So What Will an Apple Watch ACTUALLY Do?

Annoyingly, the Apple Watch will not have its own GPS functionality so you can't leave your iPhone at home yet. Image by Getty Images

The Apple Watch looks to be much more than just an activity tracker.

But if you were hoping to go for a run without your iPhone, you might be disappointed.

Apple held its annual unveiling of new products this morning in Cupertino, Calif. It rolled out the latest iPhones—the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus—with bigger screens (4.7 and 5.5 inches, respectively), faster processors, and the ability to complete transactions using just your phone (VISA, MasterCard, and American Express are on board, so this doesn't replace your credit card as much as extend it). The service is called Apple Pay. If nothing else, Apple doesn't waste its money concocting wild names for its new products.

Which brings us to Apple Watch, the long-awaited and much-speculated-upon smartwatch that is expected to set the uncertain landscape for electronic "wearables" a-trembling.

Let's start with the basics: The Apple Watch will be available in early 2015 and the price will start at US$350 when it’s released in the States. No local pricing or release dates are available yet. There will be three styles (a standard, a sporty, and an 18k gold premium). It will require an iPhone 5 or 6. It will serve as a notifications center, an activity tracker, a health monitor, and a personal masseuse. Ok, scratch the masseuse—until Apple Watch 2.

Annoyingly, the Apple Watch will not have its own GPS functionality. So if you want to map out your route when running, hiking, or cycling, your iPhone is going to have to come along for the ride.

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That said, the device will bring sophisticated motion sensors, a heart rate monitor, and a plethora of new apps designed to help you set, track, and accomplish fitness goals. Plus, third-party developers who have contributed to the million-plus library of iOS apps will be granted access to this new platform with instructions to amaze us.

The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus go on sale in the States on September 19. The 6 starts at US$199, the 6 Plus at US$299. If you have an iPhone but aren't in the market for a new one, the latest operating system, iOS 8, will be released on September 17.