An Apple Watch? That’s so 1983...

This April, millions will believe they are at the forefront of technology when they purchase an Apple Watch. However, the basic concept of a wrist-worn i-device was first explored back in the early 1980s…

And your iPad is an 80s baby, too

The 1983 ‘Wrist and Ear Phone’ study was just one of a number of design concepts investigated by Steve Jobs’ design geniuses in the early 1980s, which also included an early MacBook proposal, numerous variations of the Macintosh desktops, the first 'iPhone', and even an early version of what we now know as the iPad. While the ‘Wristphone’ study – which had simple numerical keys rather than a fancy touchscreen – might not quite have boasted the same bevy of functions as its modern-day descendant, it’s representative of the forward-thinking nature of the then-start-up company. These early years of fuss-free aesthetics are now celebrated in a book written by Hartmut Esslinger, one of Jobs’ go-to design masterminds during the company’s formative years.

Photos: Provided by Arnoldsche, individual credits in gallery

‘Keep it Simple - The Early Design Years of Apple’ is published by Arnoldsche Art Publishers, and can be ordered online now.