First Wave of Apple Watches Begin Shipping Ahead of Friday's Launch

Apple Watch pre-orders are being sent to centralized distribution points across the United States as couriers prepare the shipments to be delivered ahead of the wrist-worn device's launch on April 24, according to a source for MacRumors that has provided accurate information in the past.

Apple retail chief Angela Ahrendts confirmed earlier this month that Apple Watch pre-order deliveries will begin on April 24 as scheduled, although many customers have received shipping estimates of 4-6 weeks or later and it remains unknown how many Apple Watch pre-orders will be delivered on day one.

Apple Watch Trio
iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus pre-orders began switching from "Processing Items" to "Preparing for Shipment" on the Apple Online Store for several customers on the Monday prior to Friday delivery, so customers that pre-ordered the Apple Watch early should see their order status change soon. Due to limited stock and the wide 4/24—5/8 delivery estimate for launch day pre-orders, however, there is a possibility that pre-order statuses may take longer to change.

To date, we've not seen any reports of pre-orders changing or credit cards being charged, but our source assures us bulk shipments have begun, so we should see movement on individual order statuses very soon. In the meantime, Apple has begun charging credit cards and preparing to ship Apple Watch accessories such as the charging cable and AppleCare+ Protection Plans.

Apple Watch pre-orders were available on April 10 at 12:01 AM Pacific through the Apple Online Store in the United States, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan and United Kingdom, and sold out completely in less than six hours. The company also began taking Apple Watch try-on appointments the same day at Apple retail stores and select fashion boutiques such as Selfridges in London, Isetan in Tokyo and Galeries Lafayette in Paris.

Update: In line with this report, Apple is beginning to charge credit cards and Apple Watch pre-order statuses are changing to "Prepare for Shipment."

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 10
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Caution)

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Top Rated Comments

Ultimacn Avatar
133 months ago
Is it just me?

or is there nothing at all to this story? Clickbait deluxe!

Title says shipping but article says no reports! Come on at least have some substance to the article please.
Score: 38 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Chaka Jon Avatar
133 months ago
#
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nathanalf Avatar
133 months ago
Bleh. Saw the headline and immediately went to check my order. Disappointment followed.

This has been a LONG 2 weeks #...
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
scwinsett Avatar
133 months ago
This is a pretty misleading headline
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ChinaRye Avatar
133 months ago
So you claim that Apple Watches have started shipping, but you have not received any reports that they have? How is this news?
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
heeloliver Avatar
133 months ago
good luck beta testers


see you at version 2 with better battery and a faster GPU/CPU

you're so cool and edgy
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)