Apple revealed pricing for its multi-model line of Apple Watches at an event yesterday, which announced a pre-sale stretch on 10 April and reach retail in selected countries on 24 April.
At a 94-minute event in San Francisco, Apple CEO Tim Cook and other top executives hosted a rare ‘double-pump,’ the second major presentation of the device. Apple unveiled the Watch last September during a ‘One more thing’ portion of the iPhone 6 happening, dedicating more than half that event’s time to the wearable.
Although much of the event was a rehash of last year’s demonstrations – and the Watch didn’t make an appearance until 54 minutes in – Apple did come through with the most important still-missing pieces of information, including prices, availability and at least a hint of battery life.
“We think the Apple Watch will be integral to your life,” said Cook, “and so it will have an all-day battery life. A typical day equals 18 hours.”
The most anticipated parts of the day’s event were the revelations about pricing for the three collections, as Cook dubbed them: Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch and Apple Watch Edition.
Not surprisingly, Apple will charge different prices for the two sizes: 38mm and 42mm for, although not exclusively, women and men, respectively.
The entry-level Apple Watch Sport, which boasts an aluminum case and a selection of several bands, notably a number of colorful plastic bands, will cost $349 for the 38mm – the one price Apple had divulged prior – and $399 for the 42mm wearable.
Meanwhile, the Apple Watch, with a stainless steel case and a selection of more upmarket bands, will start at $549 (38mm) and $599 (42mm) and climb to $1,049 and $1,099.
Finally, the Apple Watch Edition – sporting an 18-carat gold case – will begin at $10,000, although Cook declined to get more specific than that. Presumably, that price would be attached to the smaller 38mm model, with dollar signs quickly escalating as high-priced bands are purchased.
Apple will begin taking pre-orders on April 10 on its online mart for customers in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the UK and the US, and through a reservation system, offer previews and try-ons at its retail stores in those countries. Retail availability and pre-order deliveries will be slated for 24 April. Both are Fridays, Apple’s favourite start-to-sell day of the week.
ComputerWorld
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