Apple Watch was available for pre-order today (Friday) with all pre-publicity from the company suggesting a 4-6 week wait for delivery.
By 4pm, however, most models in the extensive collection had seen that delivery date pushed back to June and, in some cases July, suggesting that they are likely to sell-out just as quickly as other Apple gadget launches.
A check online by WatchPro found delivery for most 38mm and 42mm Apple Watch Sports, the entry level models priced from £299-339, delayed until June. The more expensive Apple Watch, priced between £479 and £949 had most models set for delivery in 4-6 weeks.
The top end 18kt gold Apple Watch Edition range, which is sold for prices ranging from £8000-13,500 had already seen its delivery date slip to June or beyond on the first day it was available to pre-order.
Apple has been speaking directly to its customers in the lead up to today’s pre-order date encouraging them to order online or book appointments to try on the new smart watches before buying them.
That could explain why Apple disciples failed to turn up at the company’s London stores in Regent Street and Covent Garden despite watches being available to view today. They were also being introduced to a more fashion-led crowd at Selfridges – a hint at Apple’s determination to ensure the Watch appeals beyond the nerd herd that have been almost the only customers for other smartwatches from mobile phone companies like Motorola, Samsung and LG.
Analysts watching Apple Watch sales say that the tech giant is keeping today’s launch deliberately low key. One reason, they suggest, is so that Apple can analyse demand for the various models in a collection of models that is far bigger and more diverse than anything seen in the phone or tablet market.
