Apple’s latest wearable, expected to be the iWatch, may come in multiple flavors and price points, according to a new report from Re/Code. If true, this could mean Apple will be entering the growing wearables market in a huge way. Apple will reveal the device next week at the company’s September 9 event.
Apple hasn’t released pricing for the device yet, but according to the report, “Apple executives have discussed charging around $400 for the company’s new wearable device.” Most competing devices are within a $200–$300 price range, which would make the iWatch more expensive than the competition, if the rumor holds true.
Multiple Models?
Also circulating the rumor mill is that there will be more than one version. “Sources say consumers should expect a range of prices for different models including lower-priced versions,” reports Re/Code.
This would not be a surprise. Most wearables makers, from major manufacturers like Samsung to new competitors like Misfit, offer multiple models. Sony just announced two smartwatch models, the SmartWatch 3 and SmartBand, according to Yahoo. Historically, Apple has differentiated itself by only producing one or two models of any particular device; currently there are two MacBook Air models, two MacBook Pro models, two iMac models, and two iPhone models.
Each model, however, also has some basic differences, mainly in size and storage capacity. The iPhone comes in three capacities—16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB—and the iPad comes in four, including the former three sizes and 128 GB. If Apple were to release multiple iWatch models, there is a chance that storage would be the major difference.
It’s also possible that Apple will choose to make separate men’s and women’s models, according to long-held rumors on MacRumors. This would be a stark contrast to today’s mostly androgynous technology. Then again, no reports have stated as such, but Apple has done an incredible job of not leaking anything about the wearable.
What do you think the iWatch will be? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Image courtesy of Flickr
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