During the Spring Forward event, Apple announced the full details on the Apple Watch. There was a lot that carries over from the September Event, so I’m not going to rehash a lot. What I will tell you about is what’s different today.
The Apple Watch will require iOS 8.2, which launched today. Within that update is the Apple Watch app. From there you can control your Apple Watch and Install Apps. Think of this as sort of the App Store for the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch will also see the launch of another new app to the Apple ecosystem, Activity. It’s driven by the data on your Apple Watch and delivered right to your iPhone. Apple also displayed a decent variety of apps which will exist on the watch including ESPN, Passbook, ApplePay, SPG Hotels, MLB, Target, Honeywell, Line6, Fandango, Uber, and much, much more. You can find the full list of showcase apps here. Apple also answered the question of battery life, which will be 18 hours between charges.
On to the issue of pricing of the Apple Watch. They start at $349 and go well up from there. The cheapest models will be the Sport collection. They will cost $349 for the smaller 38mm case or $399 for the 42mm watch. Available finishes are silver and space grey. Next up is the Apple Watch Collection. These are slightly more upscale at $549 for the 38mm and $599 for the 42mm. It’ll come in stainless or space black. Lastly is the 18k gold Apple Watch edition beginning at $10,000. That does seem rather extreme, but that watch is aimed at people riding in the back of a stretched Mercedes, not the general consumer.
Apple announced the band prices as well. The colored sport band will be $49. The classic buckle, leather loop, and Milanese loop will cost $149. The modern buckle will cost $249. By far and away, the most expensive standard band will be the link bracelet at $449.
The Apple Watch will be available for pre-order on April 10th. They will April 24th.
