There is a fine line between creating demand and turning off the public. I think we all understand that the Apple Watch really IS the base model with the Sport being positioned for a relative inexpensive entry point. The Sport will be great for young adults who have never worn a watch a day in their lives. It is also great for those who just cannot afford anything more.
However, Apple is clearly expecting there to be a lot of sales on the Stainless Steel version which is evident by that one getting the biggest selection of bands to upgrade to. I think that is Apple is Smart they will also come out with special Limited Edition straps at some time.
What Apple is famous for is redefining how we interact with the world through technology. They have never been the very first with any given technology's BUT they have been the masters who have figured out how to get the masses to embrace it. They reinvented Computers (twice), music, and phones. Now they want to do this with the Watch.
Starting with the Macintosh. Yes, there were the earlier Apple computers but those were just for the geeks and you needed to be a geek to use it. Other companies had the technology. I know Tandem Computers (where I worked at the time) had it but our executives did not release it because they thought no one would buy a $7000 word processor. Apple totally got the masses to bring a computer into their homes.
Then there was the iPod. We all know how that totally changed the dynamic of how people get their music. Remember the Walkman? A total toy in comparison.
The iPhone was next. We all know the frenzy that created. It was the first truly portable computer.
The iPad changed our perception of what a laptop is and greatly influenced what we see today.
Now it is the Watch. This watch is the first step. It's very existence will move research in new directions. I cannot imagine the sensors they might have in 3 or 5 years but I am betting I get one for my old age.
BUT, for that to work they have to get a lot of these watches out there. I have always embraced new technology. However, with the iPad they did not convince me to try it on the first model. I got the iPad 2 and am still using that one quite happily.
Now back to the pricing point. Yes, we know they expect to sell mostly Sport models and I expect to see that sitting in my Costco next to the iPads they now sell. I expect the main Apple Watch and Edition models to be available only through Apple both in regular Apple stores and the rumored standalone watch stores.
People are NOT going to spend over $499 on the First Generation Watch when the only differences are case materials. Like the iPad I could see myself sitting back and waiting to see how it all works out.
If it is priced correctly then a LOT more will get a base one and one or two straps for variety. If SS starts at $799 with Sports band I know I will NOT be buying one. I think Apple has also already failed in creating any excitement so far in the non iPhone crowd. They will need a LOT of us out here showing them off to get others to want them. The Sport looks too much like a toy in anything other than black.
SO, Apple needs momentum to redefine the Watch and get people wearing them again. It has to be priced correctly for us to upgrade it in two years.
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PS: I forgot to mention the world Economy. It is JUST starting to improve enough for regular people to spend this much on something that truly only saves them a step of digging a phone out of a purse or pocket.
However, Apple is clearly expecting there to be a lot of sales on the Stainless Steel version which is evident by that one getting the biggest selection of bands to upgrade to. I think that is Apple is Smart they will also come out with special Limited Edition straps at some time.
What Apple is famous for is redefining how we interact with the world through technology. They have never been the very first with any given technology's BUT they have been the masters who have figured out how to get the masses to embrace it. They reinvented Computers (twice), music, and phones. Now they want to do this with the Watch.
Starting with the Macintosh. Yes, there were the earlier Apple computers but those were just for the geeks and you needed to be a geek to use it. Other companies had the technology. I know Tandem Computers (where I worked at the time) had it but our executives did not release it because they thought no one would buy a $7000 word processor. Apple totally got the masses to bring a computer into their homes.
Then there was the iPod. We all know how that totally changed the dynamic of how people get their music. Remember the Walkman? A total toy in comparison.
The iPhone was next. We all know the frenzy that created. It was the first truly portable computer.
The iPad changed our perception of what a laptop is and greatly influenced what we see today.
Now it is the Watch. This watch is the first step. It's very existence will move research in new directions. I cannot imagine the sensors they might have in 3 or 5 years but I am betting I get one for my old age.
BUT, for that to work they have to get a lot of these watches out there. I have always embraced new technology. However, with the iPad they did not convince me to try it on the first model. I got the iPad 2 and am still using that one quite happily.
Now back to the pricing point. Yes, we know they expect to sell mostly Sport models and I expect to see that sitting in my Costco next to the iPads they now sell. I expect the main Apple Watch and Edition models to be available only through Apple both in regular Apple stores and the rumored standalone watch stores.
People are NOT going to spend over $499 on the First Generation Watch when the only differences are case materials. Like the iPad I could see myself sitting back and waiting to see how it all works out.
If it is priced correctly then a LOT more will get a base one and one or two straps for variety. If SS starts at $799 with Sports band I know I will NOT be buying one. I think Apple has also already failed in creating any excitement so far in the non iPhone crowd. They will need a LOT of us out here showing them off to get others to want them. The Sport looks too much like a toy in anything other than black.
SO, Apple needs momentum to redefine the Watch and get people wearing them again. It has to be priced correctly for us to upgrade it in two years.
----------
PS: I forgot to mention the world Economy. It is JUST starting to improve enough for regular people to spend this much on something that truly only saves them a step of digging a phone out of a purse or pocket.
Watch as a whole. $799 seems astronomical for essentially the same exact thing I could get for $349. I believe the Stainless could well be the market driver here. I do not think the Sport will be all that attractive in person, and may well look cheap next to the Watch and Edition.
