WASHINGTON: Initial reports had suggested that Apple’s first smartwatch would be in stores in time for Valentine’s Day, but according to a leaked transcript of a video talk given to Apple Store employees by company Senior Vice President for Retail and Online Stores Angela Ahrendts, the watch will be launching in mid-March following the Chinese New Year.
“We’re going into the holidays, we’ll go into Chinese New Year, and then we’ve got a new watch launch coming in the spring,” she is quoted as saying in documents obtained by 9to5Mac.
And although the Apple Watch’s official launch is still some four months away, the hype surrounding it refuses to die down. On Oct. 30, its creator, industrial designer extraordinaire Jony Ive, was honored at a special gala event at the San Francisco Museum of Art attended by The Wall Street Journal and Re/code, and the Apple Watch was the No. 1 topic of discussion.
During his acceptance speech, Ive said that designing the new device had been a “difficult and humbling” experience. This is because the watch is rooted in our collective culture and history and it is worn on the wrist. “Even though Apple Watch does so many things, there are cultural, historical implications and expectations,” Ive said.
When designing a smartphone, it’s possible to start with a blank piece of paper and let the imagination run wild. However, he also underlined his belief that the smartwatch is going to be one of the most important tech devices in years to come. “I think this is the beginning of a very important category. With every bone in my body I know this is an important category, and this [the wrist] is the right place to wear it.”
When the watch launches, it will be available in three collections focused on everyday use, sport, or premium style, and prices will start at $349. As for the decision to offer multiple versions of the watch, Ive said that if something is wearable, then like anything related to personal style or fashion, one size does not fit all. “As soon as something is worn, we have expectations of choice,” Ive said.
