Apple just recently rolled out another new bit of functionality for the Apple Watch. The latest version of the Apple Store app for Apple watch now allows wearers to make purchases right from their smartwatches.
As of now, purchases Apple Watch users can make are limited to lower priced items (meaning this excludes iMacs and most other Apple devices) and accessories that they had previously favorited on the Apple Store’s app for iPhone and iPad. The upcoming AirPods will likely be included for purchase when they eventually show up in stores.
Users still can’t browse Apple’s online catalog directly with the watch or make immediate purchases straight from their wearable tech device. Payment for favorited items purchased via Apple Watch will be conducted via Apple Pay.
As far as increasing functionality of wearable tech, this newest development is a bit low on the scale. Though it’s certainly a new bit of convenience for Apple’s biggest fans, it might not be the sort of development that will influence sales much.
The smartwatch market cooled down considerably in the second half of 2016 — declining by 52 percent in the third quarter of 2016. Total smartwatch volumes reached 2.7 million units shipped in Q3, compared to the 5.6 million units shipped in the third quarter of last year.
