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This is when the Apple Watch might be launching in other countries

Published Apr 22nd, 2015 9:00PM EDT
Apple Watch Release Date International Preorders
Image: Apple Inc.

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The Apple Watch is currently available for preorder in nine markets and it’ll remain a “preorder” device even after the official April 24th date arrives. Despite this, Apple reportedly plans to extend its launch to other markets on top of Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the U.K. and U.S. where the device is currently selling, Italian publication iSpazio has learned.

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Apparently, starting on May 8th, Italian Apple fans will be able to order the Apple Watch online in the country. Potential buyers would still be able to reserve an Apple Watch in a local Apple retail store, but they wouldn’t be able to actually walk out of a store with new watches on their wrists.

It’s not clear when preordered units will be shipped to Italian buyers, but it’s likely some delays are in order for buyers in all new Apple Watch markets. Many of the buyers that preordered the device in the first nine countries will only get it at some point in May, June or even later.

While it’s not clear what other countries will get the Apple Watch in the second launch wave, AppleInsider speculates that the same 22 markets that were included in Apple’s second wave of iPhone 6 launches last year might receive the Watch alongside Italy come May 8th.

The country was also included in that second wave of new iPhone launches last year together with the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.