Apple Watch Edition models are starting to sell out just weeks prior to the launch of the Apple Watch Series 8 lineup.
On Apple’s online store in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and select other countries, many of the high-end Apple Watch Series 7 models with titanium casings are “currently unavailable”. In the United States, while there are still a few 41mm models left available at this time, some of the 45mm models are already out of stock.
Even though Apple has experienced some stock shortages because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as well as supply chain problems worldwide, it looks like these models are now unavailable, rather than on backorder, implying that Apple no longer plans to manufacture any more Apple Watch Edition models.
It is expected that the Apple Watch Series 8 models are going to be unveiled along with the iPhone 14 in September.
Other than the two standard Series 8 models, the tech giant plans to introduce a “rugged” version with a bigger display and a more durable design that would be suitable for activities like hiking and extreme sports, according to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg. The rugged version is likely to feature a titanium case, but it remains unclear if it would be branded as an Apple Watch Edition.
It is thought that the rugged design is inspired by G-Shock and Garmin with a different form factor. It is also thought that the model will retail for around $900 due to its premium materials.
Other rumored features for the Apple Watch Series 8 include an “S8” chip with the same processor specifications as the S7 chip in the Series 7, and the ability to detect if you have a fever.