Apple is reportedly pushing its rumored iWatch into mass production in July to get the company's first wearable into the market as early as October, Reuters reports.
Apple, the renowned smartphone, tablet and PC maker, will soon be adding another category to its existing portfolio. Rumors continue to churn about the much-talked about iWatch, which marks Apple's debut into the niche wearable space. Reuters , citing inside sources, claims Apple will launch its smartwatch as early as October, after pushing into production in July.
The reports says that Apple plans to ship as many as 50 million units in the first year of production. Apple has appointed Taiwan's Quanta Computer, the world's largest manufacturer of notebook computers and long-time partner of the Cupertino tech giant, to manufacture the iWatch. The rumored smartwatch is currently under trial production and is using a display made by LG for its first test batch, the company's sources added.
Apple's iWatch has been closely watched by several analysts, news publications and consumers, for it is likely to break the barriers currently faced by smartwatches. Earlier this month, a report from Japanese business newspaper Nikkei revealed that Apple has set the launch date for its iWatch in October, which Reuters' report confirms.
Nikkei's report also said that the iWatch will pack a curved OLED display and health-tracking capabilities. According to Reuters, iWatch will feature a 2.5-inch display with a slightly rectangular design. The source added that the display will arch up from the band and will feature a touch interface and wireless charging capabilities.
By launching a smartwatch of its own, Apple will compete against the likes of currently trending Samsung Gear and Pebble watches. A recent survey by the NPD Group revealed that Samsung and Pebble account for more than 90 percent of the smartwatch market and Samsung takes the lead with 78 percent of the total market share. Other companies such as LG, Motorola, Qualcomm and ZTE have also crowded the space with their own versions and the word is that Microsoft is also planning to launch its smartwatch soon.
