Apple Inc. iWatch: Suspense Building Over Release Date

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Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) rumored new iWatch is hugely anticipated, but there have no confirmation on the specifications or the release date yet. Last week, a number of reliable sources came out with reports on the specs and release date. However, many of the reports were contradictory. Most recently, a report from the Wall Street Journal claimed that the iWatch might be available in various screen sizes and designs, and that Apple will ship approximately 10 to 15 million smartwatches this year.

Apple suppliers to ramp up production

There’s a good chance that the smart watch from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will have more than 10 sensors to track and monitor health and fitness data. The report further noted that Quanta Computer, a Taiwan based manufacturer, will kick-start production in two to three months. LG is believed to be already supplying the iWatch screen and while Singapore-based Heptagon, which makes imaging parts and sensors, is expected to supply the sensor technology.

Another report from Reuters claims that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s iWatch will have a rectangular design and will be around 2.5 inches across diagonally. The specs of the iWatch include a touch interface and wireless charging. The dial is expected to be slightly larger than the band.

The 2.5 inch arch-banded product, complete with LG screen touching and wireless charging capabilities, will precede the company’s iPhone 6 fall release, according to Reuters. Around 50 million are expected to buy the device in its first year of public sale, following its current evaluation period.

Along with iPhone 6

Brian White, an analyst at Cantor Fitzgerald is expecting the much-anticipated device to launch in line with the launch date of iPhone 6.

“Our meeting with a tech supply chain company highlighted that initial production of certain iWatch components is scheduled to begin later this month and there are plans for a sharp acceleration into fall,” White said. Analyst added that according to the usual cycle of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) product launch and analysts’ observations, iWatch could be launched with the iPhone 6 in September. White also mentioned that first version of the iWatch will require a connection to an iPhone and thus launching both the devices together is rational.

Features that iWatch is supposed to include are sending and receiving messages check emails, phone calls and chatting through voice command. On the health front, it would be capable of tracking a user’s heart rate and other physiologic functions. White suggested that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s iWatch entry-level price would be somewhere around $199-229, which is quite competitive with other smartwatch brands on the market.

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