It’s not been officially confirmed, but we all know that Apple is working on a smartwatch. Whether or not they call it the iWatch, it will be coming to market at some point. That time frame may be extended though, as Apple is reportedly running in to issues with getting their smartwatch right. According to a report from The Information, Apple is having issues with the screen technology they are using, battery problems, and snags in the manufacturing process.
The report states that Apple has a “sizable team” working on the iWatch, but that the company had to stop the production of an advanced prototype from one manufacturer last year. This was pointed out by an industry executive, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that there is a problem. Companies like Apple usually test the waters with several manufacturers before deciding on which one they like the best.
The Apple is iWatch is expected to run a trimmed-down version of iOS, but we don’t know what exactly it will look like yet. It’s rumored that the watch will be a companion device like the Galaxy Gear, not a stand-alone smartwatch like the one Intel announced at CES 2014. It should have all of the obligatory sensors and software features that we expect, and it could even serve as a central control unit for home automation, in conjunction with other Apple devices. It will come with a 1.5-inch display, which is smaller than the Galaxy Gear. It’s also rumored that the iWatch will coming in multiple sizes in order to better fit different wrists.
It could launch sometime in the second half of 2014, but if issues persist, that launch date may be pushed back. Samsung rushed the Galaxy Gear to market partly in order to beat Apple to the punch, so to speak, and other manufacturers will look to do the same. There are all kinds of new smartwatches being announced at CES this year. Almost every major and minor OEM has a watch in their pipeline. Just take a look at our CES smartwatch coverage. Apple will have plenty of competition on their hands, and the longer they wait the harder it will be.