Series 4 price increase

[sean000]

remember that when it comes to the ECG it isn't something that monitors you, the optical HR is still the part doing that. its the optical HR that will detect high, low, and afib. then if you have an afib warning you can use the ECG to measure it precisely to show to a physician. the sad part is that all the older apple watches could do the low and afib warnings too (after all that was what the stanford heart test study was doing, alerting you for afib) but they decided to only put it on the new watch for what you have to assume is marketing reasons. the ECG *will* help some people but it is very, very, very niche for most and will never ever be used except for the first day you own the watch (or i suppose when watchOS 12.1 comes out in fall) to try it.

I realize the Series 1 and newer can detect afib, and all Apple watches can detect tachycardia and abnormally low rate should be possible as well). I believe the ECG will be used by many more than just once, but of course some of us fall into a demographic that will use it more than others... because of risk factors like family history and also because of current or previous conditions. The main concern here is accuracy, but I’m sure there will be (and have been) tests. I’ve worn a holter monitor in the past to determine whether palpitations I could feel were something to be concerned about. The diagnosis was that my heart was functioning normally, so it was probably stress and anxiety. I still have them from time to time, and I would use the ECG feature during those episodes to provide additional data to my doctor.

 

[danny842003]

Not surprising since it has new Health capabilities. The cheapest standalone ECG is already $100 so the new watch price point is on par with that. If you balk at the price then just look at S3 at a new reduced price.

Problem is in Australia the aluminium Watch is $150 more wth no time frame or promise for the ECG.

 

[vintagekeys]

Its a luxery item, i just checked the second hand market here in hong kong and the S3 LTE costs less then half the new price already. they are being sold between 150 to 180 USD.

Only one year old and already 50% value loss. I think about getting the S4 LTE 44mm and use it for 2 year and then consider it a loss in terms of resale value and pass it on to my kids to play with instead.

 

[44267547]

I will say this, the Apple Watch is not cheap, especially for a tech watch, the price increase will certainly turn some off. But I think when you look at the advancements of where the Apple Watch once was and where it is today, there is so much technology involved now, it’s incredible to see what’s involved with the health sensors and physical improvements. Altogether, I think it really depends on one wants to spend and what they find value in.

 

[Sir Ruben]

Damn it! I was so sure I was going to buy the Series 4 (I was even considering the SS) but between the price hike and the fact that I can't even use its ECG technology here in the UK, it looks like I am going to have to be sensible and give it a miss. In the past I couldn't help myself when it came to tech and have always been an early adopter, but as the saying goes "a fool and his money are easily parted" and I think I am finally past that stage. Not interested in the XS either I think in day-to-day use the difference between the XS and the X will be almost unnoticeable.

 

[vintagekeys]

Damn it! I was so sure I was going to buy the Series 4 (I was even considering the SS) but between the price hike and the fact that I can't even use its ECG technology here in the UK, it looks like I am going to have to be sensible and give it a miss. In the past I couldn't help myself when it came to tech and have always been an early adopter, but as the saying goes "a fool and his money are easily parted" and I think I am finally past that stage. Not interested in the XS either I think in day-to-day use the difference between the XS and the X will be almost unnoticeable.

The only big feature i see is the ceramic back for better reception of LTE but thats about it lol but i am getting it anyway because it would be one of the major features i will be relying on a lot (AW LTE without a phone on me)

 

[PeteS1963]

I’m certainly not rushing to buy a Series 4 to replace my Series 3. I’ll only consider it when ECG is up and running in the U.K. Until that time I’ll continue enjoying my Series 3.

 

[Sir Ruben]

The only big feature i see is the ceramic back for better reception of LTE but thats about it lol but i am getting it anyway because it would be one of the major features i will be relying on a lot (AW LTE without a phone on me)

It definitely depends on where you live. Here in the UK the cellular functionality only works with two carriers and I am not with either of them. Add that to the fact that the ECG functionality isn't available either and the price has been increased by £70-£100 and Apple is making it easy for me (which is great really).

I have more disposable income than I have ever had in my life yet I am making more sensible decisions, I quite like this less impulsive me

 

[Smeaton1724]

Damn it! I was so sure I was going to buy the Series 4 (I was even considering the SS) but between the price hike and the fact that I can't even use its ECG technology here in the UK, it looks like I am going to have to be sensible and give it a miss. In the past I couldn't help myself when it came to tech and have always been an early adopter, but as the saying goes "a fool and his money are easily parted" and I think I am finally past that stage. Not interested in the XS either I think in day-to-day use the difference between the XS and the X will be almost unnoticeable.

UK pricing for Apple has been crazy since the 'Brexit increase' when everything went up 10-30%.

I feel this years Series 4 is a big leap, bigger screen, doubling the storage in the GPS models, thinner, alot faster, heart features (even if some featured aren't enabled immediately) - but I think the pricing is still hard to swallow (and I'm on the fence about buying an S4). I'm used to Apple releasing a new product and getting rid of the old one (2001-2012), in this Tim Cook Apple a new device comes out at higher RRP's every single time and the old one gets a little price decrease.

 

[vintagekeys]

It definitely depends on where you live. Here in the UK the cellular functionality only works with two carriers and I am not with either of them. Add that to the fact that the ECG functionality isn't available either and the price has been increased by £70-£100 and Apple is making it easy for me (which is great really).

I have more disposable income than I have ever had in my life yet I am making more sensible decisions, I quite like this less impulsive me

I live in hong kong reception here is amazing, it will be my first AW.

 

[throAU]

Well it looks like prices have bumped from Series 3 which sorta surprised me, if only because I thought Apple had figured out the price points that really sell these things over the last few years.

S3 2017 GPS/Aluminum: starts at $329
S4 2018 GPS/Aluminum: starts at $399

S3 2017 Cellular/Aluminum: starts at $399
S4 2018 Cellular/Aluminum: starts at $499

S3 2017 SS: starts at $599
S4 2018 SS: starts at $699

So basically everything is up $70-100 with most up $100. In the most popular model that means a price increase of 25% which really is a large increase. I appreciate that the S4 has a better screen and the ECG but every year has had enhancements in processors, screen brightness, waterproofing, cellular etc. The S3 is still for sale and knocked down $50 in price which helps.

I just can't help feeling that Apple asking for yet another $100 is a mistake and perhaps I just feel that way because I'm a SBSS buyer who already feels foolish for replacing a $650 watch after 9 months with a $750 watch but so it goes. Thoughts?

First macbooks, then iphones, now this.

Looks like i'll be buying an S3 to replace my S2 (which is cracked). None of the s4 features i really care about.

 

[sananda]

I was watching the keynote and thought I'd quite like the Series 4 but I've just seen the prices! I paid £519 for my original stainless steel Watch with a sport band. But I see I would have to pay £749 for the current equivalent. That's too expensive for me.

 

[jonnysods]

They almost need a non-ekg edition.

Apple tasted blood with the iPhone X last year. Now they see people pay they can keep jacking up prices.

 

[sananda]

And non cellular stainless steel model. At least for me. I have no interest in a) paying more for a cellular watch and b) paying a monthly fee for a connection for my watch. But I do like stainless steel.

 

[aloecool]

I'm considering just waiting a few months and buying a lightly used SS Series 4 on eBay. No way I'm paying $750 + tax for it. I currently have a Series 2 SS, and think it might be tough to go back to aluminum. Love the look and feel of the SS.

Was planning on preordering, but now you've got me thinking...when do 3rd party sellers start to discount the AW with previous releases?

 

[AstroDrew]

Tariffs increase?

I actually agree. Apple is known to keep their price in line with previous model. I wouldn't be surprise if imposed tariffs by US on China has something to do with the price increase.

 

[ricktat]

I actually agree. Apple is known to keep their price in line with previous model. I wouldn't be surprise if imposed tariffs by US on China has something to do with the price increase.

Or at least that is a good excuse.

 

[DononyG2]

You are paying for the ECG I assume. Which is ridiculous. This is a feature that most people will have zero use for, yet everyone will pay for it, and Apple marketing will make you thank them for the opportunity.

Apple are treading on thin ice lately with their pricing and lack of delivering on relevant features.

Fair point, but what relevant features are you speaking of?

 

[sosumi99]

I actually agree. Apple is known to keep their price in line with previous model. I wouldn't be surprise if imposed tariffs by US on China has something to do with the price increase.

And if the tariffs go away you can bet the prices will stay high. As long as people are willing to pay, why should Apple lower prices? I wish other manufacturers would step up and really give Apple some competition.

 

[mbhforum]

Like others, I am torn. I just bought the aw3 SS for $650 USD Plus tax 5 months ago and now am considering trading in and selling and taking a good 50% loss just to get the aw4 AND spend another $100 on the price increase???

It’s a terrible financial decision, but I’m impulsive, I can afford it and these purchases make me happy which sometimes is what life is about. I am fortunate to earn a nice living and don’t live check to check, so it’s just $800 I won’t stick in my savings account for the paycheck. My wife might kill me though.

 

[Cnasty]

6 hours until preorder. Do I:

Get another Nike sport version and upgrade annually which has been my plan since the AW release?

Or

Get a stainless steel model due to the biggest upgrade hardware wise in a while and make it work for 2-3 years until the next big update?

Hmmmmmm

 

[blco02]

I had assumed the prices would stay the same. I would be a first time watch buyer but I might wait for the price to come down now.

 

[Cashmonee]

Fair point, but what relevant features are you speaking of?

Good question. I have no idea. I am not in charge of building new projects. I can list a few irrelevant features that Apple has been adding. TouchBar, 3-D Touch, Force Touch, ECG, watch LTE, non-functional keyboards, and the ever popular march toward thinner because... well thinner! Then there is the list of features they have removed in the name of style like headphone jacks, Ethernet, HDMI, legacy USB, card readers, good keyboards, repairability etc. And they charge us for the “advances” in technology.

Apple are on a steady path toward lifestyle products that sacrifice usability and reliability for the sake of style which they then raise the price. And we all buy into it. To be honest, at this point I am done with their upgrade cycle and am getting very close to moving away from Apple for most of the markets they are in.

 

[iFan83]

I will say this, the Apple Watch is not cheap, especially for a tech watch, the price increase will certainly turn some off. But I think when you look at the advancements of where the Apple Watch once was and where it is today, there is so much technology involved now, it’s incredible to see what’s involved with the health sensors and physical improvements. Altogether, I think it really depends on one wants to spend and what they find value in.

You get what you pay for. Although I may sit out the AW4 for now, might change when ECG app is available in Canada, but it’s not hard to see why a price increase happened with the AW4, its a big upgrade. Great news is the AW3 had a nice price decrease and it’s an outstanding smart watch.

 

[turbineseaplane]

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