Ming-Chi Kuo, a KGI Securities’ analyst, who is well-known for making accurate predictions regarding future products from Apple, now claims that the much anticipated smart watch from Apple will not be made available for sale till late 2014. The analyst has also highlighted that the mass production of the wearable tech will commence sometime during the second half of 2014 and not in 2013. Here is what Ming has said, “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.”
In this statement, the timeline of Apple’s smartwatch production is noteworthy, as previously several reports have suggested that the wearable device will see first light sometime later in this year. In fact, Bloomberg, which has a decent repute when it comes to making claims regarding the future technology and devices, has reported earlier that Apple is looking to launch ‘iWatch’ by the end of 2013.
Kuo also asserted in his latest report that the wearable tech will sport the same display that was found on Apple’s iPod Nano.
“iWatch panel to be 1.5-2.0 inches, and likely to be made by Japanese or Korean supplier. We think a 1.5-2.0 inch panel suits watch applications best. The reason for choosing Japanese or Korean suppliers is that they enjoy closer cooperation with Apple, hence are more likely to become suppliers for Apple’s new products.
iWatch may use iPod nano’s GF2 touch technology and AP. Currently, the iPod nano uses the same GF2 touch technology as used by the iPad mini. Since the size and computing ability requirements of the iWatch are similar to those of the iPod nano, we think iWatch will use iPod nano’s GF2 touch technology and AP.”
However, Kuo was not the first, who has claimed that Apple will use 1.5-inch screen in its smartwatch, as report issued earlier this week has averred that Apple is getting ready to test 1.5-inch OLED screens for the wearable device.
Apart from this, numerous reports have also indicated that the smartwatch of Apple will be running iOS OS and feature biometrics. Kuo also believes that biometrics and iOS integration will be the significant selling points of the device:
“With a biometrics function, the iWatch can provide safer and more convenient user identification and offer more health care applications, which would create new business opportunities.
Integration with other Apple products a key selling point. The more secure identification mechanism and a biometrics function that we forecast the iWatch will have are complementary to other Apple products, and will therefore enhance the user’s experience of Apple’s ecosystem.”
Along with this, Kuo has also mentioned in his report why he believe Apple is developing a smartwatch rather than glasses:
“Apple will likely enter the wearable device market via iWatch first, not glasses. We think glasses aren’t likely to be mass produced in the next 1~2 years given cost and consumer behavior. Take Google Glass for example. We forecast Jabil will make only around 40k units in 2Q13, a far cry from mass production. We think Apple has accumulated abundant experience in designing wearable products through developing the sixth generation of the iPod nano, and the iPhone has many accessories similar to wrist bands. Moreover, Apple has applied for many curved screen and battery patents, which would be helpful for developing watch-like products.”
Source: 9to5Mac
Photo: 9to5Mac
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