Apple iWatch release

Apple iWatch release date, news and rumours

We're on Apple Watch

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Wearable tech, we're told, is the next big thing - and if anyone can make a truly desirable wearable device, it's Apple.

Rumours are flying about an Apple Watch, the missing link between the iPhone and Flavor Flav's clock - but which rumours seem most likely? Let's find out what time it is.

The iWatch is a big project

According to Bloomberg, Apple has a team of around 100 designers working on "a wristwatch-like device that may perform some of the tasks now handled by the iPhone and iPad". That's based on conversations with "two people familiar with the company's plans".

The team includes people from all parts of Apple: not just iPad and iPhone engineers but software developers, managers and marketers too.

Sounds like golden-child and knight of the realm Sir Jony Ive is the man leading the project, having ordered in 'boxes' of Nike sports watches some years ago for research purposes. Again, that's according to yet more Bloomberg's inside sources.

CEO Tim Cook even hinted at the iWatch during an investors' meeting in February 2013. Well, he told investors that "obviously we're looking at new categories" which is the same thing, right?



Remember before the iPad launched and everyone thought it'd be $1,000? Oh, how we laugh about that now.

Clearly, though, until we have a better idea of what the Apple Watch is and whether Apple is actually going to ship it, nobody has the faintest idea what it'll cost.

As for a release date, we're a little more clued-in. Some of Bloomberg's sources have opined that we'll see it launch in 2013 for sure, although we'd prescribe the requisite amount of salt to go alongside that rumour.

The iWatch has curved Gorilla Glass

"Apple is experimenting with wristwatch-like devices made of curved glass," says the NYT's Nick Bilton, quoting "people familiar with the company's explorations". The glass "can curve around the human body" and may be Corning's just-announced Willow Glass, which "can flop as easily as a piece of paper in the wind without breaking."

Adding credence to this particular supposition is the fact that Apple has patented a '90s slap-band style form factor which would require such a flexible display. Apple's patented plenty of tech that never sees the literal light of day - we can't help but hope this isn't one of those.

The iWatch has Bluetooth and a 1.5-inch display

That's what Chinese gadget site Tech.163 reckons, anyway, although that might be one of many prototypes. Bluetooth is essential, though: if the iWatch is going to communicate with your phone or iPod, low energy Bluetooth is the way to do it.

A 1.5-inch screen suggests it'll show selected information from your iOS device rather than mirror the whole display, which would be rubbish.

The iWatch probably won't look like a G-Shock or an Omega Seamaster

The Guardian took a look at various iWatch mock-ups and poured scorn on most: multiple buttons on an Apple device? Really? Technology editor Charles Arthur also makes a good point: "an iWatch has to appeal to both sexes", and something that looks OK on enormous man paws will look ridiculous on little lady hands.

Report by : Gary Marshall