Apple Watch is now available for pre-order

TORONTO – The Apple Watch is officially available to pre-order online – however, those who order the watch may be waiting a while for it to be shipped.

Apple said shipments for watch orders begin April 24. But, when placing an order for the Watch on Apple’s website, many models have much longer shipping dates.

According to Apple’s website, many of the Apple Watch Sport won’t be available to ship until June.

READ MORE: Buying an Apple Watch isn’t as simple as you may think

Availability of the stainless steel mid-range Apple Watch varies depending on the model. For example, the 42mm stainless steel case with black sport band shows a shipping date of four to six weeks. But the 38mm with soft pink modern buckle won’t ship until June.

The top-of-the-line 18-carat gold Apple Watch edition models show shipping dates ranging from June to July, depending on the model.

Shipping dates appear to vary on nearly every configuration – keep in mind there are 54 possible configurations in all.

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Ordering the Apple Watch online is currently the only way to get one.

Apple is selling the devices “exclusively online” during the initial launch period thanks to high demand.

People can try the watch on in an Apple store starting Friday by booking an appointment, but they will still have to place an online order for the device. There will be no walking in and walking out with a watch.

READ MORE: Apple Watch review roundup – The best, most expensive smartwatch you don’t need

The smartwatch is available in Canada and eight other markets around the world. In the Canada, the watch is available only in Apple stores. Select department stores and resellers around the world will also carry it.

Online orders are limited to two watches per customer.

Orders for Apple’s new retina screen MacBook also start Friday.

The new MacBook – available for the first time in three colours; silver, space grey and gold – weighs just 2 lbs and measures 13.1 mm think, making it the thinnest MacBook ever. The new laptop also features a new touch pad dubbed “Force Touch.” The laptop starts at $1,549.