Apple Watch Launch Retail Stock To Be Limited For Many Models
If you want to buy the Apple Watch model of your choice at an Apple Store at launch, you should consider pre-ordering online or through an Apple Store reservation, sources have told 9to5Mac. Due in part to the number of different models, Apple Watch inventory at many Apple Stores in the United States will be heavily constrained at launch, with priority given to reservations, meaning that Apple Watch availability for random walk-in purchases on day one will be noticeably tight.
As one source at a flagship Apple Store said, “we’re told to treat launch day as if there will be no walk-in stock.” That doesn’t necessarily mean there will be absolutely zero Apple Watch units to buy at launch if you don’t have a reservation, just that the specific Apple Watch variant a person wants will be far harder to come by at launch than some previous iPhone models.
This isn’t very surprising. And while I’m doubtful that this is primarily due to the rumored production issues facing Apple Watch, it may be playing a small part. More likely, however, is that this is just business as usual — limited availability has always been something Apple has had to deal with. Massive demand, you know.
This also might signify a bit of a learning process. Remember, this isn’t like iPad or iPhone. Those come in limited variations: two colors, cellular/GPS option, and three storage sizes. Specific sales rates are much easier to predict. Apple Watch, however, is also jewelry, and my guess is that Apple would prefer to take things slow at the retail level so that they can scale up to meet their customers’ tastes accordingly.
I wonder what the most popular model and Band combo will be.
And I really wonder if Apple will share that information.