The Apple Watch will finally hit retail stores in a couple of weeks and expand its availability to seven additional countries.
Apple initially unveiled its first smartwatch last September, yet it took several months for the Apple Watch to actually become available for purchase. When it finally launched this April, the gadget was in limited supply and not all interested customers were able to buy the smartwatch.
Available at first online only, the Apple Watch is finally ready to arrive in retail stores, as "some models" will be in stock in two weeks. Apple has apparently managed to handle supply and ship most orders, and retail store availability is the next logical step. So far, customers have been able to try out the Apple Watch in person, but they still had to place the order online.
"The response to Apple Watch has surpassed our expectations in every way, and we are thrilled to bring it to more customers around the world," said Jeff Williams, Apple's senior vice president of Operations, in a new press release on Thursday, June 4.
Apple further thanks customers for their patience and highlights the fact that it's getting closer to clearing the backlog of Apple Watch orders. According to the company, all orders placed until May will ship to customers in the next couple of weeks, except for the Apple Watch 42mm Space Black Stainless Steel with Space Black Link Bracelet.
In addition to retail store availability, Apple is broadening its presence, bringing the Apple Watch to seven new countries:
- Italy
- Mexico
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
Expanded availability in these markets will kick off in a couple weeks as well, starting Friday, June 26, from the Apple Online Store and retail stores.
Apple doesn't clearly specify which models will initially make their way to retail stores, but wider retail availability is an important step forward. Apple seems to have overcome its supply hurdles and is ready to play a bigger part in the smartwatch market, which will no doubt boost the success of the Apple Watch.
The Apple Watch comes in three collections: Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch, and the luxurious Apple Watch Edition. The basic models start at $349, while the luxurious edition starts at a whopping $10,000.
