Apple will officially release its first wearable on April 24. A leaked internal Apple memo updates employees on how long it will remain exclusively online and confirms there will be no Apple Watch models available in the its retail stores on its announced release date of April 24 and that it expects to remain like this through May.
We recently reported that an Apple customer emailed Apple CEO Tim Cook to vent about the company's confusing ramp up to launch its first new product since the original iPad, which was available in stores in April 2011.
The unhappy customer's email also addressed Apple's advertised April 24 release date, which the company used in press and marketing materials, but on April 16 in the U.S., Apple quietly changed "Available 4.24.15" to now read, "The Watch is Coming." This corroborates what the disgruntled customer was told by an Apple executive who contacted him, and said that the April 24 launch date are "being looked at with great concern."
Now, a new leaked internal Apple memo from Senior Vice President Retail and Online Store, Angela Ahrendts, tries to clarify the confusion to Apple employees regarding Apple Watch and its highly anticipated launch.
"The feedback from customers is overwhelmingly positive. They are excited about Apple Watch, and your teams are creating fantastic experiences for them. Customers who pre-ordered will start receiving deliveries next Friday as planned, and I know you will do a great job helping set them up.
Many of you have been asking if we will have the Apple Watch available in stores on April 24 for walk-in purchases. As we announced last week, due to high global interest combined with our initial supply, we are only taking orders online right now. I'll have more updates as we get closer to in-store availability, purpose we expect this to continue through the month of May."
This leaked memo also appears to be damage control from Ahrendt's previously leaked memo, which told Apple Retail Store staff to urge Apple Watch and MacBook customers to use the Apple Store app and its online store to order both new devices.
"The days of waiting in line and crossing fingers for a product are over for our customers. The Apple Store app and our online store make it much easier to purchase Apple Watch and the new MacBook. Customers will know exactly when and where their product arrives."
The new leaked memo from Angela Ahrendts has a change of tone and makes clear that the days of waiting in line at Apple stores to have the device on day one was viewed as a tradition and it's something that many Apple fans and customers never had a problem with in the first place.
"I know this is a different experience for our customers, and has changed for you as well. Are we going to launch every product this way from now on? No. We all love those blockbuster Apple product launch days and there will be many more to come. They're the times where you, our teams, shine. And our customers love them as well!"
It remains to be seen how many early Apple Watch customers will begin receiving the device on April 24, considering Apple gave a delivery date of April 24 to May 8, before slipping it to May 13 to May 27, then to June, and some models shipping in July.
We'll keep you posted on all Apple Watch information as it becomes available.
