Apple to offer in-store launch day pickup option for Apple Watch preorders

After announcing online Apple Watch preorders would commence on April 10, Apple on Friday said it will allow buyers to pick up their reserved device at brick-and-mortar locations on April 24, launch day.

In an updated Online Apple Store section, Apple says customers will be able to pick up their Apple Watch orders in store as an alternative to home delivery. AppleInsider has confirmed the service applies to preorders and will be available on launch day.

Prior to Friday, it was unclear how exactly Apple intended to roll out its first wearable device. Even when Apple announced it would begin accepting Watch reservations starting on April 10, the company failed to detail order fulfillment choices, leaving some to speculate that in-store pickup would not be an option.

Unlike recent hardware releases, the company decided to make demo Watch units available at Apple Stores and Apple Watch shops two weeks before launch for personalized try-on sessions.

After sampling different models at participating brick-and-mortar stores on or after April 10, customers can place an order with sales floor staff, though launch day availability is not guaranteed. Those interested in being one of the first to own Apple Watch should consider preordering online prior to participating in a try-on session as orders can always be modified or canceled as long as they have not shipped.

As launch day approaches, Apple is ramping up advertising efforts across all forms of media, including print and television. On Friday, a new section called "Guided Tours" was posted to the Apple Watch webpage, offering virtual demonstrations of tentpole device features.

Apple Watch goes up for preorder on April 10 at 12:01 a.m. Pacific. The anticipated device will hit store shelves two weeks later on April 24.