MacRumors is reporting that T-Mobile will start selling the watch in-store on iPhone launch day, and 9to5Mac’s sources say Sprint is joining the party that day, too. AT&T is rumored to start selling the watch on September 25 as well, but none of the carriers have confirmed their plans. The carriers’ retail stores will reportedly carry the 38mm and 42mm Sport and stainless steel models, but don’t expect to find the luxury Watch Edition any place but an Apple Store.
Best Buy was the first third-party seller to get on board with Apple Watch in early August, and Apple itself only started carrying the watch in-store in June. Best Buy began selling the watch in a limited number of stores, about 100 across the country, but said that demand was so strong that the chain will have the watch and its accessories available at all 1,050 stores by the end of this month.
Why this matters: Apple is ramping up watch availability before the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear, and is clearly anticipating strong sales. The company released new watch finishes—gold and rose gold Sport options—and a variety of Sport band colors this month in an effort to appeal to style-conscious buyers. Apple also partnered with Hermès to put the luxury fashion brand’s stamp on a collection of Apple Watches with beautiful leather bands and custom watch faces. That collection hits Apple and Hermès stores October 5.