Here's how Apple Retail Stores are celebrating the launch of the Watch
Under the direction of Angela Ahrendts, Apple Retail Stores are facing an interesting challenge when it comes to the launch of Cupertino’s first smartwatch. Though we’ve heard a lot about how Apple’s brick and mortar stores are going to sell the Apple Watch, however, a new report outlines some of the storefront design changes expected to reach stores ahead of April 10.
Of course, April 10 marks “Apple Watch Preorder Day.” It’s also the day from which prospective customers can try on an Apple Watch in retail stores, or reserve a configuration for in-store pickup (from April 24). As such, and in typical Apple fashion, Cupertino is dressing up its retail stores in celebration of the event. In a report from 9to5mac, details concerning this design change are shared.
The new, unique display will be shown at all Apple Stores with glass front windows and it is themed akin to the application icon arrays on the Apple Watch’s Home screen. According to the source who provided the above rendering, each circle is packed with Mac mini-powered LED lights that will show off different colors, patterns, and effects throughout the day.
The report adds that this display will remain once the Apple Watch launches on April 24.
Perhaps more interesting, however, are the details the report goes on to share about the high-priced Apple Watch Edition. We’d been unsure how retail stores are going to handle this iteration of the Watch, since prices begin at $10,000 (and climb all the way up to $17,000). According to 9to5mac, only a selection of retail stores will actually stock models of the Edition; these will be major flagship stores in states or countries. “For example, only a single store in Florida is currently planned to carry the Edition,” 9to5mac adds. Overseas, in countries like the United Kingdom, a mere handful of stores are expected to offer the Edition.
Yesterday, we noted that Apple had added a selection of new “Guided Tours” videos to its Watch website. These outline key features of the Watch, such as Messages, Faces, and Digital Touch. Seven further videos (for Phone Calls, Siri, Maps, Music, Apple Pay, Activity, and Workout) are also incoming.
As mentioned, Apple Watch preorders begin on April 10 at 12:01 a.m. (PDT).
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