Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has been rumored to be working on an iWatch for quite some time, and last month we began to see rumors about a team taking shape. Now 9 to 5 Mac reports that Jay Blahnik has confirmed his new job at Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL).
Apple and the possibility of an iWatch
Of course Blahnik is known for his work on Nike Inc (NYSE:NKE)’s FuelBand, so his hiring at Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) would suggest that he’s going to work on a similar product for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL). We heard hints from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook that the company was working on an iWatch or some other wearable computing device which straps to the wrist. He was actually wearing Nike’s FuelBand at the D11 conference earlier this year.
Blahnik’s recent work history
9 to 5 Mac examined some profiles of Blahnik as well as social media posts. His profiles suggest that he travels 40 weeks per year to speak at fitness conferences and provide consulting to companies. They also say he has consulted for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) in the past for unspecified projects. However, this time it appears as if he is actually leaving the fitness industry entirely to focus on his work at Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL).
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s rumored iWatch is expected to be filled with health sensors and other computing capabilities. With Blahnik’s experience in the fitness industry, he could help the company focus on making the iWatch something that changes the wearer’s behavior.
Apple and the smart watch shift
The big question now is whether Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s move into the smart watch industry is coming too late. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) is said to be launching a smart watch in early September. Also analysts have been publishing a variety of views on Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s so-called iWatch, with some predicting that it will be a tremendous flop, while others expecting it to be the company’s next big thing.
