Apple Watch customers can now collect their device from their local Apple Store, but online action is still required to buy the wearable.

Users in the UK, Germany, France, US, Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong and Japan can place an order online and come and pick up their purchase in person.

This is marginally more convenient than the previous system, which required customers to book a try-on appointment before completing their order online.

Stock of each Apple Watch model is expected to vary between stores, but in many cases users will be able to collect their device minutes after the order has been processed.

Apple announced dozens of new features for the Watch during its Worldwide Developers Conference keynote, including support for native apps and more extensive Siri functionality.

These features will be introduced in the autumn when watchOS 2 is rolled out as a free update.