The launch of the Apple Watch in stores Friday was unable to draw the same huge crowds that welcomed the launch of the iPhone 6. According to experts, this may be a sign that Apple users are prepared to queue overnight only to buy, but not just to try.
Apple announced that in the next two weeks, the visitors to the stores can only admire the watches or make an appointment to try them on for 15 minutes. Of course, the clients can also preorder the watch, which will go on sale on April 24. They can also place orders through Apple’s online store, but also order at home, or through Apple’s mobile app.
There are sufficient reasons to understand why Apple wants its customers to buy online, rather than hold the watches on its store inventories. The Apple Watch is split in three models. Each of the three is available in two colors and sizes. The company also offers a wide range of bracelet options, which would make stock-keeping a nightmare for Apple.
On the website, Apple shows 38 models of the watch, but the number doesn’t cover all the possible combinations.
In order to make calls with a Watch you need an iPhone. Apple Watch doesn’t have a cellular connection. The new gadget offers some interesting health-related applications, very useful for cyclists or athletes.
After just a few hours of preordering, delivery times for nearly every model of Apple Watch have been pushed back at least four to six weeks. Almost all the variants of the gadget show shipping estimates of “four to six weeks”, stretching even to “July.”
On Apple’s U.S. online store, the only version of Apple Watch that is available for shipping between April 24 and May 8 is the $649 Apple Watch with classic black buckle.
Similar significant delays seem to have swiped across Apple online stores around the globe. In China, the Apple Watch seems to be a wild success, almost all models being sold out. It is not yet known how much did the consumer demand pushed back shipping times, which could also be affected by constraints in supply.
The new gadget is expected to be found in high-end shops in major cities starting April 24.
Image Source: A blog to watch
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