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Though many third-party bling-purveyors have transformed iPhones and iPads into gold-slathered objects of desire, the upcoming 18-karat-gold Apple Watch will represent a new level of official luxury within actual Apple Stores. At least one Apple observer thinks the gold watch could sell for up $5,000.
That’s not the sort of product you want sitting out on a table with a tiny tether on it or stacked on a shelf in the back with the plebian $349 watches. According to 9to5Mac, Apple Stores will be getting special safes to hold the fancy watches. Most likely, the safes will hold the inventory along with demo units when they’re stored after hours.
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The Apple Watch is nigh with an expected ship date in April, according to Apple CEO Tim Cook. It makes sense that the stores would be gearing up to handle the interest from people who are already sold on the concept as well as curious Apple fans who want to try one on in person.
Safes might not be the only special new equipment on tap for Apple Stores, according to 9to5Mac. Scales may also be involved to weigh the amount of gold in individual watches for comparison if the watches are returned. If the gold Apple Watch ends up being as pricey as some people expect, then these extra security measures are just a practical way to protect Apple’s investment.
Apple declined to comment on the the 9to5 report, which cites unnamed sources suggesting the safes will be custom-made to include Apple Watch MagSafe chargers inside to keep the watches juiced up overnight. This may be particularly important considering concerns over the watch’s potentially short battery life. There’s no word on whether the special vaults will be referred to as “iSafes.”
