I've been using Macs since 1994 and I feel just fine about Apple right now. I've never been a "big advocate" of them however. Maybe you're taking things a little too seriously. A little perspective in life goes a long way.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Apple Watch U.S. Sales Estimated at 2.8 Million, Sports Band May Have Base Cost of Just $2
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I've been using Macs since 1994 and I feel just fine about Apple right now. I've never been a "big advocate" of them however. Maybe you're taking things a little too seriously. A little perspective in life goes a long way.
I agree.The fact that you do not need a tool to remove links so you can do it yourself rather than taking it to a jeweller is just genius. And yet they lock in so tightly and precisely better than a band that requires special tools. That's just thinking about an issue and addressing it, pure Apple
Why do they sell it at these prices? Because they can!
Outraged people still buy it.
All of your "add-ons" are exactly my point.
There are more costs than simply the material of what you actually want (the beverage). Based on the article I read, the cost of the soda is 5-20¢, so I was partially correct there. Plus, this 99¢ charge is "value meal" pricing. All larger beverages are easily close to $1.99... at least in my area.
The latest data from Slice Intelligence, a digital commerce research firm that tracks email receipts, estimates Apple Watch sales at 2.79 million in the United States nearly two months after the wrist-worn device launched, according to Reuters. Slice Intelligence previously estimated 1 million Apple Watch pre-orders on April 10 and 2.5 million orders processed through late May.
The report claims that about 17 percent of those Apple Watch customers proceed to spend hundreds of dollars on extra bands for the smartwatch, enabling Apple to make a profitable double dip into customers' wallets. While the Sports Band starts at $49, for example, technology research firm IHS estimates the 38mm fluoroelastomer band costs Apple just $2.05 to make.
The estimate does not include the cost of packaging and shipping, and the bill of materials may in fact be slightly more expensive, but it remains clear that Apple has a significant profit margin on spare bands. Apple also sells the Classic Buckle, Milanese Loop and Leather Loop retail for $149, Modern Buckle for $249 and Link Bracelet for $449 through the Apple Online Store.Apple Watch in-store reservations at Apple Stores began earlier this week ahead of the wrist-worn device's second wave launch in Italy, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland and Taiwan on June 26. A limited selection of Apple Watch models will be available at 10 Corso Como in Milan, BOONTHESHOP Cheongdam in Seoul and Malmaison by The Hour Glass in Singapore.
Article Link: Apple Watch U.S. Sales Estimated at 2.8 Million, Sports Band May Have Base Cost of Just $2
I am a teacher, it's my term break, and it's currently 11 pm in my time zone. Sue me.
Exactly. If you're talking about raw materials, sure. But then every iPhone case should be $2 as well.
Everyone calling them rubber bands are free to get an actual rubble band and attempt to attach their watch to it.
Anyone outraged by the $50 price tag on the band is free to manufacture their own. It will probably cost you $50 million before you produce a single band.
You people really think these should be wrapped in cellophane and stuffed in a big fishbowl where you can just grab a few on your way out of the store, don't you?
You people really think these should be wrapped in cellophane and stuffed in a big fishbowl where you can just grab a few on your way out of the store, don't you?
I probably would have bought a Watch Sport if they had an option with the matte aluminum and the black band. But having to purchase a $49 band to get the color combo I'd want continues to be a reason I haven't pulled the trigger.
So to those who say "then don't buy one" - that is exactly what I've done.
So to those who say "then don't buy one" - that is exactly what I've done.
If you don't like the song being played, then learn to play music and produce a better song...
Perhaps, but only by sales standards of a new iPhone. Which the watch is not, even though it's a new product category.
Also, that number is only someone's estimate. But even if true, I would think it would be a big success. I doubt that Apple expected every iPhone owner would purchase a watch as that's not something every one needs, unlike a phone.
Step #1 Pay manufacturer to make mold for band and metal parts (or someone).
Step #2 Buy rubber and metal
Step #3 Tell manufacturer in china to attach molds to their machines
Step #4 Feed materials into machine and press go.
Step #5 Assemble items by hand or buy a machine that can if it is cheaper.
You think all those copy bands out there are made by custom machines?
you're outraged but still bought one?! funniest thing i read so far.
Apple spends hundreds of millions on R&D and these costs are never included in the costs. Also the bands have received overwhelmingly positive reviews for their quality and overall feel. I think they are underpriced if anything.
As a Apple user since 1986, I really don't care. Sure, it's a very hefty profit, but there are many things we buy that the mark-up is ridiculous. Just own a boat, HD Motorcycle, or a BMW and you'll see what I mean.
The fact that you do not need a tool to remove links so you can do it yourself rather than taking it to a jeweller is just genius. And yet they lock in so tightly and precisely better than a band that requires special tools. That's just thinking about an issue and addressing it, pure Apple
Again, totally agree. The only strange thing is that when I remove three links, it is just a little too tight. When I only remove two it is just a little too loose. Obviously I am going with the latter option after some trial and error. On occasion, the looseness means that contact is lost with my skin and the watch locks. I am now considering either loosing enough weight to remove the third link or gaining enough weight to make the current configuration work. Gain or loose? which should I go for?
Lol, and you STILL bought one? No offense, man, I do agree with you. The whole product has really tarnished my opinion of Apple, and I was already heading in that direction for a while. I know plenty of people like it and disagree, but I think the whole thing is an example of useless consumer tech run amok. I can't believe people are spending $500+ for it. And then I learn than my less than 2 year old iPad air can't use multitasking in iOS 9...
I'm still rocking an iPhone 4S, and at this point I need a new phone but I'm really debating whether to get an iPhone or not. I really hope the iPad Pro is something special because I'm at the point of abandoning Apple altogether. I've already moved back to Windows in 2011 and don't miss OSX at all. Sad because like you I was an Apple user for decades.
Again, totally agree. The only strange thing is that when I remove three links, it is just a little too tight. When I only remove two it is just a little too loose. Obviously I am going with the latter option after some trial and error. On occasion, the looseness means that contact is lost with my skin and the watch locks. I am now considering either loosing enough weight to remove the third link or gaining enough weight to make the current configuration work. Gain or loose? which should I go for?
I'm surprised Apple didn't incorporate any micro-adjustment in the clasp, all the watch bracelets I've owned so far have had this.
COGS don't drive price.
Demand drives price. End of story. If people are willing to buy the bands, then there we go. As for what I thing a reasonable price for those bands, I think that $10-$15 is what I'm willing to pay.
That's why I have the band that came with the watch, and no others.
EDIT: I am saving up for the Milanese loop band. Leather is bad for me because of the way it collects and accumulates sweat. After 6 months, I have $150 of eww.
Demand drives price. End of story. If people are willing to buy the bands, then there we go. As for what I thing a reasonable price for those bands, I think that $10-$15 is what I'm willing to pay.
That's why I have the band that came with the watch, and no others.
EDIT: I am saving up for the Milanese loop band. Leather is bad for me because of the way it collects and accumulates sweat. After 6 months, I have $150 of eww.
Last edited:
All of your "add-ons" are exactly my point.
Hm. McDonalds started a "All Drink Sizes now just $0.99!" campaign a few years ago and never changed it in my area. I figured this was just standard everywhere for McDonalds. So I went with the cost of the syrup to fill their largest container (smaller ones need as little as $0.05 worth of syrup.)
Its a nice band, hardly a work of art compared to what high end watches. yes I have both to compare, the apple watch one feels very flimsy, though nice design. To be honest disappointed the band is not polished SS like the watch, you can see the contrast.