Cantor Fitzgerald’s Brian White reports that several components for the so-callediWatchare going into mass production this month. The analyst believes that Apple is planning to unveil the long-rumored smartwatch in September, perhaps alongsidethe iPhone 6.
White bases his report on his recent tour of Computex, Asia’s largest technology show, where wearables were by far the most talked-about products. There, sources from supply chain companies told him iWatch component production would soon begin ramping up…
MacRumorsshares White’s note to investors:
With the theme around wearable technology at Computex this year, our research has uncovered more data points as it relates to Apple’s “iWatch.” Our meeting with a tech supply chain company highlighted that initial production of certain “iWatch” components is scheduled to begin later this month and there are plans for a sharp acceleration into fall.
Given the trajectory of this ramp and our experience analyzing other product ramps at Apple, we expect the “iWatch” to be unveiled with the iPhone 6 in September. Since our research suggests the first iteration of the “iWatch” is more of a companion device, and thus requires a connection to an iPhone, we believe unveiling the two new devices at the same time makes sense.
White says that the iWatch will be offered at several price points, similar to the iPhone and iPad, with an entry level model as low as $199. While that seems cheap compared toprevious reports, that would allow it to better compete with the likes ofPebbleandSamsung.
We know very little about Apple’s smartwatch thus far, other than rumors have said it willcome in two sizes: 1.3 and 1.5-inches and have a round face. It should also pair nicely with the newly-introducediOS 8 ‘Health’ app, which will likely also be released in September.
