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)

Popular Stories

Apple Wallet ID Illinois

Apple Plans to Expand iPhone Driver's Licenses to These 7 U.S. States

Wednesday December 24, 2025 8:40 am PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the...
iPhone Top Left Hole Punch Face ID Feature Purple

iPhone 18 Pro Launching Next Year With These 12 New Features

Tuesday December 23, 2025 8:36 am PST by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not expected to launch for another nine months, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we have recapped 12 features rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro models. The same overall design is expected, with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes, and a "plateau" housing three rear cameras Under-screen Face ID Front camera in...
maxresdefault

Where's the New Apple TV?

Monday December 22, 2025 11:30 am PST by
Apple hasn't updated the Apple TV 4K since 2022, and 2025 was supposed to be the year that we got a refresh. There were rumors suggesting Apple would release the new Apple TV before the end of 2025, but it looks like that's not going to happen now. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said several times across 2024 and 2025 that Apple would...
maxresdefault

10 Mac Apps Worth Trying in 2026

Wednesday December 24, 2025 9:27 am PST by
2026 is almost upon us, and a new year is a good time to try out some new apps. We've rounded up 10 excellent Mac apps that are worth checking out. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Alt-Tab (Free) - Alt-Tab brings a Windows-style alt + tab thumbnail preview option to the Mac. You can see a full window preview of open apps and app windows. One Thing (Free) -...
iOS 26

iOS 26.2 Adds These 8 New Features to Your iPhone

Monday December 22, 2025 8:47 am PST by
Earlier this month, Apple released iOS 26.2, following more than a month of beta testing. It is a big update, with many new features and changes for iPhones. iOS 26.2 adds a Liquid Glass slider for the Lock Screen's clock, offline lyrics in Apple Music, and more. Below, we have highlighted a total of eight new features. Liquid Glass Slider on Lock Screen A new slider in the Lock...
iPhone Fold Vertical Feature

Why Apple's Foldable iPhone May Be Smaller Than Expected

Tuesday December 23, 2025 5:21 am PST by
Apple's first foldable iPhone, rumored for release next year, may turn out to be smaller than most people imagine, if a recent report is anything to go by. According to The Information, the outer display on the book-style device will measure just 5.3 inches – that's smaller than the 5.4-inch screen on the ‌iPhone‌ mini, a line Apple discontinued in 2022 due to poor sales. The report has led ...
airpods color prototypes

Apple Tested AirPods in Bright Colors

Saturday December 27, 2025 6:06 am PST by
Apple reportedly tested a version of the first-generation AirPods with bright, iPhone 5c-like colored charging cases. The images, shared by the Apple leaker and prototype collector known as "Kosutami," claim to show first-generation AirPods prototypes with pink and yellow exterior casings. The interior of the charging case and the earbuds themselves remain white. They seem close to some...
Foldable iPhone 2023 Feature Iridescent Search

Samsung Developing 'Wide Fold' With iPhone Fold-Like Design Ahead of Apple's 2026 Launch

Tuesday December 23, 2025 11:55 am PST by
Samsung is working on a new foldable smartphone that's wider and shorter than the models that it's released before, according to Korean news site ETNews. The "Wide Fold" will compete with Apple's iPhone Fold that's set to launch in September 2026. Samsung's existing Galaxy Z Fold7 display is 6.5 inches when closed, and 8 inches when open, with a 21:9 aspect ratio when folded and a 20:18...
iPhone SE Cosmopolitan Clean

Apple Discontinued These 25 Products This Year

Wednesday December 24, 2025 7:24 am PST by
With the end of 2025 near, the time has come to look back at the devices and accessories that Apple discontinued throughout the year. Most of the products that were discontinued this year were simply replaced by a new model with an updated chip. However, the iPhone SE line was entirely discontinued when the iPhone 16e launched, and the iPhone Plus line is being phased out. Below, we have...

Top Rated Comments

darkslide29 Avatar
140 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
140 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
140 months ago
Anyone else more concerned with this guy's nails than the watch?
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
KindredMAC Avatar
140 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
140 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
140 months ago
That guy in the video really needs a manicure or something. Those are some nasty fingers
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)