Apple Watch

Stay up-to-date on the latest Apple Watch news, and learn how to get the most out of your device with our comprehensive tutorials. From updates to features to troubleshooting tips, we’ve got you covered.

Some Apple Watch models may see delayed shipping times at launch

Customers who don't opt to pre-order an Apple Watch this Friday could run into inventory problems when trying to order the Apple Watch at launch. German-based Apple blog Macerkopf.de has discovered what looks like shipping dates for the wearable, which appeared on Apple's German and U.K web stores, and some models show up to 6 week lead times for select models.

Insane attention to detail and craftsmanship that went into designing Apple Watch faces

Apple's human-interface chief Alan Dye sat down with Wired to discuss the process of making each of the Apple Watch's customizable faces, yet another glimpse of the attention to detail Apple's always been famous for. For starters, the company spent weeks photographing jellyfish, butterflies and flowers in incredible detail for Watch faces.

In one example given, the company had a designer spending countless hours capturing a photo of a jellyfish in its design studio.

Video roundup: best Apple Watch features

In addition to a bunch of high-profile reviews of the Apple Watch and first unboxing videos of the device's packaging, major outlets have also produced videos which highlight specific features of the wrist-worn device, such as health and fitness tracking, notifications, design and more.

Reading detailed reviews takes time so you may want to check out these videos first and save longform write-ups for weekend reading.

Check out first Apple Watch unboxing videos

Following the initial wave of major Apple Watch reviews which hit the web earlier this morning, we're now being treated to first unboxing videos, starting with one posted by French website Metronews which depicts unboxing of the 42mm stainless steel Apple Watch model with Milanese Loop. We also have another one from Japan, with more to come throughout the day.

Apple Watch reviews: most advanced smartwatch, but not essential

Apple is set to start taking pre-orders for its Watch this Friday ahead of the big April 24 reveal and first reviews of the wearable device are now available from big media and Apple's favorite bloggers.

The vast majority of reviewers praise the device's functionality, design and advanced software features.

However, the consensus out there seems to be that the Watch is not essential to one's life. This is actually a far better outcome compared to early reviews of the iPhone and iPad which blasted these devices as unnecessary, limited and unappealing.

Here are some choice quotes from Watch reviews.

Apple Watch reservations for in-store pickup will be limited to one per customer

When pre-orders for the Apple Watch kick off this Friday, April 10, making reservations for in-store pickup will be limited to one per customer through Apple's Reserve and Pickup service, MacRumors has learned from sources.

Would-be buyers in the United States, the United Kingdom and possibly in other launch countries will be required to present a valid government-issued photo ID upon pickup at the Apple Store where they placed their Apple Watch reservation, the publication reported Tuesday.

Apple wants customers to buy Apple Watch and new MacBook online

In an interesting break from the publicity Apple normally gets for free whenever customers line up outside its stores to be the first to get their hands on latest new gizmos, the company is now instructing its retail employees to suggest customers buy the Apple Watch and the new twelve-inch MacBook through the Online Apple Store.

According to an internal memo Apple's retail chief Angela Ahrendts sent to Apple Store employees entitled 'Get in line online', obtained by Business Insider, Apple suggests that “the days of waiting in line and crossing fingers for a product are over”.

Tim Cook tells employees they’ll get up to 50% off Apple Watch

Tim Cook sent out a memo to all Apple employees today, pumping them up for their retail Apple Watch kickoff on Friday. While the device will not officially available until the 24th of this month, customers will be able to submit pre-orders and try on the wearable beginning on the 10th.

In the memo, obtained by 9to5Mac's Mark Gurman, Cook tells employees that tens of millions of people have watched their Apple Watch keynotes and developers have submitted over 1000 new apps and updates with support for the device. He also announces special employee pricing.

Apple opens up early Watch access to more developers ahead of launch

Apple has opened up early Apple Watch access to more developers ahead of its April 24 launch, reports the Financial Times. The company had previously allowed select, high profile developers to visit its Cupertino campus and use working versions of the device, but within the last two weeks it has expanded the offer to ~20 devs per day.

The program is huge for developers, allowing them to test their apps on a working device, rather than the Mac-based simulator Apple released last year. It's also very secretive, as entrants are asked to sign strict non-disclosure agreements, and forced to work in conference rooms draped with curtains and guarded by Apple security.