Home The iWatch Is Coming, And That’s About All We Know

The iWatch Is Coming, And That’s About All We Know

We’ve known for some time that Apple’s rumored “iWatch” appears to be a real concept, with patent filings that suggest a device completely distinct from the already watch-like 6th-gen iPod Nano. A report from Bloomberg this morning adds a few details — namely that the product is being headed up by Apple design guru Jony Ive, who’s reportedly long been obsessed with smart watches since at least the mid-2000s, when he supposedly ordered boxes of Nike sports watches for his design team to play around with.

The Verge’s Nilay Patel chimed in with a report that the iWatch will run a modified version of iOS, not a beefed up version of the Nano’s touch OS. That certainly sounds likely, given that Apple designed iOS from the ground up for the initial iPhone instead of simply updating the iPod OS. 

(See also: Who’s Manipulating Apple Stock With This iWatch Story?)

Whether or not all that really tells us much about Apple’s vision for the iWatch is another question entirely. Apple could be aiming for a device that performs a wide array of phone functions, with a smartphone in the pocket as the backup. Alternatively, it might still be taking a stripped-down Bluetooth approach, in which the smartwatch will only work in tandem with an iPhone and perform simple functions, like receiving notifications and checking emails and texts.

A more capable smartwatch, however, must also clear the hurdle of battery life. The Pebble smartwatch promises a week between charges, though it’s a fairly simple device compared to the claims being made for the iWatch. And Apple may be having difficulty making an iWatch with even a 4-5 day battery life, as The Verge’s Patel reports that the current prototype lasts only “a couple [of] days max.”

Crippling battery drain would present a huge problem should Apple be hoping to dominate the much-talked-about segment of wearable devices. That’s a market Google is already clearly targeting with its projected release of its augmented-reality Glass device.

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the tech industry for major developments, new product launches, AI breakthroughs, video game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to staff writers or freelance contributors with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Get the biggest tech headlines of the day delivered to your inbox

    By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe anytime.

    Tech News

    Explore the latest in tech with our Tech News. We cut through the noise for concise, relevant updates, keeping you informed about the rapidly evolving tech landscape with curated content that separates signal from noise.

    In-Depth Tech Stories

    Explore tech impact in In-Depth Stories. Narrative data journalism offers comprehensive analyses, revealing stories behind data. Understand industry trends for a deeper perspective on tech's intricate relationships with society.

    Expert Reviews

    Empower decisions with Expert Reviews, merging industry expertise and insightful analysis. Delve into tech intricacies, get the best deals, and stay ahead with our trustworthy guide to navigating the ever-changing tech market.