“The momentum behind a digital watch from Apple continues to build up as Bloomberg reports the Cupertino based company are seeking to trademark the term ‘iWatch’ in Japan,” Ewan Spence writes for Forbes. ‘Many people are expecting the watch to revolutionise wearable computing when it is released, but I’m not so sure.”
“I think we’re looking at the iWatch product as being closer to Apple TV than the Apple iPad.,” Spence writes. “The iWatch is going to have an instant attraction, and many people will be interested in it, but a world where everyone sports a computer on their wrist? Apple fanatics can see it, but I’m not so sure. I think this is less a ‘take over the world’ product, more another ‘hobby’ to see what’s going on in a new space. Admittedly it will be a hobby that will shift hundred of thousands of units.”
MacDailyNews Take: If and when iWatch is released, it will sell millions of units within the first few days of availability.
Spence writes, “I think any iWatch product is going to take a similar approach [to Apple TV] and allow Tim Cook and the team at Apple to explore the wearable technology space. The pressure is on Apple to release the hardware; once it is out there they can see how users are working. As long as they can sell that story to the press and everyone goes along with it (as opposed to the fun they had around the launch of their own mapping product) the iWatch is going to be a successful second tier product for Apple.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: iCal’ed.
Related articles:
Apple files for ‘iWatch’ trademark in Japan – July 1, 2013
Analyst: Apple’s iWatch ‘increasingly likely’ for second-half 2013 launch – June 8, 2013
Apple reportedly files for ‘iWatch’ trademark in Russia – June 5, 2013
Why Apple is going to make and sell millions upon millions of iWatches – May 30, 2013
Apple’s iWatch could take out Swatch, others, even luxury watch makers – May 29, 2013
Apple CEO: Google Glass a ‘difficult’ product, hints at ‘iWatch’ – May 29, 2013
Analyst: Apple’s iWatch may not launch until late 2014, use biometrics and iPod nano tech – May 23, 2013
Apple’s iWatch imminent? – April 22, 2013
Survey shows exceptionally strong consumer interest in an Apple ‘iWatch’; iPhone dominates in customer satisfaction – April 19, 2013
iWatch? Apple’s Kevin Lynch heading former team of iPod engineers on new projects – April 12, 2013
Apple’s iWatch will measure far more than time – March 12, 2013
Disney ‘MagicBands’ showcases massive potential for Apple’s iWatch – March 6, 2013
Apple’s iOS-powered ‘iWatch’ facing battery life challenge, sources say – March 4, 2013
Apple seeks to introduce ‘iWatch’ as soon as this year, says source – March 4, 2013
Apple doesn’t need Corning for an iWatch, LG Display is ready to go with flexible OLED displays – March 3, 2013
Apple supplier Corning: It’ll be three years before companies start making ‘Willow’ flexible display products – February 28, 2013
Apple patent for flexible display slap bracelet ‘iWatch’ could fire up stock again – February 22, 2013
How to profit from Apple’s iWatch, Nike’s FuelBand and Google’s Glass – February 22, 2013
Apple’s iWatch concept is real – and here’s how it might work – February 22, 2013
ABI Research: Apple ‘iWatch’ could prove to be revelation in wearable tech – February 21, 2013
Apple patent application reveals slap bracelet ‘iWatch’ with flexible touchscreen display – February 21, 2013
Apple ‘iWatch’ leaks: Preemption or desperation? – February 19, 2013
Patents may point the way towards Apple iWatch – February 19, 2013
Samsung trying to beat Apple to market with ‘iWatch’ rival? – February 15, 2013
What if an Apple iWatch replaced most of the iPhone’s functions? – February 13, 2013
Apple ‘iWatch’ beyond ‘experimentation phase,’ sources say – February 13, 2013
Features that would make Apple’s iWatch a killer product – February 12, 2013
7 reasons why Apple’s unannounced ‘iWatch’ won’t fly – February 12, 2013
Patent application reveals Apple secretly developing wearable computing platform – February 12, 2013
Morgan Stanley: Apple iWatch, iTV could generate additional $80 billion annually – February 12, 2013
With ‘iWatch,’ Apple could turn wearable devices into next big thing – February 12, 2013
Why Apple is working on ‘iWatch,’ not ‘iGlasses’ – February 11, 2013
WSJ: Apple testing ‘iWatch’ device – February 11, 2013
iWatch: Apple developing curved-glass smart watch, sources say – February 11, 2013
Tog: The iWatch will fill a gaping hole in the Apple ecosystem – February 7, 2013
Why Apple should hang-up on the iPhone, iWear is next – January 6, 2013
Analyst sees wearable computers from Apple as future replacement for iPhone – January 2, 2013
Apple and Intel secretly building Bluetooth smartwatch that connects to your iOS devices, say sources – December 27, 2012
Apple patent application details display-integrated cellular antennas – May 6, 2012
Apple patent app details next-gen microstrip cellular antenna for future MacBooks, iWatch and beyond – October 25, 2011
Beleaguered Forbes.
There was a time when a reporter had to have reliable sources.
How can you have even a viable opinion when you haven’t even seen the product? This reminds me of the iPhone at introduction. Steve Jobs showed the iPhone at their national rollout, but it was thirty days before you could get one. The pundits filled the air and sea and sky for thirty days, predicting the demise of Apple. Well. Guess what? The pundits were wrong. Again. As usual. What we are really watching is the final strangulation of the Swiss and Japanese Watch making industry.
The motivating factor for people like Pundit Spence has never been accuracy, it’s clicks.
It is from an “F-tier” pundit. 😎
Illegal NSA eavesdropping kinda puts a wet blanket on any “reliable sources.” Just ask our European allies. Obama Messiah, The Steve Ballmer of Government…The Reign Of Error continues…
I agree that it would be more along the lines of Apple TV, but Apple TV is about to explode now that gaming is finally being introduced into it and game controlling capabilities built into the iPhone.
With so many unknowns such as styling, price and capabilities, it is hard to predict how it will do, so a Forbes writer making predictions on sales is pretty foolish…. I digress, I mean par for the course and expected from them.
The rumored iWatch could have a wide range of possible functions. Among those, I would expect an iWatch to function as an extension of other iOS devices, such as the iPhone and the AppleTV. For example, an iWatch could be used to accept or ignore a phone call or quickly check a text message. An iWatch could also serve as a handy wireless remote for the AppleTV.
As is typical for revolutionary new devices, people will find a many applications that were not foreseen by the inventors, much less the small-minded pundits that feign omniscience.
Melvin, do you really, REALLY think Apple is going to introduce a goddamned magic wristwatch?
“I’ve finally cracked it.” Do you REALLY think Jobs was referring to a fucking Dick Tracy two-way wrist tv? Jesus, you are too fucking stupid to share the same planet with normal humans.
Mel, please just ignore botvinnik, he is either off his meds or his troll check from Samedung was late this month. Tim Cook said it was an area of interest for Apple, that is all anyone knows. I agree there are things to explore there. Judging from the past they might just come up with something not even botvinnik can anticipate.
iCal’ed.
“his troll check from Samedung was late this month”
yeah, typical response from an unregistered comment.
…in related news, the American Psychiatric Association has announced of new category of mental retardation: “moron” (IQ of 51–70), “imbecile” IQ of 26–50, “idiot” (IQ of 0–25) and Melvin (IQ -12 to zero.)
Yet another category added only this afternoon: “schininis, a toady to Melvin” (IQ of Absolute Zero to -13.)
@botvinnik “announced of new category” Kettle calls pot black.
Every new product Apple brings falls into “ain’t gonna work” category first.
This is true though unless this iWatch just is so irresistibly lustful I too rather doubt this will be the same kind of mass accepted item like iPads, iPads, and iPhones. As an Apple stockholder I would love to be proven wrong. I just hate having things on my wrist (watches) or fingers (rings) so the love of the item would have to really overcome the hate of wearing anything, even tech related. Let’s hope if it is so mind blowingly great that Scamstung won’t be able to easily copy it.
Yet another Forbes click-whoring circle jerk.
Pundits never comprehend that what Apple does better than any other company on Earth is create product categories and products that fulfill a need we never knew we had. Your comment is most apropos.
Why we have to suffer fools from Forbes and the punditocracy in general is beyond my comprehension. To think that they:
1. Are paid for this drivel
2. Are capable of procreating, and their numbers are growing
3. Are allowed to use knives and forks on commercial aircraft
4. Have somehow escaped a competency hearing
5. Walk among us
makes me shudder.
As someone else so eloquently stated, the iWatch is nothing more than a fanboy identity bracelet and probably only in their wildest fantasies. I can think of 10,000 things I would rather spend my money for than an iWatch.
Spend your money on a new personality. Couldn’t be worse that the one you evince here.
=:~)
I agree, but we’ll see. I think there is something to the idea of a “borg nation” where not all Apple fans want to *wear it on their wrist*. There are some excellent 3rd party options coming out that are built around iOS. Would be nice to see them succeed. What Apple needs to do is get on with the Apple TV already and make it the killer combination that puts it all together.
Don’t be so dramatic. It’s only your insecurities surfacing.
It’ll be added to the long list of Apple failures like the iPod, iPhone, iPad, Macbook Air etc.
Here we go again…. an expert opinion even before the product has been announced….. just because apple has secured the name doesn’t mean the product will ever be released…..
I’d like to have a dollar for all the Apple failed products even an expert like Ballmer proclaimed!!!
First Apple may be subverting its competitors by lying about making an iWatch to waste their time.
Second MDN and others, you haven’t thought this through. A watch has 3 fatal flaws.
1. The user has raise their Lower and upper arm to use it, stressing the shoulder, bringing the screen close enough to their face.
2. You must use two hands with the device for most functions.
3. The biggest problem: the screen is tiny, thwarting any usable multi-touch interface.
And there are many other problems too like privacy, etc. It’s not better at most things than a smartphone or iPod.
At best an iWatch could be a niche product for things like sports. Thus, it won’t appeal to the masses.
No idea if Apple will do one but I’ll make a prediction: Apple will sell a million units in the first week because of hype then sales will tank. After two quarters people will realize it’s a useless product that does nothing better than a smartphone or iPod and is superfluous to Apple’s product line. It’ll be ‘the’ mistake that everyone will blame Tim Cook for.
You forgot to mention that it has no keyboard, so it’s not good for business.
Maybe Apple is registering trademarks on iWatch just to mess with Samsung and send them on a wild goose chase. Without an actual product to mimic, once Sammy finally releases whatever piece o’ crap they’ve come up with, Apple can then say “That’s not a watch. *This* is a watch.”
very low info article.
since nobody knows what this could really be , what is this ass talking about. It will blow out like every other product people said won’t sell
This sounds exciting as this is exactly the sort of commentary we had before iPhone and iPad so hey Apple must be doing something right. He is partly right I think because an iWatch is more difficult to nail down in respect of the way it will be used and what its main purpose is, for one thing is for sure it wont be a watch at heart, that would be like calling an iPad a Newton.
For me as a start I can see it as a place that will keep all your ‘club’, travel shopping memberships/associations/passes in one place in it so that you can breeze through gates, reorder things and accept and use discounts, tokens, give guidance via siri (and all that allows) etc, etc. All things that are a drag at the moment but accept as inevitable but which when they are removed we will wonder how we ever did without this device. Sounds a bit like having an iPad/Smartphone in that respect. Best of all those sort of capabilities will largely leave those other devices untouched and indeed may need one to work at full capability. Passbook is made for such a device.
Many have shown dismay that siri has not progressed from what it is but in all likelihood in typical Apple style that is partly because a more advanced implication will be perfect for such a device and will help give it a wow factor that gradual development cannot do.
Sorry meant to say ‘like launching a new iPad/iPhone’ in that regard for Apple, it would have a different core purpose than those not repeat their functionality.
Won’t be huge success? A second tier product is all a watch with a computer inside, will ever be.
In fact, iPhone turned every watch and computer into a second tier product almost overnight.
“Read More” of the Oracle, Ewan Spence’s drivel?
If iWatch is dependent on an iPhone for functionality, then its market is by definition limited to iPhone users. That doesn’t mean it can’t sell in the millions, but it won’t be a primary product for Apple, even if highly successful.
How can you judge a non-exsistant product?
No specs, no features, nothing.
Guessing with Apple will prove you wrong.
It’s been tried several times.
iPod
iPhone
iPad
App Store
Why is it if an Apple product doesn’t blow the roof off it’s a a failure?
While I don’t like the negative connotations of the article I’m not sure the general concept is wrong. As it stands now I think an iWatch is more likely a companion device than a stand alone blockbuster. That doesn’t make it bad.
Not all products need to be the next great thing or make billions to be auccessful. Apple TV is a great example. It’s the leader in the category, drives revenue to iTunes but is considered a failure by many. It’s not primarily because its a companion device. It helps keep customers in the apple universe and it makes money. We have one for each TV in the house because everyone loves it.
The iWatch will likely do the same thing. Add value to the Apple universe for people who already own apple products. It will probably not be the next stand alone product that draws people to Apple products, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
The iWatch might well promote sales of iPhones/iPads.Wait and see.
I’d order one sight unseen.
I have a Kickstarter Pebble and find it quite useful but I agree with MDN ie I will be one of the millions lining up to get an iWatch
The Pebble is nice but a mike and small speakers, nice screen , does Siri………..
If done right it will be a big winner
IMHO I think the iWatch could be the new iPod Shuffle or Nano. A small affordable entry product into the Apple ecosystem. The music player market is declining, Apple needs something grandparents can buy as gifts.
As far as ATV, I believe people have misunderstood the product. A hobby is not just something fun to do, it can be an experiment or collaboration. ATV was some of Apple’s test products that got unnoticed. A OS that was X based, simplified to work through iTunes; iOS. Could stream and be controlled by a iOS device; AirPlay. All flash storage that streamed most content, resulting in a cheaper, smaller, low power device: MacBook Air, iCloud. ATV has been a real world experiment that has gone under the RADAR.
All of you fanboys.
It’s really simple. A watch isn’t better at pretty much everything compared to a smartphone or iPod.
It’s a useless product. Wireless payments, Siri, etc.? You don’t even have to take your device out of your pocket for this stuff.
iWatch: Vapour. Another thing for fanboys to believe in.
I have an iPhone, iPad, iPod, and a vehicle when I travel. At home I have an iMac, radios, TVs, a stove and a microwave oven. They all have a built in physical clock or a software electronic clock that tells me the time.
Why would I buy an iWatch?
An iWatch would only have to have 140 readable characters, like texting to be useful for many. Yet even that is not necessary if the watch has Siri and a phone capability, as Siri can handle input to the iPhone in a pocket or purse that could handle the heavy computer duties. With wrist sensors, the market for sports and medical/health devices would sell
millions, and quickly establish Apples dominant share due to design, quality and customer satisfaction.