Apple Watch Release Date, Specs & Price: Mass Production On-Target for Spring 2015 Launch?

Rumors are suggesting that the mass production of the much-awaited Apple Watch will start in January next year.

British news site Daily Mail citing the Taiwanese site United Daily News reported that previous problems with the device which was associated with the supply of screens and processors have already been resolved. The $349 Apple Watch which was unveiled in September is reportedly to hit markets by spring next year.

BGR also confirmed this in its report, saying "Even though previous reports said Apple might be facing certain delays for the Apple Watch, it looks like Apple suppliers managed to achieve various production breakthroughs for critical smartwatch components including its display, processor, chips, chassis and other parts."

It added that the mass production was previously scheduled to February but was moved to January. So, Quanta is now set to initially produce 3 million to 5 million devices out of the 24 million Apple watches the company ordered for the year. BGR also said that at least 10,000 workers have already been hired for the production of the Apple Watches. But Daily Mail said the supplier will still hire more to make the number of worker total to 20,000.

9to5mac.com meanwhile reported that it was Apple's senior vice president of retail and online stores Angela Ahrendts who gave hints about the device's release date.

"So, again, we do -- you guys were hired because you're the best people in the world. And you know how to service customers, but we are sprinting a marathon right now, and it's not going to stop. Right? We're going into the holidays, we'll go into Chinese New Year, and then we've got a new watch launch coming in the spring..." Ahrendts was quoted as saying in the report.

According to the 9to5mac report, the Apple Watch was supposedly to be shipped in fall of 2014 but was delayed due to "engineering difficulties" and battery problems.

Daily Mail said an Apple spokesperson has refused to talk about the battery problems as the details will be revealed next year. It also noted that the new Apple Watch is "sealed back" just like any other Apple products. This means that the battery cannot be replaced and so when it deteriorates, users have to replace it entirely.

Stabley Times earlier reported that the release of the Apple Watch will coincide with the alleged new iPhone 6S. "Apple is hesitant about launching the iWatch in the spring of 2015 without a new iPhone to go along with it, as it could give hesitant consumers an excuse to wait on buying both until the fall. As such, Apple is looking at giving the iPhone 6S a release date in the spring with the Watch," to quote them.

But BGR said that an early launch for the new iPhone is unlikely "as the company has yet to order upgraded components for such a device, such as a next-gen A9 processor."