Apple Watch Finally Arrives In U.S. Retail Stores June 26
Pre-orders for the Apple Watch opened on April 10, and started shipping to customers on April 24. Unlike previous Apple product launches, the Apple Watch was not available in-stores on launch day; not even for customers that wanted to order online and pickup the device in store. Couple that with extremely short supplies at launch, customers that didn’t pre-order their Apple Watches early enough on the morning of April 10 had to wait weeks to receive their expensive wearables.
However, the limited availability of the Apple Watch is scheduled to ease up a bit later this month. Apple reported this morning that the Apple Watch will be made available in its U.S. retail stores, confirming earlier reports, and select Apple Authorized Resellers beginning June 26.
“The response to Apple Watch has surpassed our expectations in every way, and we are thrilled to bring it to more customers around the world,” said Jeff Williams, Apple SVP of Operations. “All orders placed through May, with the sole exception of Apple Watch 42 mm Space Black Stainless Steel with Space Black Link Bracelet, will ship to customers within two weeks.”
It is unknown which Apple Watch models will be available in store, although it’s likely that the Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch will be the most prevalent models available, with the uber-expensive Apple Watch Edition being harder to come by.
In addition to opening up in-store and third-party availability, Apple will also extend sales of the Apple Watch to Italy, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, and Taiwan.
Apple’s popular wearable starts at $349 for the 38mm Apple Watch Sport (aluminum) with a fluoroelastomer (synthetic rubber) Sport band. Moving up to the more premium 38mm Apple Watch (stainless steel) will cost you $549 a Sport band. The Apple Watch Edition (18-karat gold) is priced in the stratosphere, starting at a whopping $10,000 with a Sport band. The most expensive model by far is the 38mm Apple Watch Edition with a Yellow Gold Case and Bright Red Modern Buckle – it costs an astonishing $17,000.
