Don’t plan on lining up in front of your local Apple Store on Apple Watch launch day. Apple has today issued a press release stating that Apple Watch orders will only be accepted online during its “initial launch period”.
Apple Watch pre-orders begin in less than 24 hours and, while you can try one on in store from tomorrow, you’ll only be able to order one via the company’s website or the Apple Store iOS app.
Apple’s SVP of Retail and Online Stores, Angela Ahrendts:
“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.”
The change appears to represent an effort to better manage initial Watch supplies — which will no doubt be limited — but some are suggesting that it may also be a move to eradicate the infamous Apple product launch day camp-outs. After all, a storefront full of nerds in sleeping bags doesn’t exactly scream high fashion.
Apple does not state whether Watches ordered online can be picked up in store or if they are for home delivery only. The press release is also vague on just how long the online-only policy will be in place.
Apple Watch pre-orders open at 12:01 a.m. PDT on April 10th. Will you be pre-ordering one? Let us know in the comments!
