TORONTO – Consumers holding out for Apple’s smartwatch may have to wait longer than expected for the device.
According to a leaked internal Apple document obtained by Apple news site 9to5Mac, the Apple Watch may not be launching until next spring. Apple CEO Tim Cook had previously teased the device’s launch as “early 2015,” prompting many to believe the smartwatch would be available shortly after the holiday season.
9to5Mac said it obtained a transcript of an internal Apple video in which Angela Ahrendt, Apple’s senior vice president of retail and online stores, addressed employees.
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According to the transcript, Ahrendt said “we’ve got a new watch launch coming in the spring.”
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Apple has not commented on the report.
The unconfirmed report comes as the wearable tech market becomes more and more saturated. Last week Microsoft unveiled its Microsoft Band fitness tracker, which syncs with users’ smartphones to display notifications.
Apple could face some competition from Microsoft Band, as the device is cross-platform – meaning it can be used with iOS, Android or Windows Phone devices.
Motorola, Samsung and FitBit have also recently released updates to their smartwatches.
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Apple Watch works as a companion to the iPhone to send messages, check notifications, interact with other Apple Watch users and use Apple Maps.
The device will be available in three different collections – Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition – and will come in two different sizes, 42 mm and 38 mm for those with smaller wrists. There is also an 18-karat rose or yellow gold version. It will retail starting at US$349.
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