Apple Watch goes on pre-order Friday exclusively online


In a press release Thursday Apple reminded everyone the new Apple Watch goes on pre-order Friday morning at 12:01 AM PT. Interestingly, however, is the provided quote from Apple Retail VP Angela Ahrendts:

"Based on the tremendous interest from people visiting our stores, as well as the number of customers who have gone to the Apple Online Store to mark their favorite Apple Watch ahead of availability, we expect that strong customer demand will exceed our supply at launch," said Angela Ahrendts, Apple's senior vice president of Retail and Online Stores. "To provide the best experience and selection to as many customers as we can, we will be taking orders for Apple Watch exclusively online during the initial launch period."

Apple is offering a two-week "preview" period between Friday and the 24th launch where customers can view the watches in stores. Presumably, Apple would be taking orders then, but it appears customers will be directed to the online store.

It will be interesting if Apple will have any watches available in stores on the 24th like other launches or if this is in fact a new way of handling new product releases.

Still shoppers are welcome to make appointment to check out the watches in stores. It would seem, however, those looking to browse first will likely not get their order on the 24th.