The Apple iWatch is a much-rumoured but so far not officially confirmed smartwatch from Apple. The iPhone marker might be remaining tight-lipped about the iWatch, but it undoubtedly exists. Apple has been busily filing patents, registering trademarks and hiring new staff to develop the iWatch.
The iWatch has been rumoured since at least 2011, when big tech companies such as Apple, Google and Samsung started to look more seriously at wearable computing. At the time Apple considered the iWatch to be a further development of the iPod Nano – a curved iPod that could wrap around the wrist. But such a plan never came to fruition. Google is already working on Google Glass and Android Wear and Samsung is already selling the Samsung Galaxy Gear.
There's no question the iWatch exists. In May 2013 Apple boss Tim Cook said there were "profound" opportunities in wearable tech. Apple has also trademarked the name iWatch all over the world. Way back in August 2011 Apple filed a patent in the US for a "wearable accessory device" with a "flexible display". The patent also details a touchscreen, wireless communications antenna and explains that the device would work in conjunction with another gadget – presumably an iPhone.
Then there's the picture:
Going on the patent description and the appearance of the device, it appears to be more of an accessory than a full-blown smartwatch, but it certainly shows the sort of technology Apple is actively working on.
There have been countless mock-ups of the iWatch ranging from simple bands that wrap around your wrist to fancy, bells-and-whistles wristwatches to devices that look a bit like the iPod Nano.
Apple could well be working with Corning on curved, flexible glass. In January 2014 Corning said it was ready to manufacture curved glass. Corning's Gorilla Glass is the material of choice for the iPad and iPhone, so it makes sense that the iWatch would also use it.
Apple's obsession with simple, slim and seamless design would suggest that the iWatch will follow suit. Rumours have suggested that Apple is a keen admirer of Nike's Fuelband, which is a simple loop that wraps around your wrist. While the iWatch will need to be more complex than that, some mock-ups have speculated that it will be a simple, almost featureless strap.
It has also been reported that Apple has approached employees at a number of big-name Swiss watch companies including Hublot and possibly Swatch. If Apple is approaching high-end, traditional watch manufacturers this could mean that it is looking to develop a smartwatch that pays homage to their design.
It has been reported that one of the iWatch will be used to track fitness. It will have a number of biometric sensors to track workouts and monitor sleep, UV light exposure and even your heart rate. Apple is said to be working on a Healthbook companion app for iOS 8, which could link together the iPhone and iWatch to monitor your health and other body stats.
Siri and Maps could also come to iWatch, with Siri a particular focus. Apple has already snapped up Novauris to work on top-secret Siri projects. The company's expertise and technology could make it easier for apps to work with Siri and also make the voice assistant more accurate. Having top-quality Siri support for the iWatch would make sense, as small screens on smartwatches have so far proved fiddly.
There's little doubt that the iWatch will work in conjunction with existing Apple devices, especially the iPhone and probably the iPad too. That means it is very likely to run a modified version of the iOS 8, which is set to be unveiled later this year. While some reports have speculated that the iWatch will run its own operating system similar to the iPod Nano's simple interface, it seems more likely that it will have a version of iOS 8.That means apps. Expect the iWatch to be able to control music stored on other Apple devices or even stream music from iCloud or Spotify. Like the Samsung Galaxy Gear it has been suggested that the iWatch will primarily act as a companion device for iPhone and possibly even iPad, but rumours have hinted that the iWatch will have more features than Samsung's device.Bluetooth is a no-brainer, with Apple likely to use low-power Bluetooth to help the iWatch's battery last longer. But what about the battery itself? According to reports Apple is experimenting with new battery technology for the iWatch. In 2009 Apple filed a patent for charging devices by using body movements. The idea is that the iWatch charges whenever you move your arms. Similar systems have been used on conventional watches for some time, but getting enough power to run an iWatch will be a big challenge for Apple.
Apple might also turn to solar power to charge the iWatch, with the company looking at hiding solar panels behind its screen. The iWatch would charge during the day and then work all night, so there would never be a need to take it off and charge it. There's no doubt Apple is working on the technology, but it remains to be seen if it will be ready in time for the iWatch.
The most recent reports have suggested that the iWatch will launch sometime in Q3 2014. Economic Daily News (EDN) reports that the iWatch will be manufactured by Quana Computer, with Taiwanese-based chip company Richtek is also involved. EDN has also claimed the iWatch's touchscreen will be manufactured by TPK.Apple is aiming to ship 65 million iWatches in 2014, with retailers starting to receive delivery sometime in August. A Q3 2014 release date for the iWatch would coincide with the expected launch of iOS 8 and the iPhone 6, with Apple likely to connect up its range of devices with new features and apps.
HOW MUCH WILL THE APPLE iWATCH COST?
That's the million dollar question. The Samsung Galaxy Gear currently costs £300 and Apple will want to either match that price or be cheaper. Any reports of iWatch pricing are pure speculation – but the price range it falls under will greatly depend on whether it is a high-tech smartwatch like the Samsung Galaxy Gear or more of a fitness tracker like the Nike Fuelband. With that in mind, prices could range from £120 to £300.
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