Apple's online storefront down ahead of iPhone 7, Apple Watch Series 2 preorders
Apple's online storefront and dedicated Apple Store app went down at around 5:50 p.m. Pacific on Thursday as the company makes preparations for a rush of iPhone 7 and Apple Watch Series 2 preorders.
As with every new product launch, Apple's online store went down for maintenance ahead of Friday's iPhone 7 preorder kickoff. Apple has updated its familiar downtime landing page with a message in bold typeface reading, "We've got something special in store for you."
Apple's iPhone 7 and 7 Plus will go up for preorder in just a few hours, bringing with it a slew of performance improvements and all-new features. Chief among hardware changes are upgraded camera modules, including a dual-camera system on iPhone 7 Plus that provides users with a high-quality 2X optical zoom system.
Other enhancements include an A10 Fusion processor thought to outperform all previous A-series SoCs, a solid-state home button, more onboard storage, water-resistant design, two new black color options and more. It also lacks a headphone jack in favor of Lightning and wireless audio solutions, the latter of which will debut as AirPods next month.
The 4.7-inch iPhone 7 starts at $649 for 32 GB of storage, and moves up in price to $749 for 128 GB and $849 for 256 GB. The 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus will be available for $769 for 32 GB, $869 for 128 GB and $969 for 256 GB.
As for Apple Watch Series 2, Apple's updated wearable gets a long-awaited GPS radio, faster dual-core processor, brighter screen, swim-proof housing and an all-new ceramic casing option. A special Nike+ model for runners is also up for preorder, though the version is set to debut in October.
Apple Watch Series 2 starts at $369 for all 38mm aluminum versions, while 42mm models come in at $399. Stainless steel and Space Black stainless steel Apple Watch Series 2 models start at $549 for the 38mm version with sport band, or $599 for 42mm. The white ceramic edition comes in at $1,249 for the 38mm case, while the 42mm version is set at $1,299.
In preparation of tomorrow's preorder bonanza, AppleInsider created a handy preorder guides for iPhone 7 and Apple Watch Series 2 to make sure buyers are ready when Apple's system goes live at 12:01 a.m. Pacific.
32 Comments
Fingers crossed for the 7+ (Jet Black, 128GB) by 3:02AM EST...
As usual, the Mac, the iPad and the iPhone will all be simultaneously ready to go, so as to maximize the possibility of Store access.
Can you trade in an old Apple Watch for one of the new ones at the Apple Store?
Force touch the Apple Store App. That's different now right?