Apple Watch at 10: A decade of activity, health, and wearable progress

April 24, 2025, marks a significant milestone in consumer tech history: the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch. Since its launch in 2015, the Apple Watch has evolved from a stylish gadget to one of the most widely used health-focused wearables in the world.

To commemorate this decade-long journey, Apple is doing something that aligns perfectly with the product’s mission—encouraging movement, fitness, and overall well-being. The company is celebrating with a worldwide activity initiative, “Global Close Your Rings Day,” rather than flashy campaigns.

This event invites users to complete their Move, Exercise, and Stand goals on April 24, rewarding them with digital badges, animated stickers, and a limited-edition physical pin available at Apple Stores. But beyond the incentives, the celebration reflects a deeper story—how consistent use of fitness trackers like the Apple Watch can influence sleep quality, heart health, and mental wellbeing.

The rise of health-focused wearables

When the Apple Watch debuted, it was pitched as a sleek accessory with notifications, customizable watch faces, and basic fitness tracking. But over the years, it’s become a major player in the fitness trackers market, alongside devices like Fitbit and Garmin.

What sets the Apple Watch apart is its comprehensive suite of health tools. Today’s models include ECG readings, blood oxygen monitoring, fall detection, sleep tracking, and most recently, the Vitals app—which offers users a unified view of health metrics like respiratory rate, heart rate, and wrist temperature.

This evolution reflects a broader shift in consumer interest—from general wellness to data-driven personal health insights. In a world where proactive health management is becoming increasingly important, health-focused wearables are no longer just nice-to-have accessories—they’re companions in daily health routines.

Celebrating with movement

In honor of the product’s 10-year milestone, Apple has declared April 24 “Global Close Your Rings Day.” It’s more than a commemorative title—it’s an open invitation to move.

On this day, Apple Watch users are encouraged to do something active that brings them joy, challenge themselves, or even try something new. The reward? A limited-edition digital award, ten animated stickers for the Messages app, and a physical pin available at Apple Stores, while supplies last.

These pins are designed to resemble the digital reward badge, further tying together the virtual and real-world celebration. Though Apple hasn’t released official images of the pin, anticipation is high among fans and collectors.

Apple’s fitness challenges are not new—they’ve been used for years to encourage physical activity, often tied to holidays or global observances. But this one is particularly meaningful, serving as a nod to the community of users who’ve built habits around closing their rings daily.

The power of rings: Backed by science

What makes this celebration more than just a fitness trend is the solid research backing its health claims. Apple has shared findings from its Apple Heart and Movement Study, conducted with Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the American Heart Association.

Data collected from over 140,000 participants points to a clear trend: those who frequently close their rings report significantly better health outcomes than those who do not.

48% less likely to experience poor sleep quality: Participants reported fewer interruptions in their sleep, which is linked to better recovery and mental function.

73% less likely to have elevated resting heart rate: A lower resting heart rate generally indicates improved cardiovascular health and physical fitness.

57% less likely to experience elevated stress: Stress levels were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale-4 (PSS-4), showing that daily movement can have a tangible effect on mental wellbeing.

These results support what many fitness enthusiasts already feel anecdotally: completing the rings each day isn’t just about gamification—it has measurable health benefits.

More than a watch: A decade of impact

Over the past ten years, Apple Watch has become a centerpiece in the world of fitness trackers and health-focused wearables. With each new generation, the device has introduced advanced features aimed at making health tracking more intuitive and accessible.

Beyond the personal level, the Apple Watch is also contributing to scientific research. Through the Research app, users can voluntarily share their health data with major studies, including those focused on heart health, mobility, and more. This democratization of health data collection has opened new avenues for research while allowing participants to stay informed about their own wellbeing.

For example, Apple’s research into fall prevention has led to features like Walking Steadiness, which uses gait analysis to alert users if their stability declines over time. This kind of proactive monitoring helps people avoid injuries and stay independent longer, especially older adults.

Apple’s approach to privacy has also been central to its research success. All data is encrypted, and users maintain full control over their participation and the information they share.

The future of Apple Watch

Looking to the future, the Apple Watch is expected to continue pushing the boundaries of what health-focused wearables can do. Rumors suggest upcoming features may include non-invasive blood glucose monitoring, hydration tracking, and deeper integration with healthcare providers.

The device is also likely to become more tailored to individual health needs, using machine learning to provide personalized insights and recommendations. Imagine a watch that not only reminds you to move but alerts you to early signs of illness or provides preventive care suggestions based on long-term data trends.

This blend of convenience, real-time data, and health forecasting could redefine personal healthcare in the next decade.

A low-key yet meaningful celebration

Instead of a flashy campaign, Apple chose a simpler way to celebrate the Watch’s 10th anniversary—Global Close Your Rings Day, a challenge that encourages users to move more and focus on their well-being. It’s a straightforward, inclusive celebration that invites both new and longtime users to take part in something meaningful for their health.

Over the past decade, the Apple Watch has transformed from a sleek iPhone accessory into a go-to device for monitoring physical activity, improving wellness, and supporting healthier lifestyles. With features that promote heart health, better sleep, and stress reduction, it has helped millions live healthier lives. The anniversary challenge and ongoing research efforts show Apple’s continued commitment to using tech for good.

Ten years in, the Apple Watch remains more than a gadget—it’s a daily partner in building healthy habits. Here’s to another decade of closing rings.