From online-only sales to a dizzying array of choices, the release of Appleâs new Watch will be unlike the tech giantâs other mobile device rollouts.
1. Look ma, no lines
Apple, known for getting die-hard gadget fans to camp outside stores, wonât be creating such buzz with this launch.
When new iPads and iPhones were released, eager customers camped for days outside storefront locations. They would lose sleep and after waiting for days or hours, they would depart the store with a new gadget, or with supply-starved disappointment.
Now, Apple is pushing customers wishing to purchase the Watch online. Sorry, store âgeniuses,â youâre on the sidelines for this one.
Apple wants the whole transaction to take place from the comfort of your couch, desk, or seat on the bus. The memo says âGet in line online.â
âTo provide the best experience and selection to as many customers as we can, we will be taking orders for Apple Watch exclusively online during the initial launch period,â said Appleâs senior vice president of retail and online stores, Angela Ahrendts in a statement issued this month.
It seems as though s will have to find new work.
2. More places to try a Watch on for size
Some shoppers still need to try something on before they make a purchase. While prospective customers may still stroll in to an Apple store and check out the Watch in person, there are other options.
In the U.K., Apple made a special deal to put watches on display , near timepieces from Rolex and Omega.
At Selfridges department store in London, an Apple-esque display case greets shoppers inside. Photos show the watches, lined up and brightly lit behind a glass window, teasing customers whoâll need to ask a sales rep to let them try one on.
The move could be designed to capture shoppers in a non-traditional space. Apple could be testing the waters for a future without bricks-and-mortar stores.
3. Swiss delay?
The country known for producing the worldâs best watches appears to be waiting out an invite to the Apple Watch party.
A patent older than many Apple users prevents the tech company from using the word apple or an image of an apple, in connection with a watch in Switzerland.
Swiss news broadcaster reports that Apple may have to wait until the patent expires on Dec. 5 before it sells the new Watch in the land of watches. The patent is owned by the man behind watch brand Leonard.
Considering its , itâs possible there might not be much of a fight. Apple may buy out the patent and move ahead with the launch.
It wouldnât be the first time. Years ago, Cisco owned the iPhone patent. The two companies that dispute.
Likewise, buyers in Switzerland can just dish out a few hundred francs to buy one on
4. Abundance of choices
If picking your favourite ice cream flavor at Baskin Robbins seems difficult, good luck selecting an Apple Watch.
From the size, to the body, to the band, itâs available in an array of flavours. On the Apple website, users can drill down to select one of
But if you suffer from chronic indecision, thisâll be a nightmare.
Obviously, some options will be ruled out by your credit limit. For example, the AppleCare+ coverage on this18-carat yellow gold watch costs more than four of the cheapest models combined.
But if double-digit spending on a watch (that will inevitably become outdated next year) doesnât sound ridiculous, should help you make a decision.
5. Mixed reviews
From a watchface thatâs too small to apps that crash, early reviews for Appleâs latest gadget arenât exactly heaping on praise.
From a fitness perspective, the Watch needs to get into shape. âHonestly, I had my best âworkout experienceâ when I used it during an intensive house-cleaning session. I got full credit for the workout and more.â
The app ecosystem will also need to improve. âThird-party apps are mostly useless right now.â
Battery life is relatively good, as âIt hasnât yet died on me during the day, or even late at night. My iPhone actually conked out before the Watch did; this happened to Bonnie, too.â
Regardless, thereâs still high demand thatâs outstripping supply. Order today, and you might get yours in June.