14 DAY TRIAL // A report out of Japan citing unnamed sources claims Apple has plans to unveil its rumored iWatch in October, boasting a curved OLED display and running iOS 8. The primary functions of the device will be health & fitness-related.
Business publication Nikkei has it on file from “sources familiar with the matter” that the wearable computer will run iOS 8 (likely a stripped-down version) “which will be equipped with a centralized function to manage users' biometric information via smartphones.”
The report says “it is expected to hit the market in October,” but that doesn’t mean Nikkei obtained this information from anyone close to Apple or even someone who may be familiar with the plans.
In other words, it’s pure speculation and it actually contradicts a claim from Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Brian White, who has actually spoken to suppliers responsible with manufacturing parts of the iWatch.
In a research note released this week, White said, “With the theme around wearable technology at Computex this year, our research has uncovered more data points as it relates to Apple’s ‘iWatch.’ 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.”
He added that, “Given the trajectory of this ramp and our experience analyzing other product ramps at Apple, we expect the ‘iWatch’ to be unveiled with the iPhone 6 in September. Since our research suggests the first iteration of the ‘iWatch’ is more of a companion device, and thus requires a connection to an iPhone, we believe unveiling the two new devices at the same time makes sense.”
Indeed the September launch makes sense, especially with Apple running out of time for major device unveilings. It will be hard even for them to schedule two big events only one month apart from one another.
The sources in Japan also noted that “[iWatch] will likely use a curved organic light-emitting diode (OLED) touchscreen and collect health-related data, such as calorie consumption, sleep activity, blood glucose and blood oxygen levels. It will also allow users to read messages sent by smartphones.”
The curved display bit would contradict rumors claiming that Apple's iWatch will look a lot like Motorola's upcoming smart-watch (namely, round).
Finally, one parts manufacturer mentioned in the report said Apple plans to make 3-5 million units every month, far more than what the market seems to be demanding at the moment. However, the product will undoubtedly have a certain wow factor that will convince people to pull out their wallets.