you missed his point. his point was a diff of only $150 is too low, considering the cost *to apple* in operational efficiency. that is, all the different materials introduce operational complication and thus cost even beyond material cost alone.
there ya go.
No reason to weep. ~40% thicker and ~57% more expensive on the entry model, while offering significantly less flexibility/functionality ...But if you want a watch that's upgradable, there's only one company that actually have their acts together more than Apple.
It's Kairos. It's a bit more expensive but far more practical.
Go look and weep: https://www.kairoswatches.com
Apple is putting so much into marketing this watch that it's going to make people want a smart watch.
Apple's goal is to impact people's lives. You can't do that if nobody buys your products.
No reason to weep. ~40% thicker and ~57% more expensive on the entry model, while offering significantly less flexibility/functionality ...
They won't do it. But even if they did make the watch modular in terms of chip upgrades, then the company will get attacked and criticized for not letting other products be upgradable as well especially the iPhone. In other words, if they do this with the watch, they will be under pressure to do the same for the iPhone.
It would be the most hypocritical thing if they make the chipset modular. Remember, all of their products have a unibody design which forces people to BUY the hardware every couple of years after being obsolete.
But if you want a watch that's upgradable, there's only one company that actually have their acts together more than Apple.
It's Kairos. It's a bit more expensive but far more practical.
Go look and weep: https://www.kairoswatches.com
Your prices are in line with my expectations
Sport 349$
Watch 499$
Edition 999$
Start prices of course with the cheapest band and then plus for the better bands.
(I also won't be buying an iWatch).
The 1 chip system is much different than what goes into a laptop made with Intel and NVIDIA/AMD chips. I guess we'll see but I don't think it would be construed as hypocritical (like Apple would care anyway). It makes business sense at least.
That watch seems nice but is super thick. It's like they just glued a translucent smart watch onto a regular watch. No thanks (I also won't be buying an iWatch).
So from all the comments, it sounds like one big question is:
- Will Cook bring up a Watch update commitment today? As in, a promise to support older models for X years.
Or will they just assume that people will treat it like other, less personal, devices and not worry about it so much?
If so, how does that contrast with their approach of selling it like a personal jewelry item?
On the contrary, it wouldn't make business sense at all. If you could upgrade your Edition every year how is Apple going to make money then? You don't see Rolex taking your old watch and giving you a new one for free right? The Apple Watch Edition is supossed to be a keeper, you won't be able to exchange it for a new one, that's what the bands are for. Also, the people they're targeting with these watches don't need to save money.
Who said every year? The watch bands perhaps but I don't expect people will want the newest gyrometer tech in the watch. Energy efficiency leaps are likely to occur over longer timescales. Comparing this watch to a Rolex which simply tells time makes no sense. Also, who said exchange if for a new one. You're arguing with yourself.
Apple really doesn't need to explain its commitment to supporting older models of any of their products. If you are talking trade-in/replace, then that would be something entirely new, not just to Apple, but to the entire tech industry. They really don't need to go there.
I think the 42mm stainless steel with link bracelet is going to come in at about $799 to $999. The closer it is to $799, the higher the likelihood that I'll buy one.
Mark
I actually think they're going to price the Edition as a luxury item, $5,000 at least.
You buy all your products based solely on pictures?
Apple Watch Sport: $349/379
Apple Watch, steel, Sport Band: $499/529
Apple Watch, steel, Classic Buckle: $599/629
Apple Watch, steel, Milanese Loop: $699/729
No predictions about the other bands or the Edition, and it isn't even clear that that modern buckle and the Leather Loop should be more expensive than the Milanese Loop. But for sure Gruber's forecast for a leather band at $1299 (a $500 premium over the Milanese!) is absurd.
Well, the 42mm with link bracelet is apparently going to be $1099. That's $100 more than my highest expectation, but $500 cheaper than John Gruber's guess. I win!
Mark
Well, the 42mm with link bracelet is apparently going to be $1099. That's $100 more than my highest expectation, but $500 cheaper than John Gruber's guess. I win!
Mark
...I know what it is already capable of. It is far more capable than people realize
They have a winner here and it will prove extremely valuable to those that buy the thing.
-K
I still wonder if we'll be surprised and the gold is cheaper than Gruber thinks, since it's not actually solid gold, but a mix of ceramic and gold. That to me seems like it would be cheaper. Here's what I would guess
Sport $349
Steel $549
Edition $1099
I know "what do expect"... I just saw it ....
Well the Gruber's of the world are approaching this product entirely from the luxury watch space, so let's go all the way then. Luxury watches have to be serviced. Certain Watch models will be 'serviced' too. For sure battery and possibly SiP. Or Apple will allow you to trade in just the watch component for a new on that will still work with your existing bands.