Removing the display cable bracket

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown32.jpg
applewatchteardown32.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Display cable connectors

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Display cable connectors

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown33.jpg
applewatchteardown33.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Detaching the display cable connectors

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Detaching the display cable connectors

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown31.jpg
applewatchteardown31.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Removing the display

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Removing the display

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown30.jpg
applewatchteardown30.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Internal hardware

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Internal hardware

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown19.jpg
applewatchteardown19.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Display and front panel assembly

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Display and front panel assembly

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown28.jpg
applewatchteardown28.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Removing the battery

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Removing the battery

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown20.jpg
applewatchteardown20.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: 3.78V, 246mAh Li-ion battery

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: 3.78V, 246mAh Li-ion battery

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown21.jpg
applewatchteardown21.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Watch body with battery removed

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Watch body with battery removed

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown23.jpg
applewatchteardown23.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Taptic Engine and speaker assembly

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Taptic Engine and speaker assembly

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown22.jpg
applewatchteardown22.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: S1 system in package (SiP)

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: S1 system in package (SiP)

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown24.jpg
applewatchteardown24.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Microphone, battery, and display contacts

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Microphone, battery, and display contacts

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown25.jpg
applewatchteardown25.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Digital Crown and Side button contacts

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Digital Crown and Side button contacts

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown26.jpg
applewatchteardown26.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Diagnostic port contact

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Diagnostic port contact

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
applewatchteardown27.jpg
applewatchteardown27.jpg
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Antenna assembly shown above Taptic Engine

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Antenna assembly shown above Taptic Engine

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Disassembled

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Cracking Open Apple Watch: Disassembled

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic
  • Apple
  • Hardware
  • Account Information

    Share with Your Friends

    Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)

    Your email has been sent

Share: Cracking Open the Apple Watch (2015)
Image of Bill Detwiler
By Bill Detwiler
Bill Detwiler is the Editor for Technical Content and Ecosystem at Celonis. He is the former Editor in Chief of TechRepublic and previous host of TechRepublic's Dynamic Developer podcast and Cracking Open, CNET and TechRepublic's popular online show.
  • Account Information

    Contact Bill Detwiler

    Your message has been sent

  • |
  • See all of Bill's content

Daily Tech Insider

If you can only read one tech story a day, this is it.

TechRepublic TechRepublic
  • TechRepublic on Facebook
  • TechRepublic on X
  • TechRepublic on LinkedIn
  • TechRepublic on YouTube
  • TechRepublic on Pinterest
  • TechRepublic RSS
Services
  • About Us
  • Newsletters
  • RSS Feeds
  • Site Map
  • Site Help & Feedback
  • FAQ
  • Advertise
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • Careers
Explore
  • Downloads
  • TechRepublic Forums
  • Meet the Team
  • TechRepublic Academy
  • TechRepublic Premium
  • Resource Library
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Editorial Policy
  • Legal Terms
  • Privacy Policy
© 2025 TechnologyAdvice. All rights reserved.
CLOSE

Create a TechRepublic Account

Get the web's best business technology news, tutorials, reviews, trends, and analysis—in your inbox. Let's start with the basics.

Already registered? Sign In
Use Facebook
Use Linkedin

* - indicates required fields

CLOSE

Sign in to TechRepublic

Not a member? Create an account
Use Facebook
Use Linkedin

Lost your password? Request a new password

CLOSE

Reset Password

Please enter your email adress. You will receive an email message with instructions on how to reset your password.

Check your email for a password reset link. If you didn't receive an email don't forgot to check your spam folder, otherwise contact support.

Back to login
1 Finish Profile
2 Newsletter Preferences
CLOSE

Welcome. Tell us a little bit about you.

This will help us provide you with customized content.

No thanks, continue without
1 Finish Profile
2 Newsletter Preferences
CLOSE

Want to receive more TechRepublic news?

Newsletter Name
Subscribe
Daily Tech Insider
Daily Tech Insider AU
TechRepublic UK
TechRepublic News and Special Offers
TechRepublic News and Special Offers International
Executive Briefing
Innovation Insider
Project Management Insider
Microsoft Weekly
Cloud Insider
Data Insider
Developer Insider
TechRepublic Premium
Apple Weekly
Cybersecurity Insider
Google Weekly
Toggle All
No thanks, continue without

You're All Set

Thanks for signing up! Keep an eye out for a confirmation email from our team. To ensure any newsletters you subscribed to hit your inbox, make sure to add [email protected] to your contacts list.

Back to Home Page
×