Apple has unveiled their long-awaited smartwatch at its Spring Forward event. The watches will come in a number of editions, ranging from $349 to $17,000. Prices will depend on the metals they are built from and the straps they are purchased with as well as the size.
In the lower-priced aluminium range, the larger 42mm models will cost round $50 more than the 38mm options. The watches will go on sale on 24 April.
Apple is hoping its digital wristwear will eclipse the muted success of a series of similar models. The mid-range stainless steel edition is to start at $549, with the most expensive watches in this part of the catalogue selling for $1,099.
Apple’s website suggests that 38 different models will be sold, giving the company a weighty marketing challenge. The company has not offered details about specification differences between the aluminium, steel and gold-cased editions.
Customer will be able to pre-order the watches on the Apple website from 10th April. Apple boss Tim Cook said that a single charge would typically last for around 18 hours before the devices needed to be recharged. The larger model will offer longer battery life. The models will take around 2.5 hours to charge. Apple say thousands of apps have already been developed for the devices. Many of its functions will require owners to have an iPhone or a more recent Apple mobile device.