Almost every new Apple iPhone launch in recent years has been accompanied by a customer lineup outside Apple Stores. The sight is so typical that it formed the basis for the long-running series of Samsung “Next Big Thing” ads that ran a few years back. But Apple is taking a different approach for the launch of the Apple Watch.
Apple has confirmed to CNET that customers will not be able to simply walk in to a store on Apple Watch launch day and walk out with a watch after a few hours (or days) of patient waiting. Instead, anyone looking to pick up an Apple Watch at an Apple Store will need to make an online reservation ahead of time.
With rumours that Apple is facing production challenges and limited inventories, it’s likely that the move will help it manage customer expectations. It will also allow it to ensure that buyers are getting the watch that they want and that they leave the store with a good understanding of how the device works.
Apple has also confirmed that reservations will be required not only at launch but in the weeks (and months?) to follow. Anyone hoping to stroll into a store to pick up (or even just try out) an Apple watch once the launch day frenzy dies down will likely be disappointed.
Apple Watch pre-orders begin on April 10th at about 0301 ET (0001 PT). Prices start at US$349 (CA$449) and top out at US$17,000 (CA$22,000).
Source : CNET