Apple's iWatch may sport multiple designs: WSJ
>>
Published: 21 Jun 2014 09:35 AM BdST Updated: 21 Jun 2014 09:35 AM BdST
-
The leaf on the Apple symbol is tinted green at the Apple flagship store on 5th Ave in New York April 22, 2014. CREDIT: REUTERS
Apple Inc plans to launch smartwatches with multiple screen sizes and designs this fall, the Wall Street Journal on Friday cited a person familiar with the matter as saying.
Taiwan's Quanta will begin mass production of Apple's first smartwatches from July, in time for an October launch, several sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday.
The Wall Street Journal on Friday also cited sources saying Quanta would manufacture the device.
One of the sources told Reuters on Thursday that Apple expects to ship 50 million units of the so-called iWatch within the first year of the product's release, although these types of initial estimates can be subject to change.
The smartwatch will come with a slightly rectangular display that likely measures 2.5 inches diagonally, the source added. The watch-face will protrude slightly from the band, creating an arched shape, and feature a touch interface and wireless charging capabilities, according to the source.
Another source told Reuters that LG Display Co Ltd is the exclusive supplier of the screen for the gadget's initial batch of production.
The iWatch will also contain a sensor that monitors a user's pulse. Singapore-based imaging and sensor maker Heptagon is on the supplier list for that feature, two sources said on Thursday.
Apple's smartwatch will follow similar devices by Samsung, Sony Corp, Motorola and LG Electronics Inc - gadgets that tech watchers say have not been appealing or user-friendly enough for mass adoption.
But the market is growing fast. Data firm IDC estimates that worldwide shipments of wearable computing devices, including smartwatches, will triple this year over 2013.
Apple has declined to comment on reports about upcoming products.
Most Read
- Teenage gunman kills 19 children and teacher at Texas elementary school
- High Court denies 4 North South University trustees anticipatory bail, turns them over to police
- Bangladesh names its longest bridge after Padma River as it opens on Jun 25
- Ban water taxis from ‘priceless’ Hatirjheel, High Court rules
- Bangladesh raises duty on imports as it cracks down on luxuries
- Russia launches all-out assault to encircle Ukraine troops in east
- BSMMU says no monkeypox case detected, warns of rumours
- Reserves rise slightly past $42bn as Bangladesh scrambles to calm a dwindling currency market
- Texas pupils' lives shattered by shooting two days before summer break
- Four trustees of North South University sent to jail, face grilling in embezzlement case