Apple iWatch Launch Possible this Fall

Over the past few days, various media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, have added to the speculation surrounding Apple’s upcoming iWatch. According to the reports, the new smartwatch, which was designed with high-level input from fashion industry veteran Paul Deneve, will be offered in a range of styles and configurations. It was also reported that Apple has set lofty sales goals for its iWatch; the company is said to expect year-end sales figures to reach the range of 10 to 15 million.

However, conflicting details have emerged about screen sizes. According to Reuters, Apple had finalized a 2.5-inch rectangular screen, while The Wall Street Journal suggested that the company will offer varied screen sizes. Current smartwatch market research suggests that consumers have an appetite for choice. One of the reasons smartwatches haven’t caught on yet is that the one-size-fits-all model isn’t working for a lot of would-be buyers.

The Wall Street Journal reports also offered speculative details on the sensor package that will accompany the iWatch’s initial release. It is believed that the iWatch will come with more than 10 built-in sensors, which would offer users unique and convenient features not readily available through smartphones and other mobile devices.

Industry analysts believe this will be the key factor in determining the iWatch’s success or failure; the smartwatch will have to give consumers a worthwhile value proposition to reach Apple’s sales targets. Mobile app developers will want to keep a close eye on the iWatch’s performance when it goes to market, as its success would open up the floodgates to a huge new market segment.

Similarly, if you’re part of the New York City app developer community and you’re looking for emerging markets, the smartwatch industry could well pose exciting opportunities in the not-too-distant future. If they catch on with consumers, it may mark the beginning of a new era in the software development industry.