Apple blew us away today with its HBO Now partnership, sexy new MacBook, and ResearchKit. But the star of the show was Apple Watch, which has the potential to be either a game changer or massive flop.
For those who don’t remember, this was the second time Apple execs have taken the stage to talk Apple Watch. We got an initial preview of the Watch back in September, and today’s event was more for filling in the knowledge gaps.
While we already knew the Watch’s main selling points and the kinds of apps it would run, there was still some crucial information that needed answering. Luckily Apple did address the most important questions, but it also left certain aspects of the Watch in ambiguity.
What we learned:
How much it costs
The biggest question on everyone’s minds going into the event today was pricing, especially regarding the luxurious Apple Watch Edition. Here’s how much each Apple Watch costs in the United States:
– 38mm Apple Watch Sport for $349
– 42mm Apple Watch Sport for $399
On to the stainless steel collection:
– 38mm Apple Watch for $549
– 42mm Apple Watch for $599
The 18-karat gold Apple Watch Edition starts at $10,000, and its most expensive configuration maxes out at $17,000
How bands work
Back in September, Apple sent the clear message that Watch bands were designed to be mixed and matched. That’s still the case.
Although some bands are only sold with certain watches, all Watch models of the same size (38mm or 42mm) will work with any band of the same size.
The Sport Band costs $49 (you get two in the box for the base $349 Watch) the Leather Loop costs $149, the Classic Buckle costs $149, the Milanese Loop costs $149, the Modern Buckle costs $249, and the Link Bracelet costs a whopping $449. So when calculating a Watch’s cost beyond the included Sport Band, just add the cost of the band.
When it’s available for sale
Preorders for the Apple Watch start April 10 on Apple’s website, and it officially goes on sale April 24. Apple stores will have the Watch on display starting April 10, so you have a couple weeks to go in and try one on before deciding what to buy.
Water resistant, not waterproof
Apple has confirmed that the Watch is water resistant, not waterpoof.
“You can, for example, wear and use Apple Watch during exercise, in the rain, and while washing your hands, but submerging Apple Watch is not recommended,” according to Apple. “The leather bands are not water resistant.”
While it could technically withstand water submerged at one meter for up to 30 minutes, testing its limits is not recommended.
Better than expected battery life
We already knew that the Apple Watch would need to be charged every night, and Apple could have easily gone with 12 hours of use and called that “all day” battery life. But instead the Watch will have 18 hours of normal use and three days in Power Reserve mode, which restricts it to only telling the time.
No upgradeability
While not completely confirmed, it was pretty clear from today’s event that the Apple Watch will not be upgradeable.
Apple made a big deal of showing off its system-on-a-chip, the S1, back in September, which led some to believe that upgrading could be as simple as swapping a S1 for a S2 next year. That doesn’t appear to be the case even with the ultra-expensive Edition model.
What we still don’t know:
What about accessories?
There’s clearly an opportunity for some cool third-party Watch accessories. We’ve already seen companies announce stuff like bands that extend battery life and waterproof cases. But Apple didn’t mention accessories once for the Watch today.
It looks like there is some sort of mystery port on the side of the casing that could potentially allow for cool accessories down the road, but Apple hasn’t announced any formal guidelines for other companies to follow.
Retail availability outside of Apple stores
There was a rumor that Nordstrom might be the only official retail partner for the Watch, but Apple could end up being the only way you can try on and buy a Watch in person.
Where can you buy the Edition?
The $10,000 Edition model is still shrouded in some secrecy. Apple said that it will available in “select stores” next month, but we don’t know exactly where.
How Apple plans to sell such an expensive product remains to be seen as well. We doubt that it will be on display next to the kids section of the Apple store with the booger-covered yoga balls.
How much storage will you get?
Apple made no mention, including on its updated website, of the amount of storage each Watch will have. We know that it will have to offer at least a few GBs of space for storing music, but exactly how much remains to be seen.
AppleCare+ pricing
There will be an optional AppleCare+ extended warranty for the Watch (Edition owners get it for free), but we don’t know how much it will cost yet.
Alex Heath is a journalist who works for Tech Insider. He’s the former co-host of The CultCast. He has been quoted by the likes of the BBC, KRON 4 News, and books like “ICONIC: A Photographic Tribute to Apple Innovation.” He lives in Lexington, Kentucky. If you want to pitch a story, share a tip, or just get in touch, additional contact information is available on his personal site. Follow him on Twitter.
25 responses to “Everything we do (and still don’t) know about Apple Watch”
You say…
“On to the stainless steel collection:
– 38mm Apple Watch for $549
– 42mm Apple Watch for $1049”
I believe the 42mm is $599. Depending on the band, but i didn’t see that listed as such.
ya that 1049 is with the most expensive band for that version of the watch, with the standard rubber band its is 599.
Whoops! You are correct. Thanks.
The iWatch lacks real utility and this makes it superfluous. Moreover, the proposed price structure threatens to make the iWatch a status symbol and thus separate the haves the have nots. No company built on mass appeal should ever go down that path.
It’s Apple watch not iwatch, and somehow I don’t think Apple care what you might think, unless you run a multi billion dollar tech company?
So by that same logic, owning a Macbook in college when my classmate has a dell means that I am showing off my status of using a more expensive computer and therefore having more money? Watches have always been cheap, and extremely expensive. Apple made a watch, not a fitness band. And some people “save” for the items they want, regardless of how much disposable income they may have. Your argument lacks detail in regards to what utility it lacks… what would you like it to do for you that would make it worth the smallest $349 price tag?
If your hands are full and you cannot tap the face to turn it on, will a flick of the wrist turn it on so you can see the time?
Yes.
Yeap, pretty steep for this first watch/band (in my case 1299$ CAN for the 48mm/steel band), but the real question is: will this (449$) steel band still fit the next gen watch (and 3rd, 4th, etc.) ? If that’s the case, then we’ll only have to pay a new watch and keep the band, so 2nd, 3rd watch…. will be more affordable.
Nope.
And why please
Lack of an upgrade path is a deal breaker for me. Yes, I know I need to update my iPhone every couple of years to get the best toys, but the cost is subsidized by the carrier. The Watch isn’t. Maybe I’ll change my mind later but for now I’ll just watch from the sidelines,
Too bad. I think Apple overpriced the steel watch which most people would want.
Cost is not “subsidized” you pay over 24 months call it like it is, So if you can pay for the phone over 24 months why not the watch too just another 15 bucks a month?
As the watch uses the iPhone to do most of its computational processes, I still think that with each upgraded iPhone in your pocket your Apple Watch will change with it. Just a guess.
The sport model is only $399 at 42mm. By comparison, you buy a fitbit, up band, or garmin band that only tracks steps and sleep for about $100-150. That leaves about $300 to account for the Smart Watch platform and features, the higher quality material in the aluminum build, retina screen, and additional sensors. The Apple Tax is of course in that mix as well, but in reality you can get the Apple Watch for just $349 at the entry 38mm sport. If you want a nice aluminum built watch how much does one cost from the likes of Citizen or Fossil? Now add the fitness band? You are probably already close to $300 right? If you don’t want the fitness band, or you don’t want the watch then Apple has made a product you are simply not interested in.
Slash $50 on Sport and $100 on SS and we talk. I was excited yesterday but decided not to buy one today after seeing the price.
Wouldn’t Christy Turlington have been more appropriate at the Newton launch in 1987? Get current Apple. Next time use Kate Upton. Put that heart rate monitor in the watch to use.
Kate Upton couldn’t run down to the 7/11 let alone 4 marathons. Not a choice beauty queen/athlete.
But I’d rather watch Kate Upton run even if it’s just for 4 meters. ;-)
Bravo.
Really, Apple expects consumers to pay $350 for the convenience of not having to take their $650 iPhone out of their pocket?
Cheaper fitness only bands have sold well, watches in the android space (80% world mobile marketshare) are poor.
Not upwardly compatible? Phones are upgraded due to mobile carrier 2 year free upgrade cycles… The same is not true for watches. In fact, an entire generation does not wear watches due to their mobile phone.
Maybe in 5 or ten years mobile watches will be interesting. I can’t see the apple watch selling well.
Yep. And many “experts” said the iPhone would be a complete flop too. You’ve just joined an elite group of chicken littles. Time will tell, but Apple haven’t backed a massive flop since Steve Jobs returned.
Don’t forget what the same experts were saying about the iPad before the launch…
Everything in my digital world is Apple, and has been Apple since the IIe, and will continue to be Apple, but this just seems like a really expensive drink of Kool-Aid.
One thing I will say is in terms of upgrade path there may not be a specific one but apple will already give you apple credit for older devices if you take them in to store surely the watch would be the same? On another I personally see the watch from an entirely different angle. As someone that walks with walking sticks and doesn’t often have a hand free to look at his phone when it goes of in his pocket etc the thought of being able to glance at it on my wrist is a good one or being able to use it as a key for a door or as an extension of apple pay, without having to delve in to my pockets etc is an enticing one to me. Also the thought of being able to use maps and the watch to guide me on screen or with taptic feedback so there is no embarrassing turn left noise coming out of my pocket as I walk down the street or am pushing in my wheelchair seems amazing. Could you do that with some other brand smart watches I assume the answer to many of my points is yes and I do not deny that. However the thought of being able to tie it into my already heavy apple ecosystem draws me in more. Was I crying at the price of the SS version I can’t lie a little yes considering either the leather or milanese loop are the most expensive bands but also the most accessible due to the lack of fiddly holes. Am I going to buy one at launch the likely answer is no is it something that is eventually on my radar to buy I have to be honest and say yes.
I just don’t see it. Sure there will be some immediate impulse buyers, but I just don’t see the general public buying one until it gets a waaaaaay better battery life and less expensive.