Apple Watch could debut with 4-6 week lead times for some models
Consumers who don't pre-order an Apple Watch this week could find themselves waiting more than a month to pick one up after sales begin, as some foreign outposts of Apple's online store indicate lead times that could stretch as long as six weeks.
via Macerkopf
The notices, first discovered by German Apple site Macerkopf, appear on Apple's German store and put delivery dates for the Sport model between April 24 and May 8. The same timing applies for the stainless steel Watch with sport bands, classic leather straps, or the milanese loop.
Those choosing a stainless steel Watch with a matching link bracelet or a leather loop can expect delivery in four to six weeks. Edition models have no specific time frame, instead simply showing "May."
AppleInsider heard from sources last month that supplies of the Watch could be constrained at launch, as the company faced production issues with the wrist-worn device "at every stage of the development." Those struggles have long been well known to Apple management, however, and are likely to have been factored in to the launch strategy.
Apple will begin accepting preorders for the Watch on Friday at 12:01 a.m. Pacific time, with shipments slated to begin on April 24. Those who are unsure which model to choose can also book in-store try-on appointments at the same time, but those appointments do not act as product reservations --?after the try-on, a separate order will need to be placed.
via Macerkopf
The notices, first discovered by German Apple site Macerkopf, appear on Apple's German store and put delivery dates for the Sport model between April 24 and May 8. The same timing applies for the stainless steel Watch with sport bands, classic leather straps, or the milanese loop.
Those choosing a stainless steel Watch with a matching link bracelet or a leather loop can expect delivery in four to six weeks. Edition models have no specific time frame, instead simply showing "May."
AppleInsider heard from sources last month that supplies of the Watch could be constrained at launch, as the company faced production issues with the wrist-worn device "at every stage of the development." Those struggles have long been well known to Apple management, however, and are likely to have been factored in to the launch strategy.
Apple will begin accepting preorders for the Watch on Friday at 12:01 a.m. Pacific time, with shipments slated to begin on April 24. Those who are unsure which model to choose can also book in-store try-on appointments at the same time, but those appointments do not act as product reservations --?after the try-on, a separate order will need to be placed.
Comments
I think this is ultimately why Apple's pushing online preorders so hard; it'll simplify distribution greatly, especially with supply constraints.
Apple has always been smart to keep supplies constrained initially to build demand and value. This time will be no different.
This seems like the opposite of a smart business strategy. They're already probably going to sell as many as they can make, artificial scarcity doesn't do much to move demand -- we saw that with the iPhone, and even Tim Cook has said in the past that he wishes they could build more phones faster.
Scarcity increases perceived value and tends to generate excitement to acquire Apple's products in the first month or so. Intentional or not, it works.
Apple has always been smart to keep supplies constrained initially to build demand and value. This time will be no different.
This seems like the opposite of a smart business strategy. They're already probably going to sell as many as they can make, artificial scarcity doesn't do much to move demand -- we saw that with the iPhone, and even Tim Cook has said in the past that he wishes they could build more phones faster.
There's nothing artificial about this. This is an extremely complex product, in regards to # of models and skus. Easily the most complex in Apple's history. The've never sold anything like this before. Its expected that many combination of models will be tough to find initially in all stores.
It's all building up to an exciting release date.
I've moved my choice from Stainless Steel w/Milanese Loop to Black SS w/Link Bracelet.
I am hoping with fingers crossed that the the high price will deter demand....
Can't wait!
I think this is ultimately why Apple's pushing online preorders so hard; it'll simplify distribution greatly, especially with supply constraints.
Agreed.
There's nothing artificial about this. This is an extremely complex product, in regards to # of models and skus. Easily the most complex in Apple's history. The've never sold anything like this before. Its expected that many combination of models will be tough to find initially in all stores.
I wouldn't be at all surprised if they don't custom configure the watch + bands in China, on demand, when you order, and then ship directly from China to your door. I have ordered small items from the Apple online store in the past and received them, in one case, the next day, shipped directly from China to southern California. I doubt they would commit all of their stock to specific combinations in advance.
Scarcity increases perceived value and tends to generate excitement to acquire Apple's products in the first month or so. Intentional or not, it works.
I think you are really overestimating the number of people who make purchasing decisions this way, especially in Apple's case. The company is cool, its products are cool, and that's what drives sales, not the idea that "I better get it now or else." Remember, the vast majority of the marketplace != people who read this kind of news.
If supplies are constrained due to the innards, Apple will be wise to make the most expensive models most readily available.
Want an Apple Watch on launch day? Buy the 42mm rose gold Edition.
Apple has always been smart to keep supplies constrained initially to build demand and value. This time will be no different.
wtf are you talking about? Your opinion is pure troll. Why would Apple want to do that? Their products are highly demanded and difficult to make. Look at China now. Apple can't even meet the demands there up to this point. There're long lines still in front of Apple stores there 5 months after iPhone 6 was released.
Since those dates have been removed, It was probably an error. I don't think until the orders are in, Apple could pre-determine any shipping dates.. I would assume that they have some level of inventory for all versions they advertise, some models they "think" will be popular, may have more supply.. Guess it all depends on how they can determine without actual orders what models will be the hot sellers.
OMG, that's terrible news. How on Earth are people going to cope without an Apple Watch for up to six long weeks? I mean, I can imagine waiting on delivery of a smartphone or laptop is bad enough - but a smartwatch? It's so integral to people's lives that I fear the whole world may come crashing down around our ears.
(Too much /s?)
I've moved my choice from Stainless Steel w/Milanese Loop to Black SS w/Link Bracelet.
I am hoping with fingers crossed that the the high price will deter demand....
Can't wait!
Another Black SS Link Bracelet checking in....
I've moved my choice from Stainless Steel w/Milanese Loop to Black SS w/Link Bracelet.
Why do you like the stainless vs aluminum? I think that aluminum is nicer looking and also much lighter. I was kind of expecting aluminum to be the mid-price point version instead of stainless.
I think this is ultimately why Apple's pushing online preorders so hard; it'll simplify distribution greatly, especially with supply constraints.
Do you think Apple is actually holding off on ramping up production until they get their first pre-orders? Or have they already been manufacturing the watches themselves in volume?
What is it with the brits?
Why do you like the stainless vs aluminum? I think that aluminum is nicer looking and also much lighter. I was kind of expecting aluminum to be the mid-price point version instead of stainless.
I don't know ... I know they came up with a custom alloy, but aluminum is soft, and it has a glass crystal as well. The brushed finish should mitigate scratches on the case somewhat, but I carry my iPhone 5S without a case, and there are all kinds of scratches and depressions on it, and I'm pretty careful. I would opt for the stainless just from a durability standpoint. I've got a scratch on my iPhone screen that drives me crazy, I would hate to have to live with that on something that will likely get touched quite often.