apple

According to The Wall Street JournalApple is preparing not just one smartwatch/fitness/health wearable, but several. This is certainly in line with many of the health based initiatives – Health, and HealthKit to name a few – that Apple announced at WWDC a short time ago. The new device(s), according to the Journal, are aimed at bringing new functionality what has been a pretty lackluster product category:

The new wrist device from Apple will incorporate more than 10 sensors including ones to track health and fitness, these people said. Apple aims to address an overarching criticism of existing smartwatches that they don’t provide functions significantly different from that of a smartphone, said a person familiar with the matter.1

Further, the Journal report all but confirms the October launch of the device.

Apple’s smartwatch could launch as early as October with production to begin within two to three months at Quanta Computer Inc., a Taiwanese manufacturer that has long been Apple’s supplier for Mac computers, said the people familiar with the matter. Quanta will begin some trial runs next month.2

Adding to all of this new information, Reuters was able to obtain several key specs for the new device:

The smartwatch will come with a slightly rectangular display that likely measures 2.5 inches diagonally, the source added. The watch-face will protrude slightly from the band, creating an arched shape, and feature a touch interface and wireless charging capabilities, according to the source.3

Further, the Reuters report also noted that Apple, “expects to ship 50 million units of the so-called iWatch within the first year of the product’s release.”4 There is still, certainly, much more new coming. We will keep you updated.

  1. Eva Dou and Lorraine Luk, The Wall Street Journal, “Apple Plans Multiple Designs for Smartwatch,” 20 June 2014  
  2. Ibid  
  3. Reuters San Francisco Newsroom, Ed. Gunna Dickson,  Reuters, “Apple’s iWatch may sport multiple designs – WSJ,”20 June 2014  
  4. Ibid