Apple Watch Pre-Orders Hit Almost 1 Million on First Day, Group Estimates

By Sam Frizell
April 13, 2015

Almost one million people ordered an Apple Watch on the first day it was available, according to an estimate by a research firm, showing strong consumer demand for an Apple product that debuted to mixed reviews.

Slice Intelligence, citing an analysis of e-receipt data from 9,080 online shoppers, said that about 957,000 people in the U.S. pre-ordered an Apple Watch on Friday, with each buyer purchasing an average of 1.3 watches and spending an average of $503.83 on each one.

More than 60% of consumers bought the cheapest iteration of the Apple Watch, the Sport model.

Many of the initial purchasers are committed Apple fans: 72% purchased an iPhone, iPad or Apple computer over the past two years, and 21% ordered an iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus in the last few months, according to Slice.

The black sport band was the most popular choice, as was the larger 42mm case.

Read next: Here’s What It Was Like Buying an Apple Watch Today

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11 Amazing Features of the Apple Watch
The Apple Watch is the company's' first entirely new product category since the original iPad. It's a huge gamble for Apple and a test of the still-nascent wearable market.
The Apple Watch is the company's' first entirely new product category since the original iPad. It's a huge gamble for Apple and a test of the still-nascent wearable market.
Stephen Lam—Reuters/Corbis
The Watch is the most customizable and varied product Apple has likely ever launched. It'll come in three editions made of different metals and be available with multiple snap-in wrist bands. Prices start at $349.
The Watch is the most customizable and varied product Apple has likely ever launched. It'll come in three editions made of different metals and be available with multiple snap-in wrist bands. Prices start at $349.
Justin Sullivan—Getty Images
The Watch has a touch interface that can sense the difference between a light touch and hard press. But it also has a "digital crown" that allows users to quickly scroll through lists without obscuring the screen.
The Watch has a touch interface that can sense the difference between a light touch and hard press. But it also has a "digital crown" that allows users to quickly scroll through lists without obscuring the screen.
Justin Sullivan—Getty Images
The Watch must be paired with an iPhone for many of its functions. The device piggybacks on the phone's data and GPS connections to pipe in directions or incoming voice calls and text messages, for instance.
The Watch must be paired with an iPhone for many of its functions. The device piggybacks on the phone's data and GPS connections to pipe in directions or incoming voice calls and text messages, for instance.
Stephen Lam—Reuters
The Watch, like Apple's other iDevices, will have various independent apps. Examples include a Tesla app that shows the status of your electric car when it's charging and a Starwood app that lets the Watch act as your room key.
The Watch, like Apple's other iDevices, will have various independent apps. Examples include a Tesla app that shows the status of your electric car when it's charging and a Starwood app that lets the Watch act as your room key.
Stephen Lam—Reuters
Apple's fitness app, one of the device's main selling points, tracks runs, walks and bike rides.
Apple's fitness app, one of the device's main selling points, tracks runs, walks and bike rides.
Stephen Lam—Reuters
The Watch also can track your heart rate (while resting, while active) throughout the day thanks to these light sensors on the back.
The Watch also can track your heart rate (while resting, while active) throughout the day thanks to these light sensors on the back.
Koichi Mitsui—AFLO/Corbis
It also has Apple Pay, the company's digital payments platform. Swipe the Watch in front of a compatible kiosk and it will make an automatic online payment.
It also has Apple Pay, the company's digital payments platform. Swipe the Watch in front of a compatible kiosk and it will make an automatic online payment.
Justin Sullivan—Getty Images
CEO Tim Cook has said the Watch will last about a day before it needs to be recharged. So far, battery life has been the biggest downside of most wearables. The Watch recharges through the magnetic system shown here.
CEO Tim Cook has said the Watch will last about a day before it needs to be recharged. So far, battery life has been the biggest downside of most wearables. The Watch recharges through the magnetic system shown here.
Justin Sullivan—Getty Images
The Watch will come with many customizable bands that slip on and click in place at the top and bottom of the device's body.
The Watch will come with many customizable bands that slip on and click in place at the top and bottom of the device's body.
Justin Sullivan—Getty Images
It also comes in two sizes, 38mm and 42mm, to fit on different size wrists.
It also comes in two sizes, 38mm and 42mm, to fit on different size wrists.
Monica Davey—EPA
Higher-end models of the watch could cost several thousands of dollars.
Higher-end models of the watch could cost several thousands of dollars.
Stephen Lam—Reuters
Apple is significantly expanding it's product reach.
Apple is significantly expanding it's product reach.
Justin Sullivan—Getty Images
And there's one more thing...
And there's one more thing...
David Paul Morris—Bloomberg/Getty Images
It tells the time.
It tells the time.
Marcio Jose Sanchez—AP
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