Concept: jivaldi.com
On Tuesday we reported that Apple was planning to reveal its entry into the wearable market in August or September. Now a new Digitimes report corroborates that timeframe. According to the new report, three different firms have supplied Apple with samples of flexible circuit boards that will be integrated into the iWatch for a fall release.
The companies involved are Flexium Interconnect, Career Technology, and Zhen Ding Technology Holding, according to Digitimes. Zhen Ding Technology Holding is currently Apple’s largest supplier of such parts and is reportedly planning to increase production in order to meet increased demand for iPhone and iPad circuitry.
As with all Digitimes reports, it’s probably best to take this with a grain of salt given their less-than-stellar track record. As originally reported by 9to5Mac, Apple is planning to make its entry into this market in a big way, with a cadre of fitness and health experts contributing their expertise to the iWatch project.
The device is expected to work in tandem with Apple’s upcoming Healthbook software as part of the iOS 8 update for iPhones and iPads. iOS 8 is expected to be announced at WWDC this June, and feature an improved Maps application, new iTunes Radio app, improved tools for adding iCloud support to third-party apps, standalone TextEdit and Preview applications for viewing files saved on OS X, and additional tweaks to Messages and Game Center. The next release of OS X, version 10.10, is also expected to be announced at that time.
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Photo: And it comes with iOS 6! Or iOS 5, you can choose.
Well spotted :-)
We will see how these rumors pan out.
I’ve gotten the impression Apple has fallen behind schedule in their product development. Tim Cook said stuff was coming across all of 2014 but it’s looking like everything is getting crammed towards the latter half of the year (perhaps fairly late in that half at that). I’m not upset about it but I was hoping something new would be unveiled (or known an unveiling was imminent) by now.
I’m not sure why Apple would put out a Smart Watch this year. Most companies still have not gained any traction. Pebble is it, and they are still far under 1 million units. Samsung has some promising watches, with the Gear Fit and Gear 2 (regular and Neo), but those only work with Galaxy phones, and the Gear 2 is still expensive.
So, Apple has plenty of time to perfect a watch. No reason to rush to market. Next year is fine.
Investors and tech bloggers all believe Apple NEEDS a new product category this year. I say, let them add the finishing touches and make it perfect and in the mean time wave their 10’s of billions in savings in the tech bloggers and investors.
If they happen to be able to release it by fall, I’ll be a happy camper but I can always wait.