Ahead of the Apple Watch launch next month, Apple has removed language from its website signaling it has received all necessary final approvals from the US Federal Communications Commission.
Up until today, Apple’s website included the following footnote noting that the device had not yet been authorized by the FCC for sale:
This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.
While the language on Apple’s site only refers to the FCC, Apple is likely required to gain approvals from authorities in some of the other countries receiving the device next month. Apple will launch Apple Watch in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, United Kingdom, and the US for its initial launch in April.
The Apple Watch is set to go on sale next month on April 24th with preorders and in-store preview reservations kicking off on April 10th.
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Was this part of the reason for the long gap between the event and final release? Could they just have given it extra lead time incase there was a hold up with the FCC or does that stuff go pretty smoothly?
I would guess so also other reasons being controlling the message by getting ahead of the leaks. And having people on the fence to wait and not spend money during the holiday and wait for the release.