In a significant move, tech giant Apple has declared its $17,000 gold watch and all first-generation Apple Watches as obsolete, effectively ending repair services for these luxury timepieces. This announcement comes as a disappointment for those who invested in the extravagant 18-karat gold Apple Watch, which was released in 2015 as a symbol of opulence.
As of September 30, 2023, Apple has discontinued repair services for the gold Apple Watch, and the company will no longer provide spare parts for these now-obsolete devices. This marks the second sign of the gold watch’s decline, following Apple’s decision to halt software updates for these models back in 2018.
The discontinuation of repair services for a product that carried a hefty price tag of $17,000 has left some customers disheartened. High-end timepieces are expected to be long-lasting investments, and the inability to seek repairs or make changes to the gold Apple Watch raises concerns about the overall value and durability of such luxury technology.
However, it’s worth noting that the gold Apple Watch was never a mainstream success. According to a Bloomberg report, sales of this premium timepiece reached only the “low tens of thousands.” For those who still possess the gold Apple Watch, there may be an opportunity to find interested collectors willing to acquire this rare and exclusive piece.
Apple’s focus has shifted to newer iterations of the Apple Watch, with the latest ninth edition having been released just last month. The latest models offer significant improvements in performance, including a 30 percent faster GPU, as well as new features like the double tap gesture for easier call answering and Apple Music controls. Notably, the Ultra 2 model boasts the brightest display Apple has ever produced.
As Apple moves forward with its cutting-edge smartwatches, the golden era of the $17,000 gold watch has officially come to an end. For collectors and enthusiasts, it’s a reminder of a time when luxury and technology converged in a dazzling display of craftsmanship and innovation.
