Apple Smartwatch: Multiple Versions, July Production Kickoff
Apple’s (AAPL) long-rumored and much-awaited smartwatch will come in multiple versions with Taiwan's Quanta Computer starting production in July and shipments beginning by October, according to two new reports.
Apple’s (AAPL) long-rumored and much-awaited smartwatch will come in multiple versions with Taiwan's Quanta Computer starting production in July and shipments beginning by October, according to two new reports.
The Wall Street Journal reported Apple’s smartwatch—generally referred to as the iWatch in the absence of a formal name—will feature some 10 sensors, including those already known to track health and fitness such as the vendor’s new Health app. Apple is said to believe that the iWatch’s core value proposition will reside in functions that clearly differentiate it from a smartphone. The iWatch could come in a variety of screen sizes, the Journal said.
Meanwhile, Reuters issued a sourced report also naming Quanta as Apple’s smartwatch producer, adding the contract is a shot in the arm for the manufacturer, whose work thus far has been confined to the vendor’ laptops and iPods. Quanta is expected to handle at least 70 percent of the iWatch’s assembly, Reuters’ sources said. At this point there’s no word on why Hon Hai or other Apple producers did not win its approval for the smartwatch.
LG Display is the exclusive supplier of the screen for the iWatch’s initial production run, Reuters said.
There are conflicting reports on exactly what’s going on with production in July. The Journal reported Quanta will do some test runs next month but won’t produce the device in volume for at least two months, while Reuters reported that mass production of the iWatch will begin in July with a commercial launch slated for October.
As for the iWatch itself, it’s said to feature a 2.5-inch display in a design that’s more rectangular than square, with the face of the device arching out a bit over the band, and will feature a touch interface and wireless-charging capabilities. The iWatch is expected to be compatible with other iOS-based devices and require an iPhone for functions such as messaging and voice chat, similar to other smartwatches already on the market.
