Apple Watch Orders Will be Online-Only at Launch

[Maura]

Rumours have been swirling around for days that supplies of the Apple Watch will be restricted at launch, and today this has been confirmed by Apple retail chief Angela Ahrendts with the following statement:

"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

“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.”

Apple Watch pre-orders kick off on April 10 at 12:01 Pacific, prior to going on sale on April 24 in the United States, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan and the United Kingdom.

Apple says that the Apple Watch will also be available at boutiques in major cities such as Colette in Paris, Dover Street Market in London and Tokyo, Maxfield in Los Angeles and The Corner in Berlin, as well as select Apple Authorized Resellers in China and Japan.

Source: Apple Watch Orders Exclusively Online at Launch Demand Expected to Exceed Supply - Mac Rumors

 

[Nepheler]

Just don't understand why Apple watch can only ordered online...I just want to go to Apple store, try the real item and make the order...Isn't it a good time to push for the Apple Pay?

 

[twerppoet]

If you had your iPhone or iPad with you, you could use that once you decide the watch you want. It has a store-pickup option, and will use the same card as your Apple Pay. It's probably just as easy, or even easier, than having a representative take all you information; especially since they won't have stock on hand to give you anyway.

And don't say 'what if you don't have an iPhone?'. No much point to the watch unless you have an iPhone.

But don't mind me. I'm just being contrary, because that's the mood I'm in today.

 

[scifan57]

The Apple Watch orders are online only for now because Apple likely doesn't have enough stock to supply both online orders and provide inventory for its stores. It could be well into summer before you can walk into an Apple Store and leave with an Apple Watch that wasn't ordered online for in-store pickup.

 

[Nepheler]

reasonable, there might be a shortage of sapphire display again