Apple Discontinues Apple Watch Edition

[MacRumors]

Apple's new Series 4 Apple Watch lineup is missing the higher-end ceramic Apple Watch Edition models that were first introduced in 2016.

In fact, there are no higher-end Apple Watch Edition models at all this year, with Apple offering only GPS and GPS + Cellular Aluminum and Stainless Steel Series 4 Apple Watch options.

"Edition" models were first introduced alongside the original Apple Watch, with Apple offering solid gold Apple Watch options at prices that exceeded $10,000.

These models did not prove to be popular with consumers and Apple did not continue offering solid gold Apple Watch options beyond the original Apple Watch.

With the Apple Watch Series 2, Apple introduced "Edition" models that were made from ceramic priced starting at $1,299, which it continued offering when the Series 3 Apple Watches were announced.

Apple is continuing to sell Apple Watch Series 3 models as a low-cost option alongside new Apple Watch Series 4 models, but only in aluminum. Apple is no longer offering the Apple Watch Series 3 in stainless steel or ceramic, a material that has been discontinued.

The Apple Watch Series 4 is available in aluminum and stainless steel in colors that include Gold, Silver, Space Gray, and Space Black. Aluminum models start at $399, while stainless steel models are priced starting at $699. Stainless steel models start at a higher price point because all stainless steel models are equipped with LTE support.

With the launch of the Apple Watch Series 4 and the price drop on the Series 3 (which now starts at $279), Apple has also discontinued Apple Watch Series 1 models.

Apple Watch Series 4 will be available for pre-order on Friday, September 14, likely at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time. Orders will start shipping out on September 21, the launch date for the device.

Article Link: Apple Discontinues Apple Watch Edition

 

[asdavis10]

The product served it's marketing a material design/production purposes and can now be retired.

 

[sniffies]

Discontinued to the tune of $10,000 per watch

 

[Alphazoid]

Was always dead in the water. Why would you drop 10 grand for something that would be obsolete in 8 months.

 

[Ad13]

Because they were only ever headline grabbers and the only people that bought them were a little stupid? I’m mean, a gold Apple Watch. The only one I ever seen was on an Apple Store employee. Surely that income doesn’t warrant that luxury. Fair comment he got his 15 minutes of fame, but I bet he’s not loving his £10k Apple Watch now.

 

[lec0rsaire]

There never should’ve been an “Edition.” It was a horrible idea to try to sell a premium version of a product that people can buy a base version of for $200-400. At least it wasn’t as crazy as the gold Edition! I called its failure right away. No one would buy one over a Rolex Daytona or AP Royal Oak! You would have to be the biggest Apple fan or just in the habit of burning cash.

 

[Brien]

Didn't employees get a 50% discount on the original Watch though? I mean really, can't blame him, that's basically the price of the gold in it at the point.

 

[lec0rsaire]

Because they were only ever headline grabbers and the only people that bought them were a little stupid? I’m mean, a gold Apple Watch. The only one I ever seen was on an Apple Store employee. Surely that income doesn’t warrant that luxury. Fair comment he got his 15 minutes of fame, but I bet he’s not loving his £10k Apple Watch now.

They are completely worthless since two years ago!!! Should’ve bought a steel Rolex instead and would’ve been happy for decades to come lol!

 

[RoobyRoobyRoo]

There never should’ve been an “Edition.” It was a horrible idea to try to sell a premium version of a product that people can buy a base version of for $200-400. At least it wasn’t as crazy as the gold Edition! I called its failure right away. No one would buy one over a Rolex Daytona or AP Royal Oak! You would have to be the biggest Apple fan or just in the habit of burning cash.

The fashion market is filled with products that are way overpriced and exist only for luxury and to serve as a status symbol. Apple really wasn't very out of place in offering the Edition. The kind of person rich enough to seriously consider buying one operates on a completely different set of values and priorities than you and I.

 

[technole]

It was Jony Ive's call, and it's not like Apple couldn't afford the idea.

Although Hermes is a good premium product even if it's the stainless steel with their faces, can always use their bands for future models.

 

[lec0rsaire]

The fashion market is filled with products that are way overpriced and exist only for luxury and to serve as a status symbol. Apple really wasn't very out of place in offering the Edition. The kind of person rich enough to seriously consider buying one operates on a completely different set of values and priorities than you and I.

No, no and no. The wealthy person buys a Patek Nautilus (50-60k), an AP Royal Oak (17-25k), Rolex Daytona (20-22k) or Rolex GMT Master Pepsi (20-22k) not a disposable gold Apple Watch. Trust me! I am a watch fanatic.

These are watches that no one will confuse with a gold plated steel Apple Watch.

 

[masotime]

People keep talking about the gold watch, but the ceramic one had a legit reason to exist.

Really hoping it comes back, I have one and I love that it’s essentially immune to scratches.

 

[e-coli]

Those origins edition Apple Watch bands looked like something you’d get from a kinder egg.

 

[ThomasJL]

Good riddance.

 

[Ad13]

Didn't employees get a 50% discount on the original Watch though? I mean really, can't blame him, that's basically the price of the gold in it at the point.

No way is ther 5k’s worthnof fold in an fold Apple Watch. Even that is a deluded way of looking at it.
[doublepost=1536784748][/doublepost]

The fashion market is filled with products that are way overpriced and exist only for luxury and to serve as a status symbol. Apple really wasn't very out of place in offering the Edition. The kind of person rich enough to seriously consider buying one operates on a completely different set of values and priorities than you and I.

Speak for yourself!
[doublepost=1536784819][/doublepost]

People keep talking about the gold watch, but the ceramic one had a legit reason to exist.

Really hoping it comes back, I have one and I love that it’s essentially immune to scratches.

But looks like cheap plastic.

 

[masotime]

But looks like cheap plastic.

Well, that’s your opinion, but the point is that the hard ceramic is utilitarian - I’ve knocked my watch multiple times on walls and tables, it looks brand new.

 

[batsabode]

Does anyone know what the specs specifically how much the new watch weigh in comparison to the series 3 Hoping the Stainless steel series 4 is the same weight as the aluminum series 3. 44 mm

 

[applesith]

The product served it's marketing a material design/production purposes and can now be retired.

Yup, very much so. It was a smart way for Apple to get exposure and celeb support for a new product and reach audiences beyond techies and casual buyers.

 

[technole]

People keep talking about the gold watch, but the ceramic one had a legit reason to exist.

Really hoping it comes back, I have one and I love that it’s essentially immune to scratches.

One year into my Hermes stainless steel, and it still looks like new. Barely any scratch and I knocked little things.

Plus there are easy repair remedies like Nevr Dull if it's get that's scratchy.

Although I did like the white ceramic. It just has a higher-class feel with it being available as white.

 

[Marzel]

The problem is that you can’t sell a technological product for jewelry since it will be obsolete in a few years. It’s one thing to design products with nice industrial design and materials and another to sell a gold smart watch. Having said that, the prices of the stainless steel watches and the non silicone bands are so expensive that in the end you end up paying close to the ceramic either way.

 

[masotime]

One year into my Hermes stainless steel, and it still looks like new. Barely any scratch and I knocked little things.

Plus there are easy repair remedies like Nevr Dull if it's get that's scratchy.

Although I did like the white ceramic. It just has a higher-class feel with it being available as white.

I tend to knock hard against walls and tables often, so it definitely worked well for me. I used to own the Series 0 stainless steel, the screen remained good, but it definitely gathered a lot of scratches over time.

 

[bluecoast]

No, no and no. The wealthy person buys a Patek Nautilus (50-60k), an AP Royal Oak (17-25k), Rolex Daytona (20-22k) or Rolex GMT Master Pepsi (20-22k) not a disposable gold Apple Watch. Trust me! I am a watch fanatic.

These are watches that no one will confuse with a gold plated steel Apple Watch.

Absolutely.

Edition always seemed like a Jony Ive ego project as I suspect they he wanted to work with materials more commonly found in luxury watches ie gold alloys and ceramic.

Cook, I suspect, was always uncomfortable with this as Apple are more positioned as akin to BMW or Audi compared to Bentley, for example.

The Hermes watch now fulfills the role of those that want something that feels a little more luxury.

But as you said, even $1-1.5k is a drop in the ocean compared to true luxury watch prices.

 

[lec0rsaire]

Both of these will be worth more than I paid for them down the road. If you’re going to buy expensive watches, they must be mechanical and either Rolex, AP, Patek, Vacheron and Lange.

 

[tridley68]

Looks like i will be hanging on to my apple watch series 3 ceramic edition might make a few dollars on it now that they are no longer produced.

 

[thisisnotmyname]

Just when they reduced the impact of that ugly red button, shame.