Since unveiling the Apple Watch last September, many have wondered just how popular Apple's latest venture will be in its first years.
This is Apple, after all. There wouldn't be anticipation without skepticism.
Jony Ive, the Cupertino-based company's senior vice president of design, confirmed the smartwatch will have duo fitness and activity tracker functions. All versions will be available in two sizes. The entry level Sports model will retail around $349 while a stainless steel model could haven an average price of $700- $1,000. The 18-karat gold edition could go for as much as $4,999.
But that's just speculation. Little else is known heading into Monday's announcement. Ive previewed a few apps, little has been said about battery life, accessories, and whether it will be compatible with IPhones. Battery life, especially, is a concern as Apple's development department initially targeted for the watch to have between 2-4.5 hours for heavy usage apps versus 19 hours per day of standard usage.
Apple is in the beta testing stage of iOS 8.3 software, all but assuring the Apple Watch will use iOS 8.2. For the smartwatch to sync with other devices each device would need an update, which could happen shortly after Monday's official unveiling. It's a rumor for now, but a pretty solid one.
Consumers shouldn't put stock in updates to IPads, Apple TV, or streaming music services. Production on bigger IPads isn't expected to begin until the fall, according to Bloomberg. Then again, it's been nearly a year since Apple last updated their MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. There is no better stage than the Apple Watches' to announce any changes.
Part of the reason MacBooks' have gone relatively untouched over the last year is because Broadwell, Intel's newest processor due out in mid-2015, was delayed. Images leaked last week only add fuel to the fire, though it appears as if notebooks will only receive system upgrades and not full blown makeovers.
Speaking in Berlin last week, Apple CEO Tim Cook said the watch wouldn't be an U.S.-only release when it launches in April. According to 9to5mac, a Mac rumor website, Geman employees were told they would also see Apple Watch next month. Presale orders aren't being taken yet, but one can expect them shortly after Monday's unveiling.
While Apple expects to ship 15.4 million Apple Watch units in its first year, giving them control over about 58.4 percent of the global watch market. Apple reportedly asked suppliers to manufacture five to six million for its first quarter release.
Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster predicts sales of about eight million in 2015 while Strategic Analytics believes smartwatch sales worldwide will jump from 4.6 million in 2014 to 28.1 million this year.
Watch a live stream of Apple's March 9 announcement at 10 a.m. PST.
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