APPLE IS WIDELY EXPECTED to make its first foray into the wearables market this year with the launch of the so-called Apple iWatch.
The iWatch will look to challenge the Samsung Gear 2 and Moto G, and if speculation is anything to go by, Apple's debut smartwatch may just do that.
We've rounded up everything we know so far about the device, including its rumoured specificatons, release date and pricing details. Be sure to keep this page bookmarked as we'll be updating it as soon as we learn more.
Release date
No release date for the iWatch has been leaked yet, but multiple sources have claimed that the device will make its debut at an Apple launch event in October.
No release date for the iWatch has been leaked yet, but multiple sources have claimed that the device will make its debut at an Apple launch event in October.
While no details are yet known, Apple is expected to release the iWatch before Christmas, with analysts claiming that the firm hopes to sell 15 to 20 million units before the year is out.
Price
Speculation regarding the iWatch’s pricing is mixed. Last year, we heard that the wearable will be priced at $199, but since, one analyst has since claimed that the most expensive iWatch model could fetch "several thousands of dollars." However, we'd take that remark with a hefty pinch of salt.
Speculation regarding the iWatch’s pricing is mixed. Last year, we heard that the wearable will be priced at $199, but since, one analyst has since claimed that the most expensive iWatch model could fetch "several thousands of dollars." However, we'd take that remark with a hefty pinch of salt.
If anything like competing smartwatches, the Apple iWatch likely will arrive in the UK priced between £200 and £300.
Specifications
Much like details regarding its pricing, specifications details for the iWatch are mixed.
Much like details regarding its pricing, specifications details for the iWatch are mixed.
Most recently, Reuters claimed that the Apple iWatch will launch with a "2.5in, rectangular screen", which when compared to the 1.84in display on the Samsung Gear 2, seems absurdly large for a wearable.
However, previous speculation - from multiple trusted sources - have said that the iWatch will launch in two versions, one with a 1.3in display, and the other with a 1.5in offering. These rumours have also claimed that the screen, much like that on the Moto 360, will be rounded, but adds that the device will be thinner than its Motorola rival. Other rumours have also claimed that the iWatch display will also be curved.
It seems the rumour mill cannot make its mind up, as new speculation out of Taiwan claims the iWatch will launch in three different versions - a 1.6in model, a 1.8in model, and a top-end 1.8in version with a sapphire display.
It's likely the iWatch will be "Swiss-made" too, with Apple having poached Tag Heuer VP of sales Patrick Pruniax, who reportedly will head up marketing of the smartwatch device.
Under the hood, the iWatch is expected to feature a multiple sensors, with the WSJ noting recently that it will feature 10 different sensors, including some focused around health and fitness. It's presently unclear what the other sensors are, although some rumours have claimed that a UV sensor will feature in the watch.
Beyond that, not much is known about the iWatch hardware. There is chatter however that the device will feature a battery sized between 200mAh and 250mAh that will "outperform" rival smartwatch batteries, along with support for wireless charging.
It's thought that the iWatch will run a custom version of iOS 8, with a large focus placed on Siri and iCloud, along with Apple's Healthbook feature.
