14 DAY TRIAL // Just like with the iPhone lineup, Apple is said to be dividing the iWatch product line into two separate device versions, one tailored specifically for women’s wrists, the other catering to male audiences.
Market research and consulting firm DisplaySearch has been quite vocal on Apple matters lately, claiming that the Cupertino giant has put its television launch plans on hold to focus on its rumored iWatch product.
David Hsieh, DisplaySearch’s vice president of the Greater China Market, said at a conference today in Taiwan that “Apple’s wearable iWatch is expected to come with a 1.7-inch OLED display for men’s watches and a 1.3-inch OLED screen for women,” according to The Korea Herald.
The move certainly makes sense, should Apple want to replicate the iPhone business model with wearables.
However, it should be noted that a 1.3-inch iWatch would be missing some features that the 1.7-inch would offer, which could pave the way for discrimination claims, should Apple market its iWatches in accordance with the analysis put forth by DisplaySearch.
Selling a lower-specced iWatch with direct references to the female user base would leave a lot of room for speculation that Apple believes women are technologically-challenged and such.
Therefore, Apple, a company that actually prides itself on equality, would probably not advertise different iWatch models as “for men” or “for women.”
The choice will be left with the customer. You don’t hear anyone saying that the iPhone 5c is “for women,” even though the Pink and Yellow versions of the plastic device are certainly geared towards that demographic.
iWatch S and iWatch C would be a more suitable nomenclature. Even iWatch Air, for the “lighter” version.
The Cupertino giant currently sells two versions of about every one of its products, including the iPhone (5s and 5c), the iPad (full-size and mini), the MacBook (Pro and Air), the iMac (21.5-inch and 24-inch), and others.
In recent years, Apple has realized that the key to conquering any market is to create form factors suitable for different-sized hands.
Devices don’t stretch like latex gloves. One-size-fits-all doesn’t apply here.
And let’s not forget about the price. A bigger iWatch would offer more functionality and therefore would be more costly. But that won’t make any difference either. From a design perspective, I’m pretty convinced both iWatches will be just as suitable for women’s wrists, as they will be for mens’.
A financially-successful, tech-savvy woman will probably go after the high-end iWatch, just like a business woman chooses the iPhone 5s over the 5c today.
Disclaimer
This is a Personal Thoughts piece reflecting the author’s personal opinion on matters relating to Apple and / or the products associated with the Apple brand. This article should not be taken as the official stance of Softpedia on Apple-related matters.