No more queues; Online-only Apple Watch purchases during the launch

For years, we’ve seen people throng at Apple stores to wait in the long queues before they can walk home with the latest device from the company. Looks like, with the new product category, Apple has reworked its strategy too. Of course, it will make you wait, but not in long physical queues. Starting today, people can walk into Apple stores and **try out the new Watch** . However, they won’t be able to purchase or reserve it there. One will have to go online and pre-order the device, and wait until April 24 when the company will start shipping the device. In fact, Apple had taken down the online store to prepare for the launch of Apple Watch pre-orders, just hours before the pre-orders began. During the first wave of launch, customers in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the UK and the US can try on and experience Apple Watch at their local Apple Store or at Galeries Lafayette in Paris, Isetan in Tokyo, Selfridges in London, and select Apple Authorized Resellers in Japan and China. There are several reasons for this ‘change of mindset’ for Apple. Firstly, the mess that was created on streets by people waiting in queues. Buzzfeed points out, “this (selling online during the launch) is likely a direct reaction to the iPhone 6 launch, where crazy lines prompted accusations of mass purchasing for clandestine Chinese markets.” It also requires beefed up security to handle the large crowd. Another reason is said to be the type of product Apple believes the Watch is. Its targeted at luxury users and Apple probably thinks that these kind of users may not like to stand in long queues. Moreover, the Watch isn’t an iPhone or iPod, it is still an accessory that can accompany your iPhone 6. All in all, we are sure many Apple fans must be relieved with Apple’s change in mindset. Apple Watch is available in three collections, Apple Watch Sport, priced at $349 and $399; Apple Watch, available from $549 (US) to $1,099 (US); and Apple Watch Edition, crafted from custom rose or yellow 18-karat gold alloys starting at $10,000. Apple Watch is compatible with iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus running iOS 8.2 or later. The first reviews of the Apple Watch are already out, **find out** what the tech critics are saying.