Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) CEO Tim Cook has promised to break into new product categories this year. Tech industry has been fervently speculating what the new product categories would be. There have been rumors around a big-screen iPhone 6 hitting the market later this year. But that’s not necessarily a new product category. Reports of a full-fledged Apple TV have refused to die for years, while the latest reports suggest that an iOS smartwatch is also on cards. Let’s have a look at the potential product categories Apple may break into this year.
Apple is likely to launch a smartwatch
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) does things its own way. While its rivals have flooded the market with a number of wearable devices in the past few months, the iPhone maker has kept mum. The Cupertino-based tech giant doesn’t release a product until it is full ready to redefine the way we live. And the upcoming smartwatch, the so-called iWatch is said to exceed expectations.
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KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that the iWatch will be integrated with other Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) products such as the iPhone, iPad and Mac. Users will be able to receive instant notifications and access basic functions without having to pull up bigger devices. The iWatch is rumored to have a health & fitness app codenamed Healthbook that will allow you to monitor your fitness data.
Apple TV
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has already made inroads into the television hardware market with its set-top box. But many sources have claimed that they have seen a prototype model of a full-fledged Apple TV. There are endless possibilities for Apple in this category. The tech giant may offer a range of smart apps, Siri support, and a second-screen functionality through the iPad, etc.
Fitness band
Wearable technology is expected to be the next big thing in the tech sector. Besides speculations around the iWatch, there are reports that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has signed a deal with Nike Inc (NYSE:NKE) to develop its own fitness band. Recent reports suggest that the fitness bands will be packed with environmental sensors. But it’s still unclear whether it’s a separate project from the iWatch.
High-tech eyewear
Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL)’s Glass is yet to reach the mass market, but it’s seen as the next big thing. So, there is a likeliness that rivals and imitators will follow. Anyway, it could also be an area of interest for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL). Back in 2008, the iPhone maker filed a patent for a headset that connects with the iPhone and projects its display before the user’s eyes.
Apple may get into cars business
A few months ago, there were rumors that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) considered acquiring Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA). It’s highly unlikely Elon Musk would sell his company. The Cupertino-based tech giant has already unveiled its CarPlay, which integrates the iOS devices with the in-car control systems. But there have been reports that Steve Jobs had plans to launch a full-fledged “iCar” at some point. Though Tim Cook may not have taken Jobs’ car vision forward, the tech giant is expected to increase its presence in the automobile industry with new software innovations.