Apple Offers Developers Expedited Apple Watch Shipping – PC Magazine

While pre-orders for Apple’s new smartwatch opened two weeks ago, few buyers will actually receive their device on the April 24 launch day.

Ship dates quickly slipped to June, but if you’re a developer, Apple can get it in your hands much sooner. As reported by MacRumors, Apple this week emailed developers to say they could receive an Apple Watch by April 28.

Specifically, Apple is offering iOS developers the 42mm Apple Watch Sport with blue sport band. “We want to help give Apple developers the opportunity to test their Watchkit apps on Apple Watch as soon as it is available,” according to the email.

But it won’t be as simple as clicking “buy” on Apple.com.

“This opportunity is offered by random selection and quantities are limited,” it continued. Developers must register via the link in the email by 10 a.m. Pacific (1 p.m. Eastern) on April 23.

Once registered, developers will be entered into the random selection process for a chance to buy the timepiece via expedited order. On April 23, Cupertino will notify the lucky winners, who can plunk down $399 for the gadget.

For everyone else, the pricey wearable starts at $349 for the smaller Sport version, and ranges from $549 to $1,099 for the standard Watch. Got some extra spending money? The Edition starts at $10,000, though you can spend up to $17,000 for an 18-karat yellow gold or rose gold casing.

If you’re considering an Apple Watch, visit the company website to find half a dozen video tutorials on using apps and features. And remember to make an appointment at a brick-and-mortar store to test drive the new wrist bling.

For more, see PCMag’s Hands On With the Apple Watch and the slideshow above. Also check out 5 Reasons You Should Buy the Apple Watch and 5 Reasons You Should Not Buy the Apple Watch.