Apple announced on Monday the release of the Apple Watch in nine countries, scheduled for April 24, with pre-orders beginning on April 10.
The launch day countries include: United States, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan and United Kingdom. The Apple Watch will be available via the Apple Store, online, and select authorized resellers in the U.S. and China.
“Apple Watch begins a new chapter in the way we relate to technology and we think our customers are going to love it,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “We can’t wait for people to start wearing Apple Watch to easily access information that matters, to interact with the world, and to live a better day by being more aware of their daily activity than ever before.”
“Conceived, designed and developed as a singular product, Apple Watch merges hardware and software like never before,” said Jony Ive, Apple’s senior vice president of Design. “In Apple Watch, we’ve created three beautifully curated collections with a software architecture that together enable unparalleled personalization in a wearable device.”
Apple Watch is available in three collections, Apple Watch Sport, priced at $349 (US) and $399 (US); Apple Watch, available from $549 (US) to $1,099 (US); and Apple Watch Edition, crafted from custom rose or yellow 18-karat gold alloys, with prices starting at $10,000 (US).
The Apple Watch will also be available to preview or try on at Galeries Lafayette in Paris, Isetan in Tokyo and Selfridges in London on April 10. Apple Watch will be for sale on April 24 at these select department store shop-in-shops, and at boutiques in major cities across the world including colette in Paris, Dover Street Market in London and Tokyo, Maxfield in Los Angeles and The Corner in Berlin.
Customers who purchase online or in-store from Apple will be offered Personal Setup to customize and pair the Apple Watch with their iPhone.
During the Apple media event on Monday, company CEO Tim Cook revealed that the Apple Watch will boast an 18 hour battery life on a single charge, it can be charged via a magnetic charger.
Watch bands for the Apple Watch will retail for $49 to $449, and additional magnetic chargers can be had for $29 for a 1-meter cable, and $39 for a 2-meter cable. Pricing and more information on available bands and accessories can be found at the Apple Online Store.
For more information on the Apple Watch, and it’s band and accessories, visit the Apple website.
