Apple iWatch likely to launch in second half of year, says analyst
Component suppliers appear to be ready for production of the iWatch, pointing to an "increasingly likely" launch for the second half of 2013, says Citi analyst Glen Yeung.
Consumers eyeing an Apple iWatch could see one on their wrist sometime in the second half of the year.
Apple is expected to give the signal to the supply chain this month to start cooking up components for the much-rumored iWatch, says Citi's Glen Yeung. With parts suppliers ready to kick off production, the analyst sees a second-half launch as "increasingly likely" for Apple's high-tech watch.
"We believe iWatch is in a greater state of readiness, with the supply chain now waiting for the production go-ahead from Apple," Yeung said in an investors note released today. "We suspect the go/no-go decision will be made in June and are leaning toward a 'go' outcome at this time."
Reports have surfaced over the past few months that Apple would come out with a smartwatch. Apple naturally has been silent on the subject. But some recent tidbits suggest that an iWatch may be on the way.
Apple reportedly has filed for a trademark on the "iWatch" brand in Russia. Taiwanese news source Economic Times recently said that Apple has been checking out 1.5-inch OLED screens for a smartwatch. And a story from Bloomberg said that the iWatch is slated to roll out as soon as this year.