Apple’s Gender-Neutral Watch

The Apple Watch doesn’t come in “his” and “hers” versions. Does Apple deserve applause for this? >>>

Why it matters that the Apple Watch is gender neutral

The Apple Watch is here! OK, not quite here yet, but soon. Will the nifty features built into Apple’s latest gizmo help the company win this round of battle of wearable tech? Opinions vary.

Whether you love it, hate it, or doubt it, one of the most interesting things about the new Apple Watch lies in the somewhat subtle fact that the watch is ungendered. Rather than coming in two genders—men’s and women’s—it merely comes in two sizes—bigger and smaller. On Apple’s product page you’ll find reference to the 38mm model and the 42mm model, but no reference to “his” and “hers” models.

This is a subtle thing, but entirely refreshing. Even in 2015, we still have plenty of pointlessly gendered products. But Apple isn’t the kind of company that was going to produce watches with a “pink for her” option….