iWatch: everything you need to know

As rumours abound that Apple is planning to launch the iWatch alongside the iPhone 6 at a media event scheduled for September 9, The Telegraph's tech team rounds up all the latest news, rumours and release date

This clean, simple vision from Stephen Olmstead demonstrates how a user could switch between functions via swiping the watch face from app to app, using Siri or answering calls
This clean, simple vision from Stephen Olmstead demonstrates how a user could switch between functions via swiping the watch face from app to app, using Siri or answering calls Credit: Photo: Stephen Olmstead

Apple is believed to be readying itself to launch its first original product in four years - the iWatch. Ahead of the company's September 9 special event, we round up the most likely rumours and developments surrounding one of the year's most anticipated gadget releases.

Apple has never formally commented on its rumoured development or name of a smartwatch, which has become widely known as the iWatch by fans. If true, the announcement of an iWatch would mark Apple's first newly-created product since the introduction of the iPad in 2010.

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The smartwatch is currently gaining traction as a lifestyle and well-being gadget due to its ability to collect data about the user's heart rate and other health-related metrics, in addition to facilitating tasks like checking email and making phone calls.

• What's it called?: iWatch or iTime, if patents are to be believed
• Announced: September 9, probably, when a "special" media event is due to be held
• Cost: Unknown

• What is it?

The internet has been awash with rumours surrounding Apple's development of a smartwatch for years - a wrist-worn device we expect will play music, receive calls and emails, help to monitor our health.

Back in December 2012 Chinese news site TGBUS reported sources had said Apple was building a smartwatch device using Intel chips and new low-power Bluetooth technology, featuring a 1.5-inch touchscreen. However, reports it would launch within the next six months were greatly exaggerated.

In February 2013 a patent application filed by the company in August 2011 was published, detailing a form of 'wearable accessory device' wristband powered by the kinetic energy generated by wrist movements.

A patent filed by Apple which came to light in February 2013 details a “wearable accessory device,” with no mention of the device having any timekeeping qualities. Instead it can exist in both a flat and a curled state and would communicate with a "portable electronic device" (presumably an iPhone or iPad)

Illustration of the patent's wristband in a curled state

The patent made no mention of the device having any timekeeping qualities, instead existing in both a flat and a curled state, like a snap wristband, and would communicate with a 'portable electronic device' (presumably an iPhone or iPad)

The filing revealed that Apple had been working on smartwatch ideas for a number of years, and including suggestions including a simple virtual keyboard’ and an Amoled screen, which would reduce power consumption.

While details were sketchy, the patent suggested features could include a curved touchscreen made from a new type of flexible glass, as featured in the patent, an array of sensors to monitor exercise patterns and heart rate, “wave and pay” function, access to maps, voice control and wireless integration with the iPhone. That could allow the wearer to take calls and read messages without having to delve into their pocket or bag, or mean the iphone would know when it was in its owner’s hand and unlock automatically.

Apple's patent filing covers what could become an iWatch

Early sketches on the 2011 patent depict a smartphone syncing with a wristband-style device

Apple applied to register the term iWatch as a trademark in Japan in July 2013, while a separate patent for a smartwatch refered to in documents as iTime came to light in July this year.

The latter patent detailed an electronic wristband featuring a dock section for a media player, such as the 6th generation iPod nano.

The wristband could have the capacity to contain an accelerometer, GPS receiver or haptic device (which produces vibrations), the patent explains. It could also operate within its own 'personal wireless environment', through which it could interact with a partnered iPhone, iPad or Mac.

Should Apple produce a smartwatch, iTime or iWatch are among the contenders for a name

The July 2014 patent details a wristband which an iPod nano-style device could slot into

The company trademarked the term iWatch across Asia and Latin America, but two exisiting companies own the rights to it across the European Union and United States.

A notable hire was Patrick Pruniaux, former vice president of Tag Heuer's global sales and retail, back in July.

• What will it look like?

Unlike the iPhone 6, next to no 'leaked' photos of the iWatch have surfaced online, leaving designers' imaginations to run wild in creating weird and wonderful concept images based on the patents Apple has filed around a smartband or smartwatch, details of which are vague.

This realistic design from Ciccarese Design borrows much from the aesthetics of the iPhone, its width and large screen making it look more like a wristband wearable than a traditional watch

This piece of concept art imagines the smartwatch as a flattened iPhone

Given reports that Apple has invited 'unprecedented' numbers of fashion journalists and bloggers to the September 9 event, Reuters has speculated the company is attempting to win over a critical crowd ahead of a wearable launch.

In June this year numerous sources close to the matter said the device will sport a 2.5-inch arched rectangular display supplied by LG, contain more than 10 sensors for purposes including monitoring the user's pulse, and will need to be paired with an iPhone in order to send messages and voice chat with others.

One persistent rumour is that the gadget will feature a curved screen, as envisioned below:

 Google working on rival to Apple’s iWatch - Apple iWatch concept -

Reports in July suggested Apple was planning on sapphire glass screens for a potential wearable, after the company opened several plants dedicated to producing the synthetic crystal, which is second only to diamond in its hardness.

This clean, simple vision from Stephen Olmstead demonstrates how a user could switch between functions via swiping the watch face from app to app, using Siri or answering calls

This clean, simple vision from Stephen Olmstead demonstrates how a user could switch between functions via swiping the watch face from app to app, using Siri or answering calls

• What will it do?

It's generally expected the iWatch will run simplified versions of exisiting iOS apps in order to complete everyday tasks such as playing music, receiving and sending emails and other messages and notifications like calendar reminders and alerts.

One of the main expectations we have for the iWatch is that it will be designed as a lifestyle gadget, taking full advantage of the new heath and fitness monitoring and home appliance control features introduced with iOS 8.

The operating system's new framework HealthKit aggregates numerous healthcare and fitness apps, such as blood pressure and heart rate monitors through partner apps including Nike, and allows them to communicate with each other.

Given the iWatch is (presumably) designed for the wrist, it would be a natural partner for monitoring your exercise regime (through an in-built pedometer, for example), and also for easy input of health data, such as punching in your daily calorie intake or keeping an eye on your blood pressure. This would make the iWatch a serious competitor to other fitness wearables, including the Jawbone UP and Garmin's Vivosmart.

HomeKit, iOS 8's secondary new framework, will allow users to control all your home's internet-enabled appliances through digital assistant Siri, and group them together to work in harmony. Working off the premise the iWatch will run iOS 8, or perhaps a later version depending on its launch date, it would make sense for the device to support the operating system's most notable new additions.

The device is highly likely to only be compatible with other iOS products, meaning it's unlikely to sync with rival smartphones or operating systems.

• When can I buy it?

Should the iWatch be announced on September 9, it will either be available to buy from September 19, as we're expecting the iPhone 6 to be, or be forced to wait until 2015.