Apple iWatch May Not Be Launched Until Next Year

iPod Nano with Watch Strap

(Image Credit: http://www.slashgear.com)

The so-called iWatch may not be introduced by Apple earlier than the latter part of 2014.

Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities made this revelation through a note to investors. He also pointed at the lack of resources required in the development of a variant of the iOS for the device as one of the issues facing the production of the device. The company is currently working on overhauling the software.

Kuo also indicated that additional research for the components of wearable devices is needed to make such devices feasible in the market. This will result to the delay in the production of the watch-like device of Apple.  The company may also use a screen display size of around two inches. It will also feature biometric security, which is made possible after the company acquired AuthenTec for $356 million.

Reports of the supposed iWatch initially emerged in February, which indicated that the tech giant was taking the production of wristwatch-like products into consideration. Another report also indicated that around 100 people were reportedly assigned by Apple to work on the device. New patents filed by Apple also hinted at the possibility that Apple will work on such a device.

Kuo has been accurate in a number of previous reports on Apple products including the plans of the company for a Retina MacBook Pro and the white iPhone 4. He was also accurate with his statement on the details of the iPad and the iPod.

Statements from Apple CEO Tim Cook last month also supported the statement of Kuo that the reported iWatch may not see the light of day until next year.

Reports Hint At Possible iOS-Powered Watch Is In The Works

iPod Nano with Watch Strap

(Image Credit: http://www.slashgear.com)

Reports coming from the sleeping dragon hints at the possibility that Apple are working with Intel to develop its own iOS-powered watch.

Following the release of the iPod, the iPhone, and the iPad, Apple may be working on an iOS-powered watch. Sources within the supply chain have reportedly informed Tech163.com, a China-based blog site, that a supposed iOS-powered watch will have a 1.5-inch OLED screen display and Bluetooth connectivity.

The “iWatch” is expected to be unveiled by Apple in the first half of the year.

According to Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray, Apple may eventually develop its own wearable computer or an iOS-powered watch. The smart watch demand is likely big enough following the Kickstarter campaign was able to raise over $10 million for Pebble. These smart watches will likely be running an Android OS or the iOS.

However, reports such as these remain unconfirmed, and it should be taken with a grain of salt. Some industry watchers are not expecting an iOS-powered watch to be released into the market any time soon. But the smart watch niche may be an area that Apple can see a possible demand in the future.

Some consumers have also given feedback through Crave on the possibility that an iOS-powered watch may be offered by Apple in the future. Among the features that consumers want to see on the smart watch is support for FaceTime and Siri along with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC wireless connectivity.

The square-like design of the iPod Nano has made it an ideal watch substitute for some users. A number of manufacturers have offered watchbands that will allow the iPod Nano to be worn as a watch. The iPod Nano allows users to listen to music, view images, and monitor their fitness activities.

However, Apple has increased the size of the 2012 model of the iPod Nano, which would not make it ideal to be used as a watch. Therefore, it may be possible for the company to offer an iOS-powered watch in the future.