ABU DHABI // At least one online retailer has started taking orders for the Apple Watch – but customers could be in for a long wait.
The device goes on sale in the United States, China and parts of Europe on April 24, but Apple has not yet provided a UAE release date and the watch is not available in the online UAE Apple Store.
Nevertheless, souqmobi.com has taken 149 orders since Sunday. Project manager Khawar Iftikhar said customers had been interested mainly in the sports edition, which starts at Dh1,281. Higher-end, gold-plated versions can cost as much as Dh62,400.
“The Apple Watch is quite expensive compared with other similar smart watches like the [Motorola] Moto 360, and the LG G,” he said.
Mr Iftikhar did not say when those who have placed orders can expect delivery.
Other retailers are not yet taking orders. A staff member at iStyle – an authorised Apple reseller – said his outlet at Al Wahda Mall would offer most models when the watch officially became available. He said: “There is a lot of interest.”
Axiom Telecom, one of the region’s largest tech stores, and online retailer souq.com both said they could not offer a date when the watch would be available.
US customers who ordered early can expect to receive watches within days of release, but demand has been high and the Apple website is now indicating delivery dates in June.
The Apple Watch, available in two different sizes and equipped with a touchscreen, is capable of tracking fitness data, giving directions, sending messages and playing music.
When paired with an iPhone, it allows users to check email, and make and receive phone calls.
Emirates airline will release an app for the watch on April 24 for flight information and baggage collection details.
The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus both became available in the UAE within a month of their global launch last year.
esamoglou@thenational.ae
