Until recently, it was widely believed that Apple's (AAPL 0.04%) alleged iWatch would sport a watch-like display of 1.3 to 1.7 inches. That's why it was a bit surprising when Reuters reported last month that the iWatch display would measure 2.5 inches diagonally, with a "slightly rectangular" touch face to the device.
Given Reuters' credibility as a source of rumors and the fact that it said its sources were familiar with the matter, the report was enough merit for a new mockup.
Enter SET Solution's idea of what the iWatch may look like, and how it may work.
Apple's approach to smartwatch design would defy the current approach of going for a more watch-like look. Consider Motorola's Google Android-powered Moto 360:
Moto 360. Image source: Motorola.
The Samsung Gear line also has a smaller display, measuring 1.63 inches
Samsung Gear 2. Image source: Samsung.
Other recent iWatch news
Further, another new report about Apple's iWatch suggests the company may emphasize voice messages with the device.
UBS analyst Steven Milunovich (via Fortune) says that in a recent meeting with Apple's Tim Cook, the CEO emphasized the popularity of voice messaging over text messaging in China. Milunovich concluded that voice messaging could make sense in the iWatch.
QUOTE: When we visited with Tim Cook, he said that walking down streets in China one sees people speaking into their phones sending voice rather than text messages. Porting this capability to the watch makes sense as it is easier to send a voice message from a device already on the wrist than pulling out a phone. It also could aid penetration of China, which Cook said has a ways to go.
Apple is debuting voice messages to iMessage in iOS 8. Image source: Apple.
Pairing a bold move to shift messaging interest toward voice, and encouraging greater interest in wellness with built-in health sensors, Milunovich has great confidence in the device, projecting 21 million units in fiscal 2015 and 36 million in fiscal 2016. Adding perspective, Apple sold about 160 million iPhones and 71 million iPads in the past twelve months.
The iWatch is expected this fall. As the rumored launch timing approaches, investors will likely get an increasingly better idea of how Apple plans to differentiate the device in the market.
While it may be difficult at this point to project exactly how well Apple's iWatch will fair with consumers, it would be wise for investors to at least expect some meaningful upside from Apple's top and bottom line in the coming years, given Apple's past success at entering new categories. Consider, for instance, Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty's projections. She believes the iWatch could boost revenue by as much as 10% in the first year of the device's sales.
