Apple Watch will be in stores on April 10 so you can try one on before pre-ordering, which is great because this is exactly the sort of thing you should see first. You'll also need to be prepared before visiting your local Apple Store so you don't have to deal with any unexpected surprises when you arrive. Read on to learn what you need to know before trying on an Apple Watch.
Apple Watch will be in stores for pre-order April 10. Are you ready?
Where can I try on Apple Watch?
You can visit your local Apple Store in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the UK and the US. Apple will have special display cases where you can see the company's brand new smartwatch, but you'll need a reservation to actually try one on.
Update: Apple's own publicity information about Apple Watch pre-orders says you'll need a reservation to try one on, but that's not at all what the company told 9to5 Mac. Instead, Apple said it is urging customers to make appointments to avoid long waits. Regardless of whether or not an appointment is necessary, it's still prudent. April 10 will be a full-on chaos-fest in Apple's stores and anything you can do to make that experience less stressful sounds like a smart idea.
You can also visit Galeries Lafayette in Paris, Isetan in Tokyo and Selfridges in London.
Apple hasn't announced yet how it will handle its reservation system.
Is my iPhone Apple Watch compatible?
Apple Watch is an iPhone accessory. That means you need a compatible iPhone to set up and use your Apple Watch. It's compatible with iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus running iOS 8.2 or later.
Apple conspicuously left iPad and iPod touch off the compatibility list, so that's a pretty good sign there aren't any plans to support Apple Watch on those devices—at least not yet.
Do I have to try on Apple Watch before buying?
I don't have to try on Apple Watch before pre-ordering, but keep in mind this is different from buying an iPhone or iPad. Apple Watch is something you wear, and it's a fashion statement. You'll be spending at least US$350 on one, so why not make sure you're getting the right size, color, and model?
That said, you may very well know exactly what you want and don't think trying one on before ordering will matter. You can still make sure you're getting the right size thanks to the printable sizing guide from Apple. Exact Fitness Apps also has a great printable sizing guide.
I pre-ordered my Apple Watch. When will I get it?
Assuming Apple doesn't have supply issues, Apple Watch pre-orders will arrive on April 24, which is the same day you can start buying in-store. Apple does, however, have a track record for running short, so if you don't order early enough you may end up waiting a few extra days or weeks before yours arrives.
Once you sort out which Apple Watch model you want which color you like, and which size fits you best, you're good to go. If you're ready to pre-order, break out your credit card and get ready to wait because your Apple Watch won't show up until April 24.