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Apple Watch hits SA

Lauren Kate Rawlins
By Lauren Kate Rawlins, ITWeb digital and innovation contributor.
Johannesburg, 23 Oct 2015
The Apple Edition Watch, priced over R100 000, is only available on special order.
The Apple Edition Watch, priced over R100 000, is only available on special order.

The iStore in Sandton opened an hour early today for the official launch of the Apple Watch in South Africa. Over 30 people were already waiting in line when the store opened.

"The first in line had been waiting outside the iStore from 4:30am this morning," says Tanya Kovarsky, spokesperson for the Core Group, the authorised South African Apple distributor.

By 9am this morning, some models had already sold out. Kovarsky says the most popular model is the silver watch face with stainless steel strap.

With Apple Watch, users are able to receive and respond to notifications in an instant, as well as track daily activity and control their music using voice.

Unlike other countries, local customers will be able to come in and purchase an Apple Watch without an appointment. iStore will offer Apple Watch training to customers and let them try on various options before purchase.

Cost considerations

Prices for the Apple Watch in SA stores range from R5 899 for the cheapest model, to R18 499 for the most expensive. Not all variations of the watch will be available at all outlets. A full list of prices and variations is available here.

However, the range available in store does not include the high-end Apple Edition Watch collection. These watches are priced from $10 000 (R133 200) to $17 000 (R226 500) in the US.

Kovarsky says there have been requests for these watches, which were initially not going to be available in South Africa. She says those interested are only able to apply online and the watches will not be available in store.

Official South African prices have not been disclosed.

The Apple Edition Watches come in either 18-karat yellow or rose gold case with a sapphire crystal display. Each watch in the collection comes in a custom leather box with a built-in inductive charger.

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