Approximately six months after the initial announcement, Apple is ready to being selling its Apple Watch. Starting Friday, April 10th, the Cupertino company will open its online storefront and allow customers to pre-order the Apple Watch ahead of its April 24th retail debut. It’ll be a different type of launch with Apple encouraging users to either buy online or try on the Watch in store before committing to a purchase. To help you navigate the buying process, we have a prepared a helpful guide detailing the purchasing options for the upcoming Apple Watch.
Pre-ordering dates, times, and locations
Apple will begin accepting pre-orders for the Watch on April 10, starting at 12:01 AM Pacific Daylight Time (3:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time). Rather than stagger the launch according to local time, all initial Apple Watch launch countries will begin accepting orders at the same time according to the following time schedule:
- U.S., Canada: 12:01 AM PDT, 3:01 AM EDT
- U.K.: 8:01 AM local time
- Germany: 9:01 AM local time
- France: 9:01 AM local time
- Australia: 5:01 PM AEST
- Hong Kong: 3:01 PM local time
- China: 3:01 PM local time
- Japan 3:01 PM local time
Pre-Order with delivery on April 24th
If you already decided which Apple Watch model you want to purchase, you can favorite it on Apple’s website so you are ready to pre-order your Watch when the storefront opens at its appointed time. Customers can purchase the Apple Watch online at Apple’s website or via the Apple Store app wit the earliest orders shipped for arrival on April 24th. If previous launches are any indication, Apple’s servers may become congested with many customers trying to purchase at the same time. To increase your chances of securing a pre-order reservation, be sure to know the exact configuration of the Watch you intend to buy. Spend some time now deciding on the model, the size and band options you want so you will be ready when the ordering frenzy begins.
You also should confirm that your account is updated with current payment information and shipping/billing addresses. If you want to use the Apple Store app and Apple Pay, take a few minutes to confirm your credit card details are in order. It would be terribly disappointing if you missed out on your Apple Watch because you were typing in your address and credit card number at the last minute.
Pre-orders placed online will deliver on April 24th as long as inventory holds out. If you want to ensure you get a Watch on launch day, then you should order as soon as Apple starts accepting pre-orders. If you delay, you may have to wait weeks or even months to get your Apple Watch.
Schedule a try-on appointment during the pre-order period
If you are not sure which Apple Watch you want to purchase, then you can schedule an appointment with an in-store specialist to demo the Watch before you place a pre-order. Appointments can be reserved using either the online website or the Apple Store app starting on April 10th. When you arrive for your appointment, you will be able to try on two Apple Watch models with assistance from store staff. Once a decision is made, the Apple Specialist or Genius will be able to help you place your pre-order before you leave the store. If you need additional time to make a decision, you can schedule a second try-on appointment or even more as needed.
Walk-in appointments without immediate purchase
Apple is not accepting walk-in purchases of the Watch without a reservation. Customers who find themselves in the vicinity of a store can stop in and ask to be added to the any available Watch appointment slots. If queue times are long, Apple will send you a text message when the appointment is approaching. This convenient messaging system allows you to shop at nearby stores while you wait for your allotted time with the Apple Specialists. Though walk-in customers can try on the Watch, they may not be able to pre-order the Watch before they leave the store. Walk-ins will need to pre-order online or schedule a second try-on appointment if they want to purchase a Watch.
Reservation-Only Launch Day purchases
Apple is steering people away from the traditional line-waiting and instead is using a reservation system for the Watch. Customers who want to purchase the Watch in store will need to have a product reservation secured online either by the individual or the Specialist following a try-on appointment. Unlike previous product launches, you will not be able to walk into a store on the 24th and purchase a Watch.
