[Update: Mashable says the exclusive Apple Watch models (pictured above) will feature yellow gold and silver aluminum color options with dark red straps.]
Apple is making two exclusive Apple Watch Sport designs available for certain markets to celebrate the Chinese New Year, set to take place February 8 this year.
A translation of Apple’s announcement indicates that the models will be available for sale until February 22 or while supplies last.
Exclusive models for Chinese New Year…We’re celebrating the new year with two special Apple Watch Sport models, available until 22 February.
Apple will be offering the two special models in markets where the Chinese New Year is celebrated with the announcement message appearing briefly on its China, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan web pages before being removed earlier today…
While “Buy Now” and “Shop Now” links for a short time appeared on Apple’s website, it looks like the company might have launched the announcement a bit prematurely. It’s unclear when Apple actually plans to officially make the two exclusive models available for sale or how if at all they might be priced differently than other Sport models.
Apple last introduced new Apple Watch models in September when it introduced a new Sport collection with yellow and rose-gold anodized models and new Sport and Leather band options. (Via MacRumors)
A screenshot from Apple’s website on Jan 5, 2016
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Any photos available for what these models may look like?
They’ll in all likelihood look like the current ones, but in different colors.
I don’t know what other colors they can come up with, unless they just offer exclusive band/case combinations. Do people really want any other colors other than silver, gold, rose gold, and space gray?
The photo is above. The standard silver and gold aluminum cases with a red band. Symbolic colors for the New Year.
They already sell the red band separately. Not sure what’s so unique about this.
Shareeef, they do but not with a red band. You’d have to purchase a watch and buy it separately. Also, a red band with aluminum finish (silver or gold) pin is new.
No link to the source?
Weird timing…two months before the anniversary of the first gen?
What’s weird about it? This isn’t a new design, simply a new combination of existing watch and band options to capitalize on a major holiday, in the second largest consumer market. Apple doesn’t give up on selling existing product, just because a refresh is around the corner. In fact, you may see them continue to sell last year’s model at discount after the 2016 refresh.
It’s weird because there’s nothing unique or exclusive about this. You were always able to get the gold aluminum watches. All they did was swap the band for another one that was always available anyway. At best, they save the buyers $50 if they absolutely have to have the red band and absolutely do not want the other colors.
Ummm, who wants to buy an old product 2 months before the new model is possibly released? Apple would have been better off just releasing the new designs with Gen 2 and not waste the money on production of a year old device no one will want.
Follow up I see now its not new colors just new color combinations. Still weird to offer an old product as new prior to a refresh.
It’s unique because 1) you had to purchase the red band separately (prior, only available in stainless steel) 2) it now comes in aluminum variants – silver and gold.
Chris, Apple sells millions of products right up to the release of new products. Why assume Apple has an incentive to rush the new ver to market, when a slight change to your existing line can boast sales, with minimal cost. A spring release is in now way confirmed. And Chances are they’re not even ready yet in the necessary quantities. Chinese New Year is big gift giving holiday. Apple is just giving them a little extra push with the watch.
I would also point out that Dec was likely a biggest sales month for the Apple Watch in the US. As a shareholder, I’m happy that many consumers have a different perspective.
source: www apple com / sg / watch / chinese-new-year /