A new report from Korean source Naver has reaffirmed that LG will be the sole supplier of the flexible display panels required for the rumored Apple iWatch. It is said that Apple found LG’s flexible displays to be suitable for the new wearable with the appropriate size, brightness as well as power consumption.
The company will reportedly make both the 1.3 inch and 1.5 inch displays of the iWatch which are expected to break cover in Fall this year. These panels are expected to go into mass production by July, giving Apple ample amount of time before the September unveiling.
In addition to featuring a flexible display, the iWatch is also expected to sport a wide array of sensors to track pulse rate and several other health related parameters. Users will be able to track their health data using iOS 8′s new Healthbook app. We expect to learn more about this app during the WWDC 2014 event in June.
Last week, KGI Securities analyst Ming Chi Kuo who has a good track record when it comes to predicting Apple’s future product plans stated in his latest research report that the iWatch sport an NFC chip, a ”fashionable appearance,” and a thin design not yet seen in the smart wearable space. According to Kuo, the watch will also have hardware made of liquid metal, and will include an “innovative” antennae for wireless charging.
Battery life has been a challenge for Apple as well as most other smart wearable hardware makers, but Kuo predicts a 200 to 250mAh battery which will provide power for up to one day. Apple was initially hoping to get 3-4 days, but it seems the Cupertino corporation won’t quite hit that mark. However, Kuo says the device’s battery will last longer than its competitors thanks to a “vertically integrated operating system and key components.”
Most interesting of Kuo’s iWatch predictions are his forecasted price points for the device. Apple is known to target the high-end of the market, but Kuo says that at least one model of the iWatch will cost “several thousand” dollars, which could be subsidized by insurance companies. He also noted, however, that Apple does indeed intend to target the low-end of the market as well.
Today’s report notes that Apple is planning to release the iWatch in September, and is targeting to sell 9 million iWatch units by the end of the year.
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