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Apple will begin accepting preorders for its much anticipated watch at 12:01 pacific time on April 10th, the firm has revealed.

It will also put the watch on display in Apple Stores around the world on the 10th, allowing users to try it out and choose which model they want.

The Watch will then finally go on sale on 24th April - with predictions it will quickly sell out.

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Apple will also put the watch on display in Apple Stores around the world on the 10th, allowing users to try it out and choose which model they want - and preorder it.

The Watch will be in Apple Stores and select retailers, including Galeries Lafayette in Paris, Selfridges in London, and Isetan in Tokyo.

When it launches on the 24th, the Apple Watch will be available in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong and Japan.

The aluminium Apple Watch Sport collection starts at $349 and the stainless steel Apple Watch collection begins at $549 while the 18k gold Apple Watch Edition ranges from $10,000 to $17,000.

Earlier this week Apple bosses revealed how its hi-tech watch started from humble beginnings - an iPhone strapped to a designer's wrist with velcro.

The $349 Apple Watch is set to go on sale on April 24th - with customers able to visit an Apple store to try one on from April 10th.

Analysts say they expect the gadget to be a huge success - with one predicting the product could sell one million in its first weekend. 

In a rare interview, the head of the watch project and one of its designers have revealed how the gadget came to life.

However, the firm admits it didn't use any old velcro, and it was 'a very nicely designed Velcro strap,' according to Kevin Lynch, who heads up the project at Apple.

He admitted to Wired that when he took the job, secrecy around the watch was so tight even he had no idea what he'd be doing when he moved from Adobe in 2013.

The firm initially used the velcro strap, and then designed a custom dongle, an actual watch crown that plugged into the bottom of the phone through the cord jack, to work on their interface ideas. 

Lynch says the key to the Apple watch is its ability to be unobtrusive - and to stop people constantly looking at their phones.

'We're so connected, kind of ever-presently, with technology now,' he said.

'People are carrying their phones with them and looking at the screen so much.' 

Apple will install special tables in its stores to allow people to see and try on the Apple Watch 

The $349 Apple Watch is set to go on sale on April 24th - with customers able to visit an Apple store to try one on fro April 10th.

Apple's design team believed that technology becoming wearable was inevitable.

'There was a sense that technology was going to move onto the body,' says Alan Dye, who runs Apple's human interface group.  

'We felt like the natural place, the place that had historical relevance and significance, was the wrist.' 

According to Wired, Apple's Sir Jonathan Ive began thinking about about an Apple watch just after CEO Steve Jobs' death in October 2011, and brought the idea to Dye and a small group of others in the design studio.  

According to analysts, the hard work will pay off with at least a million units sold in the first weekend, according to Piper Jaffray senior analyst Gene Munster. 

Kevin Lynch of Apple, who admitted secrecy around the watch was so tight even he had no idea what he'd be doing when he moved to head up the project from Adobe in 2013.

The estimate is based on an attach rate of nearly half a percent of total iPhone users, Munster said.

In unit terms, that would put the Apple Watch behind Apple's first iPad, which sold 3 million in its first weekend in 2010, but ahead of the first iPhone, which sold 700,000 units when it debuted in 2007.

However, it's a fraction of the 10 million iPhone 6 and 6 Pluses sold in the same timespan.

Some investment firms such as JPMorgan Chase, which peg the smartwatch's first-year sales closer to 26 million units and Credit Suisse, which estimates sales as high as 35 million.

Last month it emerged Apple has been operating a secret health lab for two years to perfect to perfect the Apple Watch's fitness tracking capabilities.

The gym-like lab  is used for gathering fitness data and testing tracking features.

ABC News was given access to Apple's hidden facility, revealing it is full of Apple employees wearing complex fitness monitoring masks and even have special hot and cold rooms. 

ABC News was given access to Apple's hidden facility in Cupertino, revealing it is full of Apple employees wearing complex fitness monitoring masks and even has special hot and cold rooms.

On the back of the Watch's case is a sensor (pictured) that uses infrared and visible-light LEDs and photodiodes to detect the wearer's heart rate

Employees can volunteer to participate in tests, which Apple started conducting two years ago, though it didn't reveal to employees the reasons why they were being tested until recently.

They are shown running on treadmills, rowing, doing yoga, and wearing masks to measure their breathing changes.

Apple executives Jeff Williams and Jay Blahnik were on-hand to give ABC a tour: 

'The employees knew they were testing something, but they didn't know it was for the Apple Watch,' said Jeff Williams, Apple's senior vice president of operations.

'We hooked them up with all the masks and so forth, but we would put on an Apple Watch covered up.'

Apple also visited different locations around the globe in order to conduct more in-depth tests for its upcoming, health-focused wristwearable in a variety of extreme environments: 

'We have traveled to Alaska and gone to Dubai to really test Apple Watch in all those environments,' said Jay Blahnik, Apple's director of fitness and health technologies.

Blahnik also claimed Apple has amassed what may be one of the world's largest pieces of data on fitness. 

The company believes there's still a lot more to be done in regards to fitness, and that the impact on health could be profound.

Earlier this week it was revealed Apple has secretly installed a 'hidden' fitness app on phones as part of its preparation for the launch of Apple Watch.

Hackers discovered the Fitness app only became visible when they fooled their phone into thinking it was paired with an apple Watch.

The app allows users to see the fitness data their watch has collected, and to manage it and set their fitness goals.  

The lab has been running in this unmarked building for two years

It was discovered by developer Hamza Sood.

'So the Fitness app does exist on 8.2, it's just hidden until you connect an Apple Watch,' he tweeted.

The app has already been shown off by apple in the promotinal material for the watch - but it was not known when it would be made available to users.

The iPhone app stores data captured by the Watch, and it can show stats over time as well as achievements. 

The activity app is on every phone running iOS 8.2 - but is only visible once an Apple Watch has been connected

Unsurprisingly, the app can share data with the Health app, meaning users can see all their data in one place.

It is also used to control how much music is stored on the phone. 

Apple is preparing for the for the April 24 shipping date of the Apple Watch, which it has pushed as a personal fitness trainer, capable of tracking steps and other metrics, such as heart rate.

On the back of the Watch's case, a ceramic cover with sapphire lenses sits above a sensor that uses infrared and visible-light LEDs and photodiodes to detect the wearer's heart rate. 

Apple Watch uses this sensor, along with an accelerometer and the GPS and Wi‑Fi in a connected iPhone, to measure physical movement such as steps, distance and calories. 

Yesterday Apple removed competing fitness bands from its retail stores as the company prepares to ship the the Apple Watch.

Stores in San Francisco, Palo Alto, Los Angeles and New York reveal Apple no longer carries such popular bands as the Jawbone Up and the Nike+ FuelBand, both activity-tracking wristbands, according to Re/Code.

The devices has also been removed from the firm's online stores. 

Earlier this week Apple shows off the Watch, which includes fitness apps as well as sensors to track heart rate. 

Since its unveiling in September the Watch has been shrouded in mystery, with Apple's boss Tim Cook teasing features at every available opportunity. 

But now everything - including its 'all-day' battery life has been announced - although the CEO added that with typical use this is more likely to be 18 hours. What 'typical' use entails remains unknown.

Prices for the Sport model start at $349 in the US and £299 in the UK, while the stainless steel Watch starts at $549 (£479) and the Edition costs from a staggering $10,000 (£8,000). The most expensive model in the US will cost $17,000 (£11,200). 

Mr Cook said at the event at Yerba Buena Centre in California: 'This is the most personal device we have ever created. It's not just with you, it's on you.'

Apple initially announced its Watch in September at its iPhone 6 and 6 Plus launch event in California.

The Apple Watch includes a fitness app that shows exactly how much activity the user has undertaken - and has led to Apple removing competing bands from its stores.

Apple's app can be used for a variety of sports, and be used to read the heart rate of its wearer. 

It comes in three models: the Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition, and all models are sold in either 1.4-inch (38mm) or 1.7-inch (42mm) versions.

'We make products that enhance people's lives - and the Apple Watch takes that to a new level,' continued Mr Cook at the event.

'It even reminds you if you've been sitting too long and it can set you a new movement target each week.' 

The Watch app is available from iOS 8.2 today, and Mr Cook added: 'We think Apple Watch will become integral to your day - so we have given it all day battery life.

'During a typical day, you can use it for 18 hours - more than enough for anyone I think.' 

The Apple Watch is made of stainless steel and prices range between $549 and $1048 for the 1.4-inch model and $599 and $1099 for the larger 1.7-inch version. 

Apple previously sold products such as the fitbit Charge shown here

Tim Cook finally unveils the much-anticipated Apple Watch

Watch Sport is made of 7000 Series Silver Aluminum and ranges from $349 to $399. 

The premium Edition has a similar build to the Apple Watch but comes in 18-Karat Rose Gold and Yellow Gold.

Prices start at $10,000. In the UK, the Sport starts at £299, the standard Watch starts at £479 and the Edition model will cost £8,000. 

'$10,000 might be a huge sum for a piece of technology, but for luxury goods it's run-of-the-mill, Will Findlater of Stuff told DailyMail.com

'Apple is targeting not just technology fans but mainstream consumers and the fashion crowd with the Apple Watch.'

The Apple Watch boasts a number of applications, including GPS navigation, a heart monitor, hands-free messaging and a personal trainer. It also features the Apple Pay system which allows users to make payments at tills by passing the watch, preloaded with account details, over a scanner

All of the watches can be pre-ordered from 10 April and goes on sale on 24 April. 

They will be available in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the UK and the US.

Apple CEO Tim Cook, right, and Christy Turlington Burns, founder of Every Mother Counts, discuss the new Apple Watch earlier today in San Francisco, California. 'It even reminds you if you've been sitting too long and it can set you a new movement target each week', explained Cook

Apple's Watch is available in three models: the Watch, Watch Sport and Watch Edition (shown) and all models will be sold in 1.4-inch (38mm) or 1.7-inch (42mm) versions. Apple Watch is made of stainless steel, Sport is made of Aluminum and the premium Edition comes in 18-Karat Rose Gold and Yellow Gold

Interchangeable straps include fluoroelastomer (rubber), leather, and stainless steel and this will mean both left-handed and right-handed people can use the Watch by fitting the strap so the digital crown is on the opposite side. 

Connecting to the iPhone, the Apple Watch is designed as a wrist device for messaging and calls and for a variety of health tracking applications.

'With the built in speaker and microphone you can receive calls on your watch. I have been wanting to do this since I was five years old,' Cook said.

The watch is also integrated with Apple Pay's mobile wallet, and can be used to view pictures and monitor news, and also connect to social media. 

It can use other apps ranging from Uber ride-sharing to music to home automation.

'Now it's on your wrist, not in your pocket or your pocketbook,' Cook said.

'I think you're going to be surprised at what developers can do when you unleash that community.'

Apple demonstrated using the watch to listen to music, with lyrics displayed on the watch face. 

The company also demonstrated an app to open a garage door from afar to let in a family member who is locked out.

The Watch ranges between $549 and $1048 for the 1.4-inch model (left) and $599 and $1099 for the larger 1.7-inch version (right). Watch Sport is made of 7000 Series Silver Aluminum (centre) and ranges from $349 to $399.  All of the watches can be pre-ordered from 10 April and go on sale on 24 April

The battery life, however, could be the Achilles heel of the Watch, experts have warned. 

Apple defines the Apple Watch battery on its Watch product page. It says its all-day battery life is based on 18 hours of use.

This, it added, includes '90 time checks, 90 notifications, 45 minutes of app use, and a 30-minute workout with music playback from Apple Watch via Bluetooth, over the course of 18 hours.'

The company says it takes 1.5 hours to charge the Watch to 80 per cent and 2.5 hours for a full charge.

During a workout, when the heart rate sensor is switched on. Apple claims that the Watch's battery can last up to seven hours.

The battery will last up to 6.5 hours when playing music and up to three hours when the Watch is used for phone calls. Used just as a watch, it can last 48 hours. 

When the Apple Watch's battery drops gets low, it switches into Power Reserve mode, allowing users to tell the time for 72 hours. 

Apple to launch new luxury smartwatch costing up to $10,000

Apple has been trialling the watch with Christy Turlington Burns, who used it to run a half marathon in Kilimanjaro.

'It's motivation, not just for training but for everyday things,' she said during a video at tonight's conference. 

The Watch was also demoed by vice president Kevin Lynch.

'Using the watch is about brief interactions, just a few seconds at a time,' he said.

From the stage he showed off the WeChat messaging app, and apps from Instagram, Twitter, American Airlines, Uber, Shazam and others. 

All of these apps are available from a dedicated section on the App Store that also comes with 'how to' videos. 

Before the event, reports from the Wall Street Journal claimed Apple was eyeing up a platinum version in a bid to market it as a high-end fashion item but these rumours were not confirmed. 

Instead, the $10,000 price tag related to the gold Edition model.  

This may sound pricey but by comparison Tag Heuer's Monaco Men's Watch costs $72,000 (£47,600) and the Rolex GMT-Master II Mens Automatic Watch costs $373,720 (£247,100).

EVERYTHING WE KNOW ABOUT THE APPLE WATCH

The Apple Watch is available in three models: the Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport (pictured) and Apple Watch Edition

Models: The Apple Watch will be available in three models: the Apple Watch, Watch Sport and Watch Edition.

All models will be sold in either 1.4-inch (38mm) or 1.7-inch (42mm) versions depending on which colour the owner chooses.

Apple Watch is made of stainless steel with a sapphire crystal Retina display and ceramic back.

Apple Watch Sport is made of 7000 Series Silver Aluminum with Ion-X Glass on a Retina display and composite back. 

Apple Watch Edition has a similar build to the Apple Watch but comes in 18-Karat Rose Gold and Yellow Gold.

Interchangeable straps include fluoroelastomer (rubber), leather, and stainless steel.

Prices: Apple Watch is made of stainless steel and prices range between $549 and $1048 for the 1.4-inch model and $599 and $1099 for the larger 1.7-inch version. 

Watch Sport is made of 7000 Series Silver Aluminum and ranges from $349 to $399. 

The premium Edition has a similar build to the Apple Watch but comes in 18-Karat Rose Gold and Yellow Gold.

Prices start at $10,000.

All of the watches can be pre-ordered from 10 April and goes on sale on 24 April. 

In the UK, Sport starts at £299, the standard Watch starts at £479 and the Edition model will cost £8,000. 

Gestures: Following last year's unveiling, Apple admitted the Watch is unlike any device it has ever made.

It said it has 'reinvented all-new ways to select navigate and input that are suited to a smaller device worn on the wrist'. The Watch is also said to be able to sense force adding 'a new dimension to the user interface'. 

Force Touch uses electrodes around the flexible display to distinguish between a light tap and a deep press, and trigger instant access to a range of contextually specific controls - such as an action menu in Messages, or a mode that lets you select different watch faces. 

The Sport model is pictured left, the Watch is pictured centre and the Edition is pictured right. All of the watches can be pre-ordered from 10 April and will be available in stores from this date

Digital Crown: On mechanical watches, the crown has historically been used to set the time and date and to wind the mainspring. 

Apple has adapted this and its 'digital' crown can be used to magnify content on the small display.

Rotating the digital crown replaces the typical pinching motion used on iPhones and iPads and allows wearers to zoom and scroll without obstructing the screen. 

Pressing the crown will also return wearers to the home screen.

Watch OS: Apple has taken the iOS software on its phones and tablets and tweaked it to better suit the watch's power, display size and functions. It has also invented a new typeface to make the screen easier to read.

On mechanical watches the crown has historically been used to set the time and date and to wind the mainspring. Apple has adapted this and its 'digital' crown (pictured) can be used to magnify content on the display. Rotating the crown replaces allows wearers to zoom and scroll without obstructing the screen

Sapphire display: Apple Watches have a laminated Retina display made from a 'single crystal of sapphire.' While on the Sport collection the screen has the added protection of Ion-X glass.

Glances: The Glances feature shows info users would like to see, similar to Google Now, and is accessed by swiping the screen up from the bottom.

For instance, wearers can glimpse the weather forecast, check out what's next on their calendar, or find their location on a map. 

They can then swipe through different Glances, or tap on one to go directly to its corresponding app for more details.

Music can also be controlled on an iPhone through the Apple Watch.

On the back of the Watch's case is a sensor (pictured) that uses infrared and visible-light LEDs and photodiodes to detect the wearer's heart rate

Vibration and notifications: The Watch has a built-in is a 'taptic engine' that responds to a subtle vibrations users feel on their wrist for notifications.

Any notification that appears on the connected phone will appear on the Watch. 

This is made from a linear actuator, or motor, inside the Apple Watch that produces haptic feedback.  

The wearer can then respond to these messages directly or swipe down to see the Notification Centre.

This haptic feedback could also be used with Apple Maps, for example, to help people navigate. It will produced gentle vibrations to signal when to turn left or right.  

The Watch additionally understands questions in messages and offers pre-selected answers, and messages can be dictated to the iPhone.

And this taptic engine means people can get someone's attention with a gentle tap or send their heartbeat remotely.

There is no keyboard on the Watch, and messages can only be sent through dictation, or emoji.

Siri is also built into the Apple Watch.  

Heart rate sensor:  On the back of the Watch's case, a ceramic cover with sapphire lenses sits above a sensor that uses infrared and visible-light LEDs and photodiodes to detect the wearer's heart rate. 

Apple Watch uses this sensor, along with an accelerometer and the GPS and Wi‑Fi in a connected iPhone, to measure physical movement such as steps, distance and calories. 

Inductive charging: The Watch uses Apple's MagSafe technology with inductive charging. 

This means it can be charged wirelessly by placing a connector near the back of the watch where magnets cause it to snap into place automatically.

MagSafe is the name of the connector Apple uses with its MacBook range. 

Battery life: Mr Cook was vague about the battery life of the Apple Watch when it was announced.

He confirmed last month that it will last a full day after initially saying it will need to be charged overnight.            

The Apple Watch app is available from the App Store and can be downloaded today as part of the upgrade to iOS 8.2 (pictured). This will be used to link the Apple Watch with a wearer's phone

Apple CEO Tim Cook (left) reaches for an Apple Watch to show to model Christy Turlington Burns following an Apple event in San Francisco

Ernest Doku, technology expert at uSwitch.com said: 'Apple claims this is the most advanced timepiece ever created but some of the features seem like the tech giant was scraping the barrel for unnecessary unique selling points. 

'Digital Touch is essentially a personalised emoticons app with slightly classier graphics, for example.

'But gimmicks aside, this really is a elegant and luxurious gadget, while also being extremely useful for health and fitness fans, who it's heavily targeted at.

'Apple offers several versions of the same gadget in different metals, and a plethora of faces and straps, but that level of customisation is easily replicated by competitors.

'Pricing will dictate how fast Apple Watches fly off the shelves. 

'Although it's an aspirational brand, a starting price of £299 and rising into the thousands of pounds for a solid gold Edition means it's hardly cheap and - given this is a first of its kind  - we don't yet know if it'll deliver on its promises.

'Apple's first foray into wearables will be heavily scrutinised but, if there's one thing Apple is great at, it's convincing us to buy another luxury gadget we never realised how much we needed.'

Members of the media and Apple guests get a look at the new Apple Watch and new MacBook in the demo room after an Apple event today

Apple showcased what a 'day in the life' with Apple Watch may look like, including voice recognition to send a text (left), hail a cab with Uber, take a call and receive health and exercise tips (right) to promote exercise

The watch seeks to make travelling easier. Apple Watch will pull a boarding pass from Passbook when a user is near the airport so they can access it on their watch (pictured left). The SPG app on Apple Watch lets a wearer check into their hotel and unlock their room (shown right)

In a 'day in the life with the Apple Watch' scenario, the watch can be used to buy lunch at places like Whole Foods (pictured left) using Apple Pay. A live demo also showed a speaker requesting a ride on Uber with Apple Watch (shown right)

'Apple is the only technology brand that has the potential to move from tech brand to luxury brand. This is unprecedented,' Jan Dawson, chief technology analyst for Jackdaw Research, added.

'I think this is Apple flexing its muscles, moving into a space that it potentially has all to itself. The question is: how big is that market? Is Apple eating into the market or making it bigger?

'I think they will make it grow.'

Mr Cook also explained more details about how customers will use the buttons on the side of the device, how its sensors work, and more details about Apple Pay on the Watch.

APPLE PAY ON THE APPLE WATCH 

At the event Mr Cook announced Apple Pay is now available on Coca Cola vending machines (shown)

Apple's Watch works in a similar way to its iPhone 6 and 6 Plus when it comes to making payments through Apple Pay. 

To pay with Apple Watch, wearers will double‑click the side button before holding the face of the Watch near the contactless reader.

Apple Watch also acts as credit card. 

A gentle pulse and tone confirms that the payment information has been sent.

Apple Watch doesn't have TouchID but uses a skin sensor to keep it secure. 

A wearer enters a security code and the Watch can then be used to make Apple Pay purchases all the while it detects the wearer's skin. 

Once removed the feature is disabled. 

At the event Mr Cook also announced Apple Pay is now available on Coca Cola vending machines. 

Apple Pay is now accepted at nearly 700,000 locations. 

Apple's Watch works in a similar way to its iPhone 6 and 6 Plus when it comes to making payments through Apple Pay. 

To pay with Apple Watch, wearers will double‑click the side button before holding the face of the Watch near the contactless reader. Apple Watch also acts as credit card. 

A gentle pulse and tone confirms that the payment information has been sent.

On the back of the Watch's case, a ceramic cover with sapphire lenses sits above a sensor that uses infrared and visible-light LEDs and photodiodes to detect the wearer's heart rate. 

Apple Watch uses this sensor, along with an accelerometer and the GPS and Wi‑Fi in a connected iPhone, to measure physical movement such as steps, distance and calories. 

The Apple Watch collection features stainless steel cases in two finishes - traditional and space black

This has been touted as being significant for the health care industry and could help doctors monitor their patients more effectively.  

The move into the watch market comes months after Burberry's boss Angela Ahrendts joined as the new senior vice president of retail and sales.

In October, a prototype of the Edition Watch appeared at Paris Fashion Week.

Elsewhere Apple is said to be launching standalone 'stores within stores' for its Watch. 

However, some have speculated that without a solid grounding in the high-end retail market, the Apple Edition Watch could suffer the same flaws as most iPhones, which cease to efficiently function after a few years.

The popularity of the iPhone 6 drove the firm's market share in China to a record high, reaching 25.4 per cent by January 2015 - clouding out Samsung as the country's second-largest seller.

However, Xiaomi - widely dubbed 'the Apple of China' - remains firm with 27.6 per cent of the market.

Venturing into watches and potentially other wearables, with Ms Ahrendts at the helm, could be the leap that clinches it.

Mr Dawson said: 'They could really move into anything - necklaces, bracelets, brooches...It's not clear how those might feature a screen to function in the way that a watch does. But Apple is certainly in a position to try.'

And according to Thomaï Serdari, Luxury Brand Strategist and Lecturer at Sotheby's Institute of Art in New York, the details of the Edition model that have been released look promising.

Apple's senior vice president of Operations Jeff Williams revealed the firm was working to use the iPhone in medical research. Called ResearchKit, Apple worked with University of Oxford, Stanford and others to develop this project and these apps turn the iPhone into a diagnostic tool

For example, Mount Sinai in New York will swab city surfaces to look for pathogens, and use the iPhone to map where they are, and try and understand what triggers asthma in New York - an icon is shown far right

At tonight's event, Apple's senior vice president of Operations Jeff Williams also revealed the firm was working to use the iPhone in medical research.

'We're proud to announce ResearchKit,' said Mr William.

'It is made for medical researchers and it lets them easily create apps.'

Apple worked with University of Oxford, Stanford and others to develop this project. 

These apps turn the iPhone into a diagnostic tool, such as an app that can monitor finger taps, your voice and even how you walk.

For example, the team is working with Parkinson's researchers, along with experts studying diabetes, asthma and heart disease.

Apple also announced a new 12-inch MacBook that weighs just 2lbs and is 13.1mm thin - making it the lightest and thinnest MacBook ever made.

The keys have what's known as a 'butterfly' mechanism to make typing more accurate and stable. 

Apple also announced a new 12-inch MacBook (pictured) that weighs just 2lbs and is 13.1mm thin - making it the lightest and thinnest MacBook ever made. The keys have what's known as a 'butterfly' mechanism to make typing more accurate and it uses 30 per cent less energy than the previous model

The new MacBook (shown with Tim Cook) has the same 'taptic engine' as the Apple Watch, uses 30% less energy than the previous model and is the first fanless logic board. This makes the components 67% smaller

The firm has redesigned the keyboard (shown), claiming it is four times more accurate. There's an LED under every key, so the entire keyboard has a uniform glow and can be used in the dark. There's a new, pressure-sensitive Force Touch trackpad too so users can fast forward a film faster, by applying more pressure

The MacBook has the same 'taptic engine' as the Apple Watch, uses 30 per cent less energy than the previous model and is the first fanless logic board. This makes the components 67 per cent smaller. 

It also boasts a radical new port, called USB-C, that allows it to use a single connector for power, and to hook up to other devices and even a TV. 

Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president, added that the trackpad can now provide feedback as people click, and is pressure sensitive. And he said the battery will last 'all day'. 

Christy Turlington Burns on board to launch Apple Watch

In action: Turlington used the watch to help train for a half marathon in Africa

Setting her pace: The supermodel explored the capabilities of the new device

Good cause: Turlington raised funds for EMC Race

Experts say the machine blurs the line between the iPad, iPhone and Macbook range.

'It seems more iPad than Mac, and joins the two ranges together,' said Stuart Miles of Pocket-Lint.com.

'It is also easy to see where the rumours of the iPad Pro came in. It's very easy to see how this could be turned into a large iPad, with a removable keyboard.'

The notebook comes in silver, space grey and gold, starts at $1,299 for 8GB memory and will ship from 10 April.  The price starts at £1,049 in the UK.

RESEARCHKIT'S APPLICATIONS 

The ResearchKit launches next month but its apps are available now for iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and the latest generation of iPod 

Apple's senior vice president of Operations Jeff Williams revealed the firm was working to use the iPhone in medical research.  

Asthma Health: Developed by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and LifeMap Solutions, the Asthma Health app is designed to help asthma patients monitor their health and behaviours.

This study tracks symptom patterns and looks for potential triggers so researchers can learn new ways to personalise asthma treatment.

Share the Journey: The Share the Journey app, developed by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Penn Medicine, Sage Bionetworks and UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, is a research study that aims to understand why some breast cancer survivors recover faster than others, why their symptoms vary over time and what can be done to improve symptoms. 

Share the Journey uses surveys and sensor data on iPhone to collect and track fatigue, mood and cognitive changes, sleep disturbances and reduction in exercise.

MyHeart Counts: Developed by Stanford Medicine, the MyHeart Counts app measures activity and uses risk factor and survey information to help researchers accurately evaluate how a participant's activity and lifestyle relate to cardiovascular health. 

By studying these relationships on a broad scale, researchers can understand more about how to keep hearts healthier.

GlucoSuccess: Massachusetts General Hospital developed the GlucoSuccess app to understand how various aspects of a person's life - diet, physical activity and medications -affect blood glucose levels. 

The app can also help participants identify how their food choices and activity relate to their best glucose levels, enabling them to clearly see correlations and take more active roles in their own well-being.

Parkinson's mPower: Developed by Sage Bionetworks and the University of Rochester, the Parkinson mPower app helps people living with Parkinson's disease track their symptoms by recording activities using sensors in iPhone.

These activities include a memory game, finger tapping, speaking and walking. 

Activity and survey data from the phone are combined with data from many other participants to fuel Parkinson's research at a scale never before possible, making this the world's largest and most comprehensive study of this disease.