Apple Watch Sales Estimated at 2.79 Million, $49 Sport Band Said to Cost Apple $2.05

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Posted June 18, 2015 at 4:27pm by iClarified

New data from Slice Intelligence estimates Apple Watch sales at 2.79 million thus far, reports Reuters.

Notably, about 17% of buyers are believed to have purchased a spare band, which are very profitable for Apple, says IHS.

Although the entry-level sports band retails for $49, it costs only about $2.05 to make, according to an analysis of the 38-millimeter size by IHS, a technology research firm. The estimates do not include expenses such as packaging and shipping and may not capture the full cost of the material Apple uses to make the band, said analyst Kevin Keller of IHS.

Apple Watch Sales Estimated at 2.79 Million, $49 Sport Band Said to Cost Apple $2.05

The situation is compared to the razor-blade business model in which the product is sold for a modest price and much of the profits are gained from the sale of accessories. "Of course, because it's Apple, it's sell the razor, sell the blade," Keller joked.

The black sport band is said to be the most popular choice of band for customers. Interestingly, the $149 Milanese loop is the second most popular spare second band, indicating the customers want one band that is more casual and another that is more formal.

"People are trying to get two watches in one," said Kanishka Agarwal, Slice's chief data officer.

Notably, Apple recently launched a 'Made for Apple Watch' program, enabling manufacturers to create approved third-party bands for the new smartwatch. You can learn more about that here.

If you purchased more than one band, let us know which ones you chose in the comments!

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gamerscul9870 - June 20, 2015 at 12:29pm

Steve jobs is always here dead or alive. Never forget it! All that matters is Apple keeps up with the demand and hard work, and in terms of that, it's still rising as every keynote is mentioning.

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Sona - June 19, 2015 at 10:21pm

Keep in mind its not "normal" for

Sona - June 19, 2015 at 10:24pm

Any wqtch bands to degrade within few days(even 1 day of use from alot of reviews). By meaning degrades, it shows ignificant color shifting spots on the band which explains how cheaply these bands were made. Still no words from Apple even these problems were shown since day 1 of the launch. So far degrading spots on my Apple watch is underneath where its hard to see. But still it sucks to knowing that i paid several hundreds of dollars and the quality is terrible

gamerscul9870 - June 20, 2015 at 1:44am

Want mine? I use without a problem. I take care of it too easily and never fails me!

Dommm - June 18, 2015 at 8:58pm

Why are people buying this apple watch Wait for the second one which fills all the 'holes' in the first one like the camera and wifi Hopefully the bands you use on the first watch can be used with the second one because if you bought the $149 loop one you don't want to buy it again for a newer apple watch

gamerscul9870 - June 18, 2015 at 10:15pm

I happen to win an Apple watch, it's perfect if the FaceTime camera was included.

Mike Power - June 20, 2015 at 7:29pm

I am the biggest applegayboy in the world, in desperate need to learn english

gamerscul9870 - June 20, 2015 at 11:59pm

Just joking, I wouldn't show my fake side that was in another universe or ahem, someone's mind.

gamerscul9870 - June 18, 2015 at 8:12pm

I don't see a problem with my Apple watch bands and I own many of them as well.

vlasta - June 18, 2015 at 6:13pm

i think, Apple watch is ekspensive and isn't really watch.

I think it won't be eventually and this 'watch' business I assume is listening to consumers if that's the case.

Trauma717 - June 18, 2015 at 6:04pm

I purchased the milanese loop band with my sport watch pre order. The milanese loop band is very nice and fancy to use, however, it pulled my arm hair a lot.. No matter how lose or tight id put it, it would pull hair at some point or another.. I ended up returning the band and getting my $150 back.. It made it easier to do with the hair pulling otherwise i would have kept it on forever

Mouth breathers - June 18, 2015 at 5:49pm

Really? Can anyone tell me what sport bands or watch bands don't degrade over time? My sport band is just fine and yeah it will and has shown sow wear but uh that's because I wear it duh. Whatever flogs your boat go for it. Can't believe anyone would try and figure out how much these bands cost to make. Why does it cost to make perfume or Cologne? If you don't like it don't buy it.

Sona - June 18, 2015 at 5:41pm

Of course its a cheapo band. This thing degrades within couple of days. Im just waiting for 3rd party ones. Dont care whether they have MFI certification or not. As long as its a good material against my skin.

Masaphotog - June 18, 2015 at 5:39pm

I bought a pack of 6 bands on ebay for 15.00 dollars. They were better qualtiy than the apple bands. They also came with 4 different colors of little connection pieces. Knock off is avsolutly the way to go.