I think that this is an Apple-sanctioned rumor and they're playing the fandom and the press. They're starting a rumor about the $900-$1000 pro watch. We'll see them put out the $699 or $799 watch and the press will marvel at the great price.
This is pricy for an Apple Watch, but I do welcome how Apple is starting to differentiate again properly between the Pro models and the consumer models. The Pro models - laptops, desk tops, screens phones - really are now for content creators and other people that really need/want the top spec for whatever specific use cases they need it for; while the consumer products are powerful enough to satisfy even the most discerning consumers.
This compared to only five years ago where the consumer models meant compromising.
Apple has a strange understanding of “professionals”, apparently. I’m missing the white ceramic option despite the price, still love my AW 5 edition but it’s not even possible to get a white edition sport band as replacement any longer …discontinued was the short answer after 1,5 hours in phone calls with Apple support.
White is now being called "starlight" and it looks more cream colored than white.. not nearly as crisp as the OG white band.They are also calling the silver aluminum case "starlight" instead of silver now as well?
I've been an Apple customer for decades and as far as I can tell "professional" is a marketing moniker that mostly means "more expensive."
It's usually accompanied by slightly better performance. Is that enough to merit the "professional" branding?
It is for Apple. And perhaps more importantly their overall customer base has accepted Apple's usage of the term.
It’s not like they have a choice. Yes, for Apple “Pro” simply means better, which by extension is also more expensive. If you want to better version, get the “Pro” model. I got an iPad Pro for my elderly disabled mother and she’s hardly a “Pro”. The quality of life improvements made it worth it in my opinion.
And that proves my point. Customers accept Apple's usage of the "pro" moniker regardless of how the device is used.
And yes, Apple can call it something else besides Pro: Plus, XL, Super, Magnum, Extra, Power, whatever.
They are already using Air, Mini, Max and Ultra. Let's remember that for a time, the MacBook Air wasn't the lightest notebook model.
In the end it's just a marketing term. To shareholders ultimately it doesn't matter what Apple calls it provided lots of profit are generated.
And yet again, this reiterates that some people don't comprehend the reality that words can have multiple usages and definitions. Over the past 10-15 years, this sort of narrow-minded behavior is increasingly common on the Internet (not just here at AppleInsider).
Well “Pro” is certainly not stopping me buying their better products labelled as such, so if that means accepting it then I suppose you’re right, but at the same time it’s still ridiculous marketing. Marketers tend to march to the beat of their own drum. Like. Inventing. One. Word. Sentences. Or dropping the “ly” from the end of words to save space, but I think that’s more of an American English thing. I’m not sure.
I don’t care what they’re called. I care if the products are well made, have the features I want (and can afford), are reasonable value, taking into consideration resale value; and increasingly if they are repairable. It’s why I only ever by the “Pro” models, but I’m a tech nerd I admit so they’re worth it to me.
Can’t see myself buying an Apple Watch unless I decide to go on a health kick or something. I’ve lived long enough as it is. So I doubt it.
This ain’t a watch that your kids, much less kids’ kids’ kids, could wear.
...which isn't the definition of disposable. It's a CE device, well within the price range of many CE devices I've purchased over the years. That doesn't make it disposable. In fact, I've sold every one of my old Watches when upgrading, making a couple hundred back on it (I buy the stainless steel models). It gets reused, again not disposable. The phrase itself doesn't even make sense.... You're arguing that an AW is somehow "disposable" but any non-collectors piece isn't? Hmm yeah no.
Also, the little story about your hypothetical kids & grandkids wearing your hypothetical watch is mostly just a cute story. Generalization (meaning, more often than not): Kids & grandkids don't want our crap. I had zero interest in my deceased grandfathers' watches. My dad has a 1970s Rolex but it's hardly anything I'd wear. I'm sure we could sell it somewhere but not expecting to retire off that.
I've been debating with myself as to whether to get the new Series 8, or replace the battery in my 4. If they come out at $900, it will be a new battery (and refurbed watch, since that's how they do it).
This makes a lot more sense to me than the "Edition" version ever did. Garmin has numerous models in the $800 and up price range... and I mean WAY up as in double that amount. So there is clearly a market at this price level and--depending on what Apple is offering for $900--it could look like a deal compared to the more expensive Garmin watches. Using the "Pro" moniker for this ruggedized watch seems like the right move.
This makes a lot more sense to me than the "Edition" version ever did. Garmin has numerous models in the $800 and up price range... and I mean WAY up as in double that amount. So there is clearly a market at this price level and--depending on what Apple is offering for $900--it could look like a deal compared to the more expensive Garmin watches. Using the "Pro" moniker for this ruggedized watch seems like the right move.
That's an excellent point about the Garmin smartwatches. Garmin seems to think there's a massive market for 4-figure smartwatches that are considerably more dumb than the Apple Watch. If Apple offers a $900 Apple Watch that is larger, with a longer battery life, and more health-related features I may very well be inclined to get it. Of course, I will always wait and see before I make a final decision, but I'm certainly not going to scoff at $900 when that's hardly anything for a wrist-worn computer.
I would appreciate an Apple Watch that was much slimmer, maybe an e-ink display, Super low power consumption, more basic functionality, something that you don’t really feel on your wrist. The current direction is pretty cool, and very impressive, but I have very little interest in it.
This makes a lot more sense to me than the "Edition" version ever did. Garmin has numerous models in the $800 and up price range... and I mean WAY up as in double that amount. So there is clearly a market at this price level and--depending on what Apple is offering for $900--it could look like a deal compared to the more expensive Garmin watches. Using the "Pro" moniker for this ruggedized watch seems like the right move.
That's an excellent point about the Garmin smartwatches. Garmin seems to think there's a massive market for 4-figure smartwatches that are considerably more dumb than the Apple Watch. If Apple offers a $900 Apple Watch that is larger, with a longer battery life, and more health-related features I may very well be inclined to get it. Of course, I will always wait and see before I make a final decision, but I'm certainly not going to scoff at $900 when that's hardly anything for a wrist-worn computer.
This whole thread has been strange. Apple sells a Series 7 45mm Titanium Watch with leather link band for $900. Prior to this, they sold Ceramic Edition models for $1300 or so.
A 47mm to 50mm Watch that is ruggedized, presumably tougher sapphire display covers, some kind of exotic metal or material case, likely a specialty band, can easily be priced at $1000. I'd be amazed if it was only $900.
A modern Apple Watch will be able to last 5 to 6 years. Some people will want whatever this "Pro" model will offer, above and beyond the aluminum+steel+titanium models, and they'll fork over $1000+ for it. I know I really wanted the ceramic models, but it was too much for me. Perhaps not with Series 8 model, where the Watch's features has expanded a whole lot over the models from several years ago.
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And yes, Apple can call it something else besides Pro: Plus, XL, Super, Magnum, Extra, Power, whatever.
They are already using Air, Mini, Max and Ultra. Let's remember that for a time, the MacBook Air wasn't the lightest notebook model.
In the end it's just a marketing term. To shareholders ultimately it doesn't matter what Apple calls it provided lots of profit are generated.
And yet again, this reiterates that some people don't comprehend the reality that words can have multiple usages and definitions. Over the past 10-15 years, this sort of narrow-minded behavior is increasingly common on the Internet (not just here at AppleInsider).
Can’t see myself buying an Apple Watch unless I decide to go on a health kick or something. I’ve lived long enough as it is. So I doubt it.
Also, the little story about your hypothetical kids & grandkids wearing your hypothetical watch is mostly just a cute story. Generalization (meaning, more often than not): Kids & grandkids don't want our crap. I had zero interest in my deceased grandfathers' watches. My dad has a 1970s Rolex but it's hardly anything I'd wear. I'm sure we could sell it somewhere but not expecting to retire off that.
Pro-hibitively expensive for a device with a lifespan under 5 years
A 47mm to 50mm Watch that is ruggedized, presumably tougher sapphire display covers, some kind of exotic metal or material case, likely a specialty band, can easily be priced at $1000. I'd be amazed if it was only $900.
A modern Apple Watch will be able to last 5 to 6 years. Some people will want whatever this "Pro" model will offer, above and beyond the aluminum+steel+titanium models, and they'll fork over $1000+ for it. I know I really wanted the ceramic models, but it was too much for me. Perhaps not with Series 8 model, where the Watch's features has expanded a whole lot over the models from several years ago.