Apple employees get 50% off the Apple Watch

Apple CEO Tim Cook today sent out a memo to all employees ahead of the Apple Watch’s retail try-on kickoff this Friday. Cook thanks employees who have worked on the Apple Watch by saying, “congratulations to everyone who has worked so hard for years to help this product reach our customers.” Cook also prepares the company’s retail division by noting that try-ons will begin in over 400 Apple Stores on Friday ahead of the official Friday, April 24th launch. Likely to the delight of Apple employees, Cook also announced major Apple Watch discounts for all employees: 50% off the aluminum sport and stainless steel models and $550 off of the gold Edition variations. By comparison, the iPad was not immediately offered at discount for employees, while the original iPhone was provided for free to a large percentage of the company. The special pricing for employees lasts for 90 days, starting on Friday, which is when general Apple Watch pre-orders begin. Commenting on the reduced price, Cook told employees that “we want you to share in that experience right alongside [customers].”