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Apple's smartwatch collection will range in price from $349 to $17,000 (299 to 13,500 in the UK) depending on the metals they are made from and the straps they are bought with.

The larger 42mm (1.7in) models of the Watch will cost about $50 more than than the 38mm (1.5in) versions in the lower-priced ranges.

Apple also revealed that the devices are due to go on sale on 24 April.

Rivals' smartwatches have only seen limited sales to date.

A press event held in San Francisco held few surprised about the wearable beyond the fact that the mid-range stainless steel edition would start at $549 and go up to $1,099 in the US, and from 479 to 949 in the UK including VAT.

There had been speculation that Apple would seek a bigger price gap between the model and the basic aluminium-based Sports version - something that would have restricted its appeal.

"Apple's pricing demonstrates the confidence it has in the new Apple Watch's functionality, design and consumer appeal," commented Ian Fogg from the tech consultants IHS.

Same specs
The US firm did not announce any difference in specifications between the aluminium, steel and gold-cased versions - there had been speculation that the higher-end editions might have more storage or allow some of their parts to be upgraded at a later point.

"When there were estimates of $700 or $800 for the basic stainless steel versions, I would have expected more than just a difference in materials," said James Moar from Juniper Research.

"The fact Apple hasn't done that is why there is no justification for a higher price."

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