So, the Apple Watch was unveiled last year but Apple decided to hold another event for the wearable just this week. The event wasn’t just for the Watch, and the new MacBook, or ResearchKit, and maybe even a $69 Apple TV with HBO Now arguably stole the entire show, but this is the device that Apple obviously wants people to start buying in April. (I’m sure they’d like you to pick up a new MacBook, too, while you’re at it.)
The event was meant to shed some more light on the Watch Sport, the Watch and Watch Edition. Specifically, a few key details, like the pricing and launch date. And, let’s face it: The pricing didn’t really surprise anyone that was paying attention to the reports and rumors getting ejected out of the Rumor Mill at a pretty consistent rate. Besides, we already knew the Watch Sport was going to start at $349. The stainless steel Watch, though, might’ve come as a bit of a shock at its above $500 price tag, especially when you start throwing in different bands, too.
It can get pretty high.
The Apple Watch has three variants and there are three different cases with different materials used in their construction. The Watch Sport, the bottom rung, is made from specialized aluminum. Right there in the middle is the Watch, with its specialized stainless steel. And, finally, at the top of the ladder is the Watch Edition, with its specialized gold.
Three models with a plethora of band options, all of which are designed to add to the overall price tag of the wearable for the final checkout. Honestly, the launch of the Watch is just fine for what it is: A first-generation product, with options that are designed to help buyers customize just enough to make the device stand out in a crowd. There shouldn’t be any doubt that, at some point, there will be new case options.
Unfortunately, if a new analyst report is any indicator, Apple is considering launching new case models sooner, rather than later. The report states that Apple could launch new Apple Watch units with materials like titanium, or even carbon fiber or other materials, as soon as the fourth quarter of 2015. So, in only a few months Apple could launch new Apple watches.
I really, really hope that this isn’t the case. I don’t think it’s very likely, even if the analyst believes that it could boost Apple Watch sales right at the end of the year, but I can also understand that it’s not impossible, either. Boosting the options for the Watch is inevitable, but I hope Apple waits until the next iteration to introduce new case options.
Besides, if Apple follows suit, they’ll introduce the Apple Watch 2 or whatever they call it in September anyway, which means introducing new options for the older model (and not the newer one) seems silly. Unless of course those new options are available for both the old and new wearables, then that would be more than fine.
The Apple Watch isn’t for everyone, but I certainly hope Apple doesn’t scorn the early and first adopters with the first iteration.
