Now that the new iPhones and iPads have been released, consumer excitement and anticipation has moved towards the fabled Apple Watch – the device which, according to Jony Ive, took three years to create.
We know that the smartwatch from Cupertino will be available in three variants, with the Apple Watch Sport edition coming in at about $350, as announced by Apple..
However, Apple did not mention further specifics for the more ‘high-end’ versions. iGen.fr – a French website is reporting that the steel edition Apple Watch will start at $500 while the more premium gold version to be priced between $4,000 and $5,000.
Earlier reports suggested that the gold version might be priced around a gob smacking $10,000, while some reports even claimed that the device will be priced as low as $1,200 to $1,000. We already knew that Apple is looking to launch the smartwatch early next year, but these reports actually put the launch timeframe around February, just before and in time for Valentines Day. An alleged internal memo leak from Apple retail chief, Angela Ahrendts earlier had put the release of the Apple Watch in ‘spring’.
Apple is pitting the Apple Watch in a market that already enjoys the likes of Android based smartwatches, including the much popular Moto 360 and the LG G Watch R. Like the iPhone, Apple Watch carries the same design and user-interface philosophy, while on the hardware front, the company is pushing the device to not only work as a health / fitness tracker but make everyday life activities more productive.
We know that Apple has entered into partnership with a few hotels to utilize the watch’s Bluetooth functionality to open rooms, replacing the need for electronic hotel keycards. Ultimately, future functions and possibilities will boil down to the hardware specifics that the device is released with.
We’re certain that as we move closer to the release of the Apple Watch, we’ll get to hear more details regarding its pricing and available around the globe. But what do you think? Is the $4,000 to $5,000 price tag justified for Apple Watch Edition?
(Source: iGen [Google Translate])
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