The Apple iWatch, the rumored smartwatch of the Cupertino-based company, may not hit the market until 2014. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has successfully predicted other product launches of Apple previously, made this forecast.
While there were earlier predictions that the wearable technology product from Apple will roll out before the end of 2013, Kuo warned of possible software and hardware issues that may keep the company from releasing it until the second half of 2014.
"Apple may not have adequate resources to develop an iWatch version of iOS because it may require big changes to iPhone and iPad iOS this year. In addition, wearable device components aren't mature. For these reasons, we think mass production of the iWatch is more likely to begin in 2H14, not 2H13 as the market speculates," Kuo said, according to a 9to5mac report.
The analyst also said that most likely Apple will give the device a display that is about 1.5 to 2 inches and will derive some DNA from the iPod nano, specifically with regard to the touch technology and processing power.
The Apple iWatch may also have biometric security features that may tap the forte of AuthenTec, a company Apple acquired for $356 million last year. Biometric functionality will also allow the futuristic watch to compete with products like FitBit and Nike+ fuel band.
Kuo also said that most likely Apple is working on a wrist-device and not glasses. The analyst said that smartglasses may not get to consumers in the next one or two years due to the cost and the behavior of consumers.
The buzz on the Apple iWatch keeps growing and a recent report claims that the company is preparing to test an OLED display for a wrist device.
The rumors about an Apple iWatch first generated some buzz when several media entities ran reports about Apple's interest on wearable technology, particularly on the development of a smartwatch. The New York Times reported that the technology giant was exploring the possibilities of coming up with a wristwatch-like device using curved glass. Bloomberg also reported that Apple had assembled a team that focuses on said wearable technology project.
