Apple Watch devs get pre-launch hands-on to ‘fine tune’ apps


Apple has invited a number of developers to its Cupertino, California headquarters to try out their apps on the Apple Watch.


The wearable is due to launch next month, but will be officially unveiled at a pre-launch event next week.


It’s expected to boast a large selection of apps at launch, so it’s unsurprising the company is trying to ensure all kinks are ironed out ahead of time.


According to a report by Reuters, the companies invited to the HQ were given an opportunity to try the watch and adjust their tools to the watch’s design.


The article lists Facebook, BMW, and United Continental Holdings as being amongst the companies attending the test days.


The report also claims Apple is going to extreme lengths to ensure no new details about the Apple Watch leak as a result of these trials.


Apparently Apple blocks internet inside the test rooms, and checks are done to prevent ‘outside materials’ being brought in.


This information reportedly comes courtesy of a person who attended the tests, although it’s not clear who the source actually is.


Related: iPhone 6S release date


The launch event, scheduled for March 9, should finalise all information regarding the device, including pricing, availability, and launch software.


Apple’s wearable will mark the company’s first foray into a new product category since it launched the iPad in 2010.


The cheapest model is expected to mark up at $349 – that’s the Apple Watch Sport – although it’s not yet clear how this will translate into UK pricing.


The most expensive model has been tipped to cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000, marking the gilded Apple Watch Edition as a seriously luxury offering.