Roger Fingas
Apple's online store in the U.S. — alongside storefronts in Europe and Asia — is now showing July shipping estimates for 42-millimeter stainless steel and aluminum Watch models, checks on Friday revealed.
AppleInsider observed identical delays at Apple's websites for regions like Germany, Japan, Hong Kong, mainland China, and the United Kingdom. The Australian website is still quoting a June timeframe, but could soon follow suit.
38-millimeter and all Edition Watches typically remain listed as shipping in June, regardless of country. In some places, however, including the UK and Germany, 38-millimeter models can potentially ship as quickly as 2 to 3 weeks.
The discrepancies between 38- and 42-millimeter orders may suggest that the latter is the more popular size overall. Some critics have complained that 38 millimeters is too small, even on skinnier wrists.
Despite the July target, many new Watch orders may still arrive in June. Apple has already shipped a number of orders that were previously quoted as coming in late May or early June, which could mean that Apple is simply being conservative with estimates to avoid disappointing shoppers.
On Wednesday the Wall Street Journal reported that production problems with the Taptic Engine could be responsible for the limited quantity of Watches in circulation. Apple has allegedly instructed some Watch suppliers to slow production until June, which is also when the device might be available directly from Apple Stores and could reach more countries.
Charles Martin
Malcolm Owen
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
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Andrew Orr
85 Comments
Regarding: "Some critics have complained that 38 millimeters is too small, even on skinnier wrists." I originally planned to get the 38mm model, but I found the text too hard to read. While the difference between 38 vs. 42 seems small, my eyes found the difference big enough to have a material impact on the legibility of text. (My eyes are 50 years old. Younger people may have a different experience!)
[quote name="Slprescott" url="/t/186084/shipping-dates-for-42mm-apple-watch-apple-watch-sport-slip-to-july-worldwide/0_40#post_2718660"]Regarding: "Some critics have complained that 38 millimeters is too small, even on skinnier wrists." I originally planned to get the 38mm model, but I found the text too hard to read. While the difference between 38 vs. 42 seems small, my eyes found the difference big enough to have a material impact on the legibility of text. (My eyes are 50 years old. Younger people may have a different experience!)[/quote] Very true experience veries! I got the 42 mm for myself and it was the right size for me, and I ordered the 38mm for my wife (her wrist is smaller) 38 mm was just right. 38 mm looks very small next to 42, but for good eyes it is still very useable. 42 mm can be a little big for some people.
The APPLE Pre-Order process a complete fail!!! Without incentivizing preorder customers with a discount or a guaranteed ship date... the pre-order process simply a tool for hype and for APPLE to be able to adjust manufacturing by having a 2 week heads up.
A company that once put the customer first, now plays games with "selective shipping" and poorly managed production/logistics.
If demand were so overwhelming on the date of April 10th, you would think plants cranked and running 24/7...
I will never again pre-order an Apple product! I ordered in the first 21 minutes and have a mid to late June ship date.
Actual selling prices on eBay right now are crazy. mine is still 'processing' #frustrating
"Some critics have complained..." I think it's time we stopped repeating their complaints; just because it's not right for YOU doesn't mean it isn't right for ANYONE. The 38mm is essential for the watch to reach a mainstream (non-geek) audience. It's looks terrific gracing the cover of fashion magazines in a way that Samsung's hamfisted geek braclet to various Android Wear-based "hockey pucks" can only dream about.