Reports indicate that Apple’s much rumored iWatch is anticipated to launch in the third quarter of 2014, with the possible inclusion of a UV light exposure sensor.
According to another announcement from DigiTimes, three suppliers have provided Apple with samples of flexible circuit boards for its smartwatch.
“Flexible PCB suppliers Flexium Interconnect, Zhen Ding Technology Holding and Career Technology reportedly have delivered FPCB samples for use in iWatch devices to Apple for validation, according to industry sources,” DigiTimes said.
The report comes a day after Taiwan’s Economic Daily News (via DigiTimes) claimed the yet-to-be-seen or confirmed wearable device from Apple is being manufactured by Quanta Computer, with Richtek Technology supplying chips and TPK providing sapphire touch panels.
The report states Apple is hoping to prepare 65 million smartwatch units by the end of 2014, with the Cupertino-based company asking its suppliers to provide the parts by August.
Speculation as to what the smartwatch might feature has also been the topic of conversation for many analysts and tech news pundits. The latest note from Barclays analyst Blayne Curtis considers the addition of a UV light exposure sensor from Texas-based Silicon Labs.
In his speculation on the iWatch, Curtis believes Silicon Labs is in a great position time-wise and also appeals to Apple by providing a point of difference to its smartwatch.
“These chips measure UV exposure to aid those with elevated risk of sunburn or just a general concern about excessive sun exposure, and we believe they may be of appealing [sic] to OEMs looking to differentiate in a crowded market,” Curtis said via Barron’s.
Reports have indicated the iWatch may possibly include the ability to measure health-related metrics like glucose levels, heart rate, sleep quality, and movement. Apple is said to be aiming to make the health-tracking experience more accessible to the general public, so it remains to be seen how complex the included sensors will be.
