Apple’s forthcoming smartwatch isn’t the only show in town. When Apple announced its high tech timepiece last month, Pebble saw an opportunity instead of a dead end. Now, Pebble has slashed its prices, positioning itself as a budget-minded alternative to the unpriced but likely expensive Apple Watch.
Under the new pricing scheme, a regular plastic Pebble (available in a variety of colors) will cost $99, down from $150, while the Pebble Steel is discounted to $199 from $249. The price drop makes both the regular playful version of the Pebble and its metallic premium model budget-priced alternatives to Android Wear smartwatches like the Moto 360, priced at $250 and the LG G Watch, priced at $229.
While we don’t yet know the full range of pricing for the Apple Watch, due out next year, we know the most basic model will start at $349. A gold, luxury version of the device, known as the “Apple Watch Edition” will likely cost much more, though estimates are currently all over the place. Apple blogger John Gruber hypothesizes that the middle tier, stainless steel and sapphire Apple Watch will cost $999, and pins the price of the 18-karat gold and sapphire version at $4,999.
Whatever the case may be, by slashing its prices and expanding into mainstream retail stores like Target and Sam’s Club, Pebble is positioning itself as the smartwatch for the everyday consumer. Considering that Apple will kick the door wide open on the nascent market, Pebble could stand to benefit when Apple’s luxe watch hits shelves next year.
Photo via Pebble