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KGI on iWatch: 8 GB storage, 512 MB RAM, 1.3 and 1.5 inch screen, gold option

A new report from KGI’s Ming-Chi Kuo sheds some interesting light on the iWatch specifications. Kuo believes the iWatch will feature 8 GB of internal storage, with 512 MB of RAM. Naturally, these stats are lower than current iOS devices (which have upwards of 16 GB of storage and 1 GB of RAM), but still seems high for a wearable smartwatch. This may suggest the device can act more independently from an iPhone than most assume. 8 GB of storage space is quite a lot and could be used for things like caching maps, or perhaps enable offline voice recognition.

KGI also believes the iWatch will come in two sizes, with a 1.3 inch and a 1.5 inch screen. This reflects longstanding rumours that Apple is targeting two sizes, to make it appeal to both gender’s fashion preferences. Kuo seems less sure on what materials will make up the product, but ‘guesses’ aluminium based on Apple’s tendencies to use the metal across its products. There is also mention of a gold color option, which would match with the iPhone 5s and iPhone 6’s gold varieties.

Quelling some rumors that Apple would follow the Moto 360 to use a circular display, Kuo says it expects a rectangular face. To go along with HealthKit, Kuo expects a number of “holes” on the back side of device will measure vital signs and other fitness characteristics, like heart rate.

The bad news is that Kuo does not expect the iWatch product to ship until 2015, as mass production is yet to begin. Kuo speculates that Apple is announcing earlier, at its event on Tuesday, to fuel developer interest in the device to help establish a strong ecosystem of supporting applications when it is eventually released.

Kuo also commented extensively on the iPhone 6, claiming that the device will have 128 GB options, a barometer sensor and a ‘programmable power button’ (which is now located on the side of the device).

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Comments

  1. sergicastellasape - 10 years ago

    I wonder what are these speculations based on.

  2. MaRico NoHands Spikes - 10 years ago

    Things that make you go hmmmm

  3. acslater017 - 10 years ago

    I’m more curious about what kind of rhythm they will establish for generation 2 and beyond. Missing every holiday would be sort of weird, but then again the iPad used to occupy the March timeframe. There was a good 2 years there where Apple had announcements for the spring, summer, and fall.

    • fredhstein - 10 years ago

      Good question. A wrist device and headphones too, may smooth out the seasonality of Apple’s revenue. Just a guess. Beyond 2 years, imagine how Moore’s law will change what the wrist and ear devices can do.

      • Ryan Pesso - 10 years ago

        imagine 10 years. 10 Years ago we were using the razor flip phone now were about t get the iPhone 6!

  4. fredhstein - 10 years ago

    Sure, it will operate independently from the iPhone. And have longer battery life. The iPhone does the hard work – rich UI and power hungry communications. The wrist device allows you to leave the ‘net’ and the power grid for extended periods and still have useful functions. Form factors and dates? too many rumors.

  5. Robert Stukenbroeker - 10 years ago

    Love the typo on the graph

  6. Robert Dufly - 10 years ago

    Do I have to buy the watch, or can I just buy the phone separate?

    no – don’t answer that, I’ll buy the watch, I was just kidding.

  7. Robert Dufly - 10 years ago

    Seriously though guys, I doubt the consensus for anything is an August ship date at this point.

    But way to make yourself look smarter than the ‘consensus’ hehehe

Author

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Benjamin Mayo

Benjamin develops iOS apps professionally and covers Apple news and rumors for 9to5Mac. Listen to Benjamin, every week, on the Happy Hour podcast. Check out his personal blog. Message Benjamin over email or Twitter.