iWatch Launch To Feature Limited Shipments; Half Will Have Sapphire Glass Display: Report

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has expressed his belief that the iWatch will only be available in limited quantities in 2014, Mac Rumors reports.

According to Kuo, only three million devices could be in stores by the end of 2014, which he says is lower than market predictions of five to ten million because his supply chain information points to a late production date for the rumored Apple smartwatch.

Kuo added that he sees continued issues with the iWatch’s sapphire display to blame, which, in turn, may force Apple to produce some of the devices with sapphire glass and others with regular glass. He also added that TPK will be the iWatch’s touch module supplier.

GForGames, meanwhile, reports that the holiday season will be iWatch season in 2014.

The publication's "inside sources" from Apple's supply chain have informed them that the smartwatch will be released in December alongside the rumored 5.5-inch iPhone 6 or iPhone "Air" model. The 4.7-inch iPhone 6, meanwhile, will release this September, according to the report, which mirrors a recent report that the devices would get staggered launches.

The iWatch or iTime, as it has also been called, was recently tied for mass production start in November.

GForGames calculates that the timing for the device's release sounds right when you consider its likely standing in the Apple lineup:

"Given the fact that the smartwatch in question should work, for the most part, like any other similar companion gadget (meaning that the large majority of its features will be available once the device is paired up with a smartphone), it's somewhat to be expected for Apple to not introduce the iWatch to the world during an exclusive event. With that in mind, if the iWatch won't be ready by the time the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 hits the stage (and it most likely won't), chances are that the wrist gadget will indeed make its debut next to the 5.5-inch model, regardless of when the smartphone will go live."

An earlier update from the Economic Daily News (spotted first by GForGames) tipped two size options for the device — 1.6 inches and 1.8 inches (with the sapphire display). Furthermore, the report adds that the use of the sapphire on the smartwatch could "pave the way" for future iPhones — like the iPhone 6S or iPhone 7 — to use a sapphire display; suggesting rumors of a sapphire iPhone 6 are untrue.

Sources "familiar with the matter" previously told The Wall Street Journal several sizes and model designs would be offered.