Apple first announced the Apple Watch last year, but today’s event served as the official launch of the device. Apple revealed a few new features for the watch, including 18 hours of battery life, an included microphone and speaker for taking phone calls, and the first apps from the likes of Twitter, American Airlines, Instagram, Uber and Shazam. The biggest news was the UK price and shipping date for the wearable.
The Apple Watch will go on pre-order on April 10th in the UK, US and eight other countries. At this date, you’ll also be able to get a demo of the Apple Watch at Apple retail stores. The Watch will start shipping on April 24th, two weeks later.
The Watch has a wide price band, thanks to its range of materials and bands available. These are all individually priced, in three collections: Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch and Apple Watch Edition.
Apple Watch Sport is the cheapest collection, with aluminium bodies, fluoroelastomer straps and prices starting at £299 for the 38mm size and £339 for the 42mm size. Colours include white, blue, green, pink and black, for 10 models in total.
Apple Watch is the mid-range collection, with the largest amount of straps available in a range of materials and a stainless steel body. Band options include fluoroelastomer, leather and steel, with 20 models in total.
Apple Watch Edition is the high-end premium collection, with a small range of straps and 18-carat gold bodies. The cheapest option here is £8,000 for a fluoroelastomer band, going up to £13,500 for a ‘bright red modern buckle’.
Apple also unveiled a range of Apple Watch accessories. You can also buy bands separately, allowing you to change looks or upgrade your watch to a more expensive option later on. Prices here range from £39 for the fluoroelastomer sport band, £209 for modern buckle straps, and £379 for the stainless steel link bracelet. A spare magnetic charging cable is also available, costing £25 or £29 depending on the size of your watch.
What do you think of the Apple Watch’s pricing? Is it more or less than you expected, and will you pick one up? Let us know in the comments below, or speak to us on Twitter @mobilefun!