April 24th marks a milestone in wearable tech as Apple is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the original Apple Watch’s debut. To celebrate a decade of steps, stands, and sweaty wrist stats, Apple is throwing down a global fitness gauntlet and throwing in some exclusive digital (and physical) goodies to match.
Yes, whether you’re rocking the sleek new Apple Watch Ultra 2 or still clinging fondly to your OG first-gen model, you’re invited to take part in Global Close Your Rings Day. The challenge? Just close all three Activity rings – Move, Exercise, and Stand, on April 24, and you’ll unlock a batch of vibrant animated stickers and a limited-edition badge. These celebratory graphics can be used in the Messages app to flex your fitness feat and ring-closing prowess.
Participation is open to all Apple Watch users running watchOS 5 or later, which includes even the earliest models. For those equipped with newer watches running watchOS 11, there’s a bonus: ring goals can now be customised or even paused, allowing you to tailor the challenge to your lifestyle or fitness level. (Just note: this version of watchOS requires a Series 6 or newer.)
But Apple isn’t stopping at digital cheer. Starting April 24, you can also score a free 10th Anniversary Apple Watch pin, a sleek, collectable piece of memorabilia that pays homage to one of Apple’s most iconic products. There’s no fitness ring requirement to claim the pin, but there’s a catch: it’s only available at physical Apple Store locations and only while supplies last. So if you’re far from a store, you might miss out on the commemorative swag.
Apple’s official blog hints at a first-come, first-served approach, which could lead to some enthusiastic fans lining up early, perhaps even doing jumping jacks to warm up (and close their rings) before the doors open.
The company is also encouraging participants to snap a screenshot of their closed rings and share it online using the hashtag #CloseYourRings. It’s all part of a larger push to not just commemorate 10 years of the Apple Watch, but to inspire global users to stay active, connected, and part of a movement that’s about far more than counting calories. So, lace up your sneakers, charge your Apple Watch, and let April 24 be more than just another Thursday, let it be a celebration of tech that moves with you.
