Some Apple Watch models shipping as soon as 1-3 days ahead of Apple Store availability
Apple said at the beginning of the month that it would fulfill all May Apple Watch orders with the exception of Space Black Link Bracelets by the middle of the month, then begin selling some models in retail stores for the first time. We’re hearing now that some Apple Retail Stores are preparing to begin limited in-store sales as soon as this week ahead of the Apple Watch’s expansion into seven more countries next Friday, and there will be a small perk for those who’ve waited…Apple Retail Stores appear to be preparing to carry mostly Apple Watch Sport models and in limited quantities to start, according to multiple sources. Many locations aren’t expecting to receive inventory and begin in-store sales until next week, although select stores do expect to receive inventory as early as this week and start selling Apple Watches to customers as soon as the watches arrive.
For now, Apple Watch sales continue to be available exclusively online, continuing Apple’s approach since the watch’s launch in late April.
Many 38mm stainless steel Apple Watches ship within 1-3 days from ordering, however, including the Milanese Loop, Classic Buckle, and both Sport band stainless steel models. Almost all other 38mm Apple Watches estimate 5-7 days for delivery times with the exception of a few Modern Buckle sizes promising 1-2 weeks.
All 42mm aluminum and stainless steel Apple Watches are shipping within 1-2 weeks from being ordered currently with Space Black Link Bracelet still being the exception at 3-4 weeks. For Apple Watch Edition customers, the 18k gold models are currently shipping in 2-3 weeks with the exception of each Modern Buckle version at 3-4 weeks.
While the Apple Online Store has readied a Personal Pickup option for orders placed on the web, the option remains unavailable for all models.
Finally, for Apple Watch customers that have awaited official Apple Watch retail availability, we’re hearing that Apple Stores will have a small but interesting addition to the purchasing experience in the form of special Apple Watch bags for shoppers. These special bags are said to be made of heavy paper with rope handles that color-match the bands of each Apple Watch being sold, something Apple recently embraced with its Beats Powerbeats2 earbuds as well. The bags our tipster spotted were seemingly for the Sport model as they are short and narrow just like the box the Sport watches come in. It’s possible that Apple could use a different shaped bag for the Apple Watch and Edition models. [Update: 9to5Mac reader Nick has shared a shot of these Apple Watch bags.]
Aside from the upcoming retail launch, the Apple Watch is set to go on sale in Italy, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland and Taiwan next Friday, June 26th.
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So we who pre-ordered it on April 10th get no collectible bags? F you, Apple!
And no free WWDC ticket neither! What a shame! Hope that they will reward you who pre-ordered in the 10th at least with a free iPhone 7.
An unwarranted stupid comment. The sandbox is open go play in it.
Embarrassing comment if you’re being serious. If you’re not being serious, make it more apparent next time.
A paper bag was what it would take huh? Wow…
Same here! I complained directly to Tim Cook. He gave me 10,000 shares of Apple as an apology, but I refused and requested the bag instead.
LMAO
It’s a nice gimmick/promo that will definitely attract a few buyers, but it kind of runs contrary to Apple’s typical “less packaging/less waste”philosophy. The bags are fun, but don’t add any value to the phone and will, for the most part, become landfill in short order.
Moreover, for those that have the extra energy to invest in getting angry about missing out on the bag because they pre-ordered, they certainly will.
A paper bag is a perk?
Who said it was?
and there will be a small perk for those who’ve waited…
Well, Apple didn’t say it was, this article author did.
Right – and I made a joking comment about the article calling a paper bag a “perk”.
When you put it up on eBay, will see what that turns into.
Part of the marketing for Apple to be seen as a fashion retailer. It adds a similar experience to when you buy something from a traditional fashion retailer. I would imagine this was a move spearheaded by Angela Ahrendts. It is a subtle move, but something that especially women notice.
I waited 36 days for my watch and here is what I have to say: https://youtu.be/jFCVFleiHAo
https://youtu.be/jFCVFleiHAo
heavy paper bags: good for collecting dog poop and Apple watches.
I’d hardly call that a surprise collectable bag.
Who will be the first to get $50 for the bag on ebay? :o)
Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t think Apple intends for these bags to be “collectible”. I think they are just bags…
Shhh! You’re going to ruin my eBay posting!
Tell that to the high priestess of fashion the highly overpaid Angela Ahrendts
lets advertise that we we are walking around with a almost 700 dollar apple watch….let the parking lot beatings begin…
But I thought the Watch was stupid and nobody wanted one?
Tell that to the high priestess of fashion the highly overpaid Angela Ahrendts
Can anyone confirm if they are going to be in spanish Apple Stores on the July 26th (or after)?
We’ve seen the bag for the SS model already: when the celebs received their units from Ive himself they were in bags. See Sam Smith’s for instance (background, top left): https://instagram.com/p/1dsRLzR2RG/
OMG… that bag in the picture has a “white” string handle whilst the others have coloured string. Apple how could you do this to us?
*sigh
Can just imagine the headlines about Apple Watch customers being targeted by criminals and mugged for their bags of Apple Watches.
Like this bag that my SS Watch came in 2 months ago? The “rope” is actually made of a type of woven paper not fabric.
http://oi61.tinypic.com/2cq04eg.jpg
http://oi58.tinypic.com/bdm7f4.jpg