Apple Discontinues Apple Watch Edition

Apple's new Series 4 Apple Watch lineup is missing the higher-end ceramic Apple Watch Edition models that were first introduced in 2016.

In fact, there are no higher-end Apple Watch Edition models at all this year, with Apple offering only GPS and GPS + Cellular Aluminum and Stainless Steel Series 4 Apple Watch options.

"Edition" models were first introduced alongside the original Apple Watch, with Apple offering solid gold Apple Watch options at prices that exceeded $10,000.

These models did not prove to be popular with consumers and Apple did not continue offering solid gold Apple Watch options beyond the original Apple Watch.

With the Apple Watch Series 2, Apple introduced "Edition" models that were made from ceramic priced starting at $1,299, which it continued offering when the Series 3 Apple Watches were announced.

Apple is continuing to sell Apple Watch Series 3 models as a low-cost option alongside new Apple Watch Series 4 models, but only in aluminum. Apple is no longer offering the Apple Watch Series 3 in stainless steel or ceramic, a material that has been discontinued.

The Apple Watch Series 4 is available in aluminum and stainless steel in colors that include Gold, Silver, Space Gray, and Space Black. Aluminum models start at $399, while stainless steel models are priced starting at $699. Stainless steel models start at a higher price point because all stainless steel models are equipped with LTE support.

With the launch of the Apple Watch Series 4 and the price drop on the Series 3 (which now starts at $279), Apple has also discontinued Apple Watch Series 1 models.

Apple Watch Series 4 will be available for pre-order on Friday, September 14, likely at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time. Orders will start shipping out on September 21, the launch date for the device.