Apple Watch Nike+ gets UK release date – but it’s not cheap

Good news, fitness fans: Apple has confirmed that the new Apple Watch Nike+ will go on sale in the UK later this month.
The new fitness-focused wearable will land in UK stores on Friday, October 28, giving you plenty of time to dust off your old pair of trainers. You’ll be able to pick up the smartwatch in two different case sizes – 38mm and 42mm – as well as four ‘exclusive’ band colour combinations: Black/Volt, Black/Cool Grey, Flat Silver/White, and Flat Silver/Volt. The 38mm costs £369, while the 42mm model is a far heftier £399.
If you’ve forgotten, the Apple Watch Nike+ is a spin-off variant of the new Apple Watch Series 2, which was announced alongside the iPhone 7 just last month. It features a new Nike+ Run Club app that tracks your progress and motivates you to get running. You’ll also be able to access unique watch faces that have been inspired by Nike’s design.
“Running is one of the world’s most popular activities for staying in shape and being healthy, and with Apple Watch Nike+, runners will be even more motivated to achieve their performance goals,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s Chief Operating Officer. “The response so far has been incredible and we’re thrilled to get Apple Watch Nike+ onto customers’ wrists starting Friday.”
The Apple Watch Nike+ features a built-in GPS chip to track your distance and route, and it’s also water-resistant to 50-metres – just like the Apple Watch Series 2 proper. With the Nike+ app, you’ll be able to track distance, heart rate, pace, and other training data. You’ll also be able to accept challenges from – send fist bumps to – friends that you’re connected with. The watch will ship alerts directly to your wrist, including run reminders and weather alerts – if there’s sun, it’s time to run.
Speaking at the announcement, Trevor Edwards, president of the Nike brand, said: “Apple and Nike share a passion to make life easier and more fun and we’re excited to bring a great running experience to consumers around the world. Apple Watch Nike+ with Nike+ Run Club app combine to delivery a powerful device with a simple running solution for all athletes and is another example of Nike’s commitment to bringing innovative products to the market.”
If you want to use the Apple Watch Nike+, you’ll need a compatible iPhone – any model after (and including) the iPhone 5 will work, as long as it’s running iOS 10 or later. And if you buy one and find yourself baffled, you can register for free workshops at your local Apple Store, where you’ll be taught the deep inner workings of your shiny new Apple Watch.
Related: iPhone 8
Watch: Apple Watch Series 2 explained
What do you think of Apple’s Nike+ watch? Let us know in the comments.