Pebble's iOS-compatible Steel smart watch hits Best Buy with leather band-only bundle

The iPhone-compatible Pebble Steel is already advertised on Best Buy's website in both black matte and brushed stainless, and is advertised to ship within one day. The smart watch models are set to become available in physical stores this Sunday alongside a new color option of the original Pebble: "arctic white," which will sell for $149.95.

"Pebble's first smartwatch, which was launched exclusively at Best Buy, made a big splash with consumers last year," said Carly Charlson, spokesperson for Best Buy. "This is technology that people want to test and try before buying, so we're happy to partner with Pebble again and bring the same exclusive opportunity to our customers for Pebble Steel."

Pebble also continues to offer its products online, where the Steel costs $249 and comes with a metal band. The company did not indicate to AppleInsider whether Best Buy's leather-only configuration is exclusive to the retailer, or if the option might be coming to online shoppers direct through Pebble.

Pebble helped to jumpstart interest in the smart watch market when its Kickstarter campaign broke records and generated significant buzz. Just last week, the Pebble platform was updated to add support for Apple's location-based iBeacons, as well as wireless iPhone volume control.

Best Buy has been quick to embrace the smart watch trend, carrying the Pebble for almost a year. The retailer has also offered the iPhone-compatible MetaWatch since last fall, and sells an assortment of iOS-connected wearable devices from companies like Nike, Fitbit, Misfit, and Jawbone.

Apple, of course, is rumored to be planning its own entrance into the wearables market, with most speculation centering around a so-called "iWatch" that would be worn on the wrist and would track health and fitness related data. The latest reports claim that Apple may be planning an October event to unveil such a product.