Apple iWatch - Release Date, News And Rumors

Set your patently inferior, non-Apple smartwatch for October, the rumored launch month for the iPhone-compatible Apple iWatch.

Rumored Specifications

• Rumored sizes from 1.3 to 2.5"


• "Full" iOS


• Biometrics and other sensors


• 4-5 day battery life targeted


• Tentative October 2014 debut plans

What we expect...?

Apple has been rumored to be working on its "iWatch" smart watch since late 2012, but the company has begun accelerating work on the project as it tries to expand its family of mobile devices to the wrist. Apple has already started work on trademarking the name in a number of countries in preparation for a late 2014 introduction, perhaps in October.

Recent reports from reputable sources like Reuters and The Wall Street Journal have pointed towards multiple screen sizes for the iWatch, in sizes up to 2.5 inches diagonally, a which is the size of the current-generation iPod nano. The iWatch face, said to be slightly rectangular, may protrude slightly from a band to create an arch shape on the wrist.

Along with multiple sizes, the iWatch may be available at several different price points, suggesting an array of different band and face options in various materials to position it as a fashion accessory.

Though we don't know exactly what the iWatch will look like, at least one model is expected to include a durable sapphire crystal display, produced in collaboration with Apple partner GT Advanced. Apple and GT Advanced inked a deal that will see the latter producing large quantities of sapphire crystal for use in various Apple products.

While the iWatch will perform some tasks independently, it will be dependent on a compatible iOS device for functions like receiving messages, voice calls, and notifications. It is also expected to feature wireless charging capabilities, advanced mapping abilities, and possibly NFC integration.

Along with serving as a companion device to the iPhone and iPad, the iWatch will be able to measure multiple different health-related metrics like steps taken, calories burned, sleep quality, heart rate, and more. The iWatch is said to include 10 different sensors to track health and fitness, providing an overall picture of health and making the health-tracking experience more accessible to the general public.

In Detail

Rumors of Apple working on a smart watch first surfaced in a December 2012 report claiming that the company was working with Intel on a Bluetooth-enabled watch carrying a 1.5-inch OLED display. According to the report, the device was originally scheduled to launch in the first half of 2013.

The rumor mill remained quiet for a number of weeks following that report, but by early February 2013 reports began surfacing in the mainstream media and other publications claiming details on Apple's smart watch project. The flurry was led by a report from The New York Times claiming that Apple was working on a smart watch device running iOS and taking advantage of curved glass materials.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1280"] "I think the wrist is interesting. I'm wearing this (Nike Fuelband) on my wrist...it's somewhat natural. But as I said before, I think for something to work here, you first have to convince people it's so incredible that they want to wear it." - Apple CEO Tim Cook at D11 Conference: May 28, 2013[/caption]

Reports of a curved glass smart watch had included speculation that Apple could be using Corning's newWillow Glass as a material given its flexible nature and Apple's existing partnership with Corning for the high-strength Gorilla Glass used on Apple's mobile devices, but Corning president James Clappin indicated that the material had only just begun hitting the market and that it would take at least three years for complex components such as flexible displays using Willow Glass to reach the market.

Former Nike creative director Scott Wilson also revealed that he had sent Apple design chief Jonathan Ive a "ton" of Nike watches back in the mid-2000s, with Apple's staff following up with a number of questions about materials and processes related to the device, suggesting that Apple was indeed looking into the possibility of its own watch project at that time.

iWatch rumors have continued throughout 2013 and 2014 and in April, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo released a number of predictions for the device, pointing towards a late 2014 release date. According to Kuo, the watch will integrate with iOS devices, allowing users to receive notifications and access basic functions. He also supports the rumor that it will include a multitude of biometric sensors, coupled in a system-in-a-package design.

Apple's iWatch will offer a "fashionable design" according to Kuo, and could be available in multiple materials at different price points and in multiple sizes. Kuo suggested the watch will include wireless charging and possibly an NFC chip. June rumors from Reuters and The Wall Street Journal have also pointed towards wireless charging, a multitude of sensors, and multiple sizes for the iWatch, with the former suggesting a screen size of 2.5-inches, much larger than previous rumors, which indicated a size of 1.3 to 1.7 inches. A new rumor from the Asian supply chain has also pointed towards smaller sizes, with one model at 1.6 inches and two models at 1.8 inches. Due to the discrepancy between rumors, it is unclear what display sizes the iWatch will adopt in addition to the 2.5-inch version.