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.

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Tag: September 2018 event

Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)

Top Rated Comments

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masotime

9 months ago

People keep talking about the gold watch, but the ceramic one had a legit reason to exist.

Really hoping it comes back, I have one and I love that it’s essentially immune to scratches.

Rating: 10 Votes

masotime

9 months ago

But looks like cheap plastic.

Well, that’s your opinion, but the point is that the hard ceramic is utilitarian - I’ve knocked my watch multiple times on walls and tables, it looks brand new.

Rating: 8 Votes

Alphazoid

9 months ago

Was always dead in the water. Why would you drop 10 grand for something that would be obsolete in 8 months.

Rating: 8 Votes

RoobyRoobyRoo

9 months ago

There never should’ve been an “Edition.” It was a horrible idea to try to sell a premium version of a product that people can buy a base version of for $200-400. At least it wasn’t as crazy as the gold Edition! I called its failure right away. No one would buy one over a Rolex Daytona or AP Royal Oak! You would have to be the biggest Apple fan or just in the habit of burning cash.

The fashion market is filled with products that are way overpriced and exist only for luxury and to serve as a status symbol. Apple really wasn't very out of place in offering the Edition. The kind of person rich enough to seriously consider buying one operates on a completely different set of values and priorities than you and I.

Rating: 6 Votes

Ad13

9 months ago

Because they were only ever headline grabbers and the only people that bought them were a little stupid? I’m mean, a gold Apple Watch. The only one I ever seen was on an Apple Store employee. Surely that income doesn’t warrant that luxury. Fair comment he got his 15 minutes of fame, but I bet he’s not loving his £10k Apple Watch now.

Rating: 3 Votes

asdavis10

9 months ago

The product served it's marketing a material design/production purposes and can now be retired.

Rating: 3 Votes

technole

9 months ago

People keep talking about the gold watch, but the ceramic one had a legit reason to exist.

Really hoping it comes back, I have one and I love that it’s essentially immune to scratches.

One year into my Hermes stainless steel, and it still looks like new. Barely any scratch and I knocked little things.

Plus there are easy repair remedies like Nevr Dull if it's get that's scratchy.

Although I did like the white ceramic. It just has a higher-class feel with it being available as white.

Rating: 3 Votes

e-coli

9 months ago

Those origins edition Apple Watch bands looked like something you’d get from a kinder egg.

Rating: 3 Votes

mcfrazieriv

9 months ago

Both of these will be worth more than I paid for them down the road. If you’re going to buy expensive watches, they must be mechanical and either Rolex, AP, Patek, Vacheron and Lange.

That's nice. But if you're ever out on a surfboard surrounded by sharks, you can't scream into your rolex for help. Well, I guess you can... but now that shark would be the proud owner of your blue watch.

Rating: 2 Votes

Little Endian

9 months ago

Was planning for my next Apple Watch to be an edition model. This is what my series 3 aluminum looks like after less than a year. It was meticulously perfect for the first 3 months until I carelessly brushed against a rock wall while getting out of my car. I almost cried after that first nick and scratch... Then a couple months later I slipped and fell while jogging and hit pavement that caused the bulk of the damage. After that I sorta stopped caring as it already looked liked crap so I would wear it while washing dishes, working on the car etc. Mind you that didn't cause that much more damage. I got Applecare on the watch so I'll eventually take it in for replacement so not that big of a deal.

My brother has an Apple Watch series 3 edition and his is still in near perfect condition, bought the same time as mine. My brother put his watch through far more hell than mine as he is a surfer and skater. He has hit pavement, sand and coral multiple times and the ceramic case is flawless, the sapphire crystal face has the most minor almost imperceptible scratches only to be seen at the right angles.

Another benefit of the edition models was that when you bought Apple care it would cover the Watch for 3 years instead of just 2 not to mention that it came with a 2 year warranty by default and the charging stand as well.