UPDATE: Apple has added full pricing information for all of the Apple Watch models on its website. The base 38mm Apple Watch Sport starts at $349, while the Apple Watch Edition tops out at $17,000 for 38mm model with a bright red Modern Buckle.
Separate bands are also available, with pricing set at $49 for a rubber sport band, $149 for a Milanese loop, $249 for a leather-made Modern Buckle, or $449 for a stainless steel link bracelet. You’ll also be able to buy a magnetic charging cable for $29 or $39, depending on the length.
After first revealing the Apple Watch back in early September, Apple today held an event to give us a closer look at its iOS smartwatch and reveal its availability details.
As a quick refresher, the Apple Watch comes in two sizes: 38mm and 42m. It’ll be available in an entry-level Sport model with an aluminum body, a standard Apple Watch version that’s made of stainless steel and a sapphire display cover, and a high-end Apple Watch Edition made of 18k gold. The Apple Watch connects to your iPhone over Bluetooth, but if your devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, your watch doesn't need to be within Bluetooth range of your phone. Apple's Watch also features a Taptic Engine that’ll tap you on the wrist when you have notifications, and Apple has also thrown in a speaker and microphone so that you can conduct calls on the watch.
One of the big concerns about the Apple Watch — and really, smartwatches in general — is battery life. Apple says that the Watch will last for around 18 hours on a “typical day.” When you need to charge it, you’ll bring the back of the Apple Watch near the magnetic charger, which will latch onto the back of the Watch on its own.
On the software side, Apple says that the Apple Watch will have multiple watch faces, including standard analog and digital faces as well as more unique ones like a Mickey Mouse face. You can customize these faces with information like your calendar, world clocks, and the date. The Apple Watch can also track fitness information like your distance, time, and calories burned. Any notifications that appear on your iPhone can appear on your Apple Watch. At its event today, Apple showed off alerts from ESPN and Facebook.
So now for the all-important pricing and launch information. The Apple Watch Sport is the starter model and will start at $349 for the 38mm model and $399 for the larger 42mm version. The 38m stainless steel Apple Watch will start at $549 and go up to $1049, and the 42mm will start at $599 and will go up to $1099. The pricing will change based on the band that you choose for your Apple Watch. Finally, the gold Apple Watch Edition will start at $10,000 and will be available in limited quantities. Pre-orders for the Apple Watch will begin on April 10, and on that date you'll also be able to head to an Apple Store and preview one for yourself. The Apple Watch will launch on April 24.