Apple Confirms Online-Only Apple Watch Sales at Launch, No Store Sales

Apple has today confirmed that Apple Watch pre-orders will kick off on Friday April 10th, alongside the in-store preview. Customers in nine countries — Canada included — can walk into an Apple Store and try the Apple Watch on, but can only pre-order it online, starting on April 10 at 12:01 am PDT.

Apple’s retail chief, Angela Ahrendts, confirms Apple’s expectation of high consumer demand at launch, based on the tremendous interest shown from people walking into Apple Stores, along with customers clicking the favourite button for Apple Watch models online.

“We are excited to welcome customers tomorrow and introduce them to Apple Watch, our most personal device yet. Based on the tremendous interest from people visiting our stores, as well as the number of customers who have gone to the Apple Online Store to mark their favorite Apple Watch ahead of availability, we expect that strong customer demand will exceed our supply at launch,” said Angela Ahrendts, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail and Online Stores. “To 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.”

Ahrendts also confirms previous rumours of a significant change in mindset: Apple will only take Apple Watch orders online, ending the era of standing in line in front of Apple Stores for days — see iJustine.

The Apple Watch will be available in stores and at boutiques in major cities, including Colette in Paris, Dover Street Market in London and Tokyo, Maxfield in Los Angeles and The Corner in Berlin, and select Apple Authorized Resellers in China and Japan.

Apple Watch is available in three collections, Apple Watch Sport, priced at $449 (CAD)  and $519 (CAD); Apple Watch, available from $699 (CAD) to $1,459 (CAD); and Apple Watch Edition starting at $13,000 (CAD).