Best Buy Unlikely to Carry Apple Watch at Launch

bestbuy.jpgBest Buy may not carry the Apple Watch when the wrist-worn device launches in April, according to Reuters. The report, citing sources with direct knowledge of the matter, corroborates speculation that Apple might control the Apple Watch sales experience, at least initially, by limiting the product to Apple Stores.

Apple has been training its retail employees to deliver a more personalized shopping experience, as many customers will want to try on the various watch editions, faces and bands to determine which is best for them. Given that, it would make sense that Best Buy, and possibly other authorized resellers such as Walmart, Target and Sam's Club, might not immediately sell the Apple Watch.

While large fashion retailers such as Bloomingdale's and Saks Fifth Avenue in the United States confirmed no immediate plans to carry the Apple Watch, multiple high-end department stores in Europe will be showcasing the smartwatch when it launches. Last month, for example, sources told us that Apple is planning an Apple Watch pop-up shop at Selfridges in London near the iconic 19,000-square-foot Wonder Room. French department store Galeries Lafayette is also setting up an Apple Watch display in Paris.

"Other large retailers, including Macy's, Saks 5th Avenue, Bloomingdales and Barney's said they had no immediate plans to carry the watch. Target and Nordstrom,along with all the major phone carriers, declined to comment on their plans, though a source with knowledge of the situation said Nordstrom has engaged in discussions with Apple."

Apple is expected to provide further details about the Apple Watch during today's "Spring Forward" media event. The keynote begins at 10 AM Pacific with a live video stream available on Mac, iPhone, iPad and Apple TV. MacRumors will also have full coverage of the event, with a live blog on our front page, news coverage and updates going out on our @MacRumorsLive Twitter account. Also follow and participate in the conversation in our discussion forums.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 11
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now)

Popular Stories

Apple Wallet ID Illinois

Apple Plans to Expand iPhone Driver's Licenses to These 7 U.S. States

Wednesday December 24, 2025 8:40 am PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the...
iPhone Top Left Hole Punch Face ID Feature Purple

iPhone 18 Pro Launching Next Year With These 12 New Features

Tuesday December 23, 2025 8:36 am PST by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not expected to launch for another nine months, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we have recapped 12 features rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro models. The same overall design is expected, with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes, and a "plateau" housing three rear cameras Under-screen Face ID Front camera in...
maxresdefault

Where's the New Apple TV?

Monday December 22, 2025 11:30 am PST by
Apple hasn't updated the Apple TV 4K since 2022, and 2025 was supposed to be the year that we got a refresh. There were rumors suggesting Apple would release the new Apple TV before the end of 2025, but it looks like that's not going to happen now. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said several times across 2024 and 2025 that Apple would...
maxresdefault

10 Mac Apps Worth Trying in 2026

Wednesday December 24, 2025 9:27 am PST by
2026 is almost upon us, and a new year is a good time to try out some new apps. We've rounded up 10 excellent Mac apps that are worth checking out. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Alt-Tab (Free) - Alt-Tab brings a Windows-style alt + tab thumbnail preview option to the Mac. You can see a full window preview of open apps and app windows. One Thing (Free) -...
iOS 26

iOS 26.2 Adds These 8 New Features to Your iPhone

Monday December 22, 2025 8:47 am PST by
Earlier this month, Apple released iOS 26.2, following more than a month of beta testing. It is a big update, with many new features and changes for iPhones. iOS 26.2 adds a Liquid Glass slider for the Lock Screen's clock, offline lyrics in Apple Music, and more. Below, we have highlighted a total of eight new features. Liquid Glass Slider on Lock Screen A new slider in the Lock...
airpods color prototypes

Apple Tested AirPods in Bright Colors

Saturday December 27, 2025 6:06 am PST by
Apple reportedly tested a version of the first-generation AirPods with bright, iPhone 5c-like colored charging cases. The images, shared by the Apple leaker and prototype collector known as "Kosutami," claim to show first-generation AirPods prototypes with pink and yellow exterior casings. The interior of the charging case and the earbuds themselves remain white. They seem close to some...
iPhone Fold Vertical Feature

Why Apple's Foldable iPhone May Be Smaller Than Expected

Tuesday December 23, 2025 5:21 am PST by
Apple's first foldable iPhone, rumored for release next year, may turn out to be smaller than most people imagine, if a recent report is anything to go by. According to The Information, the outer display on the book-style device will measure just 5.3 inches – that's smaller than the 5.4-inch screen on the ‌iPhone‌ mini, a line Apple discontinued in 2022 due to poor sales. The report has led ...
iPhone SE Cosmopolitan Clean

Apple Discontinued These 25 Products This Year

Wednesday December 24, 2025 7:24 am PST by
With the end of 2025 near, the time has come to look back at the devices and accessories that Apple discontinued throughout the year. Most of the products that were discontinued this year were simply replaced by a new model with an updated chip. However, the iPhone SE line was entirely discontinued when the iPhone 16e launched, and the iPhone Plus line is being phased out. Below, we have...
Foldable iPhone 2023 Feature Iridescent Search

Samsung Developing 'Wide Fold' With iPhone Fold-Like Design Ahead of Apple's 2026 Launch

Tuesday December 23, 2025 11:55 am PST by
Samsung is working on a new foldable smartphone that's wider and shorter than the models that it's released before, according to Korean news site ETNews. The "Wide Fold" will compete with Apple's iPhone Fold that's set to launch in September 2026. Samsung's existing Galaxy Z Fold7 display is 6.5 inches when closed, and 8 inches when open, with a 21:9 aspect ratio when folded and a 20:18...

Top Rated Comments

phillipduran Avatar
141 months ago
Sounds like they are going full on hype mode. Restrict supply. Create the image of high demand. This whole thing has stink all over it. :rolleyes:
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gigapocket1 Avatar
141 months ago
I don't think any of us is shocked at this news
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Derekuda Avatar
141 months ago
I can't wait until this stupid watch launches and in 6 month the hype dies down and suddenly people realize how ultimately useless smart watches are. I had Android Wear and can tell you first hand the "new" factor wears off extremely fast. By the end of the first week its just another device you constantly have to remember to charge every night that sucks down your phones battery life due to the constant connection. Give it 6 months and these things will be piled up in pawn shops.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mcdspncr Avatar
141 months ago
Sounds like they are going full on hype mode. Restrict supply. Create the image of high demand. This whole thing has stink all over it. :rolleyes:

Right... And if/when Apple sells a car I bet they won't sell that in Best Buy either. It couldn't be that different products are better suited to different retail settings. It's just to fake high demand and because of the "stink" right?
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
69Mustang Avatar
141 months ago
... However, given the Apple Watch is more personal, allowing customers to try it on, and try on different band styles will be needed in most cases. I know, I will want to try one before I buy one.

It's a very different buying experience and hats off to Apple for recognizing this and not just stuffing the channel with product until their channel is properly trained.

It's a smartwatch. People in BB, Walmart, and other retailers have been selling them for years. There is no different buying experience. Find one you like, try it on, and buy it. Just like every other product.

I would imagine small items & this level of value would be attractive to thieves... or even tempt minimum wage employees to become such.

Those stores have carried small items of higher value for years. A watch is not going to make employees lose their minds. If they attept to steal a watch, chances are they were already stealing other stuff. Minus the edition watch, the majority of the line is most likely under $700.

Right... And if/when Apple sells a car I bet they won't sell that in Best Buy either. It couldn't be that different products are better suited to different retail settings. It's just to fake high demand and because of the "stink" right?

It's a smartwatch. It doesn't need a special retail setting. Apple is smart marketing their watch this way. It makes it seem as if it's special; something to be desired. At the end of the day it's still just a watch.

----------

Use the Apple Store as your Amazon showroom?

I've done that plenty. Like the store, but never bought anything in it. 99% of the time, better pricing can be had elsewhere.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Wild-Bill Avatar
141 months ago
Best Buy sucks anyway.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)