Apple’s long-anticipated flagship smartwatch was finally opened to pre-orders this morning. Just hours later, Apple’s online stores are selling out of the device worldwide.
Mashable reports that the gold Apple Watch Edition is already completely sold out in China where the market for Apple devices is huge. You have to order the device online as Apple retail stores are not selling it during the “initial launch period.”
As of writing this article, the only Apple Watch model still available for shipment in the original window of April 24th – May 8th in the US is the stainless steel one with a classic black buckle. It costs $649 and is likely to also sell out soon.
All of the other models on offer show ship estimates of “four to six weeks.” The more popular models are already showing “June” or “July” and many have been speculating how many more hours will be required until those estimates change to “August.”
Similar shipping times are being displayed to users of the Apple Store across the world. Here in the UK, all eight £8,000-£13,500 gold Apple Watch Edition models are showing shipping estimates of June. Many models of the standard Apple Watch are listed as 4-6 weeks.
The reports indicate that the Apple Watch could become a must-have fashion accessory for iPhone owners. It looks to be a major product launch for Apple just a few hours in.
Reviews have not been entirely positive though with many questioning how useful the device actually is. Whilst most reviewers have noted it as being stylish and having some useful functionality, they have also noted how it is overpriced and, in some cases, flatly said “you don’t need it.”
