iWatch Components to Enter Production This Month, Analyst Says

Apple’s supply chain is gearing up to manufacture iWatch components, as the device will reportedly enter mass production later this month, analyst Brian White of Cantor Fitzgerald says. He expressed his belief that the highly anticipated Apple smartwatch will be unveiled in September alongside the iPhone 6 devices (via MacRumors).

Brian White is on his usual tour in the Far East, and this time he participated in Computex, Asia’s biggest tech show. Following his discovery of third-party accessories designed for the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 model, the analyst is back with fresh speculation about the iWatch.

After meeting with representatives of Apple’s supply chain, White concluded that “initial production of iWatch components” will start this month, and the output will grow by fall.

Given the trajectory of this ramp and our experience analyzing other product ramps at Apple, we expect the “iWatch” to be unveiled with the iPhone 6 in September. Since our research suggests the first iteration of the “iWatch” is more of a companion device, and thus requires a connection to an iPhone, we believe unveiling the two new devices at the same time makes sense.

According to his estimate, the iWatch will be available in different price tiers, just like the iPhone and the iPad, with the entry-level model projected between $119 and $229.

Earlier last month, a Rosenblatt Securities analyst revealed that the iWatch will likely have a round face while entering production in July or August. An April report revealed that Apple has already started producing the iWatch in small quantities.

Analyst Brian White doesn’t have a good track record when it comes to predicting Apple’s plans. However, earlier rumours agree on a second-half release of the device, which is vague enough for some to predict a September release when considering the iWatch as a “companion device”.