In a two-pronged press release Thursday, Apple announced that all Apple Watch orders placed through May – bar one model – will ship to customers within two weeks and that Apple Watch will go on sale in seven more countries starting June 26.

All orders placed through May, with the sole exception of Apple Watch 42 mm Space Black Stainless Steel with Space Black Link Bracelet, will ship to customers within two weeks. At that time, we’ll also begin selling some models in our Apple Retail Stores.

A quick look at the calendar will suggest that “some models” of Apple Watch will go on sale in Apple Retail Stores in the original nine countries on June 18.

Apple also announced that Apple Watch will go on sale in seven more countries from June 26 simultaneously in Apple Online Store, Apple Retail Stores and selected Apple Authorized Resellers. Come June 26, Apple Watch will be available in Italy, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland and Taiwan.

At launch, selected boutique retailers will offer a “curated selection” of Apple Watch models, including 10 Corso Como in Milan, BOONTHESHOP Cheongdam in Seoul and Malmaison by The Hour Glass in Singapore.

Apple making ‘great progress’ with Apple Watch order backlog

“The response to Apple Watch has surpassed our expectations in every way, and we are thrilled to bring it to more customers around the world,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s senior vice president of Operations. “We’re also making great progress with the backlog of Apple Watch orders, and we thank our customers for their patience.”

Apple Watch went on sale exclusively in Apple’s Online Store on April 10 in nine countries, including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the UK and the U.S. Following the June 26 launch, Apple Watch will be available online and in retail stores in 16 countries.

Earlier this week 9to5Mac reported that Apple was readying its retail stores to start selling the Watch later this month. To ensure customers get the Apple Watch they desire, Apple is offering a “Reserve and Pickup” service whereby a customer can reserve their model of choice via the online store – provided their retail store of choice has stock – and book a convenient pickup time in-store.

photo credit: Apple Watch Launch via photopin (license)