If you thought £250 was a lot for a smartwatch, think again. Latest reports have suggested the 18-karat gold Apple Watch Edition could cost a staggering $10,000 (£6,516).
That’s the view of respected Apple commentator John Gruber. The tipster who previously suggested Apple Watch Edition prices could start around the $5,000 marker has revised his estimations having liaised with industry experts.
Although Apple has confirmed Apple Watch prices will start at $349 (£227), it is currently unclear how this pricing will escalate as you climb up the smartwatch ladder.
Apple’s already premium $349 promise is believed to relate to the entry-level, aluminium body and plastic strap hosting Apple Watch Sport model.
With a total of 34 Apple Watch iterations to be offered up at launch, headlined by the 18-karat gold Apple Watch Edition, it is expected that top-end prices could easily break into the thousands.
“I can see which way the wind is blowing,” Gruber stated in an online blog post. “For months I’ve been asking friends who might know – or know someone else who might know, or even know someone who knows someone who might know – whether my guess of $5,000 is too high for the Edition starting price. The answer has always been “No””.
He added: “The way I’ve been told “No” has given me the uneasy feeling that I’ve been asking the wrong question. I should have been asking if $5,000 is too low.”
While we must suggest these unofficial predictions be taken with a considerable pinch of salt, Gruber has claimed Apple will look to echo the true luxury watch market with its Apple Watch Edition pricing.
Taking a second stab at the Apple Watch Edition pricing, he stated: “I now think Edition models will start around $10,000 – and, if my hunch is right about bands and bracelets, the upper range could go to $20,000.”
Related: iPhone 6S rumours
Although a precise Apple Watch release date is still shrouded in mystery, the iPhone 6 maker has confirmed the Android Wear rival will touch down in April.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
