Jawbone Says Its Fitness Bands Are Returning To Apple Stores Shortly After Earlier Removal

Apple removed most Jawbone and Nike fitness bands from its retail stores back in March, during the run-up to the launch of the Apple Watch. It was assumed then that Apple was purging products that might be felt to compete with its own wearable.

But Jawbone Senior Product Manager Jason Donahue said that its UP2 fitness band will be available in Apple Stores shortly, reports Japanese site Macotakara. The statement was made during a product launch in Japan … 

Donahue originally stated only that the new wearable would be sold in Japanese Apple Stores from early July, but when asked about other countries, he said that it would be released “even earlier” in U.S. Apple Stores.

Currently, Apple Stores sell only the Up Move, a very basic fitness tracker sold as a device to be clipped onto clothing, though a wristband is available separately. The Jawbone UP2 is a relatively budget-focused band currently selling for $100.

The Apple Watch will be making its own Apple retail store debut this month after its initial online-only launch.