‘iWatch’ will be Much Cheaper than Expected, says Analyst

Cowen & Co. analyst Timothy Arcuri has noted in an investor note today that Apple’s heavily rumoured ‘iWatch’ will be launched in September, which will be significantly cheaper than expected, BGR is reporting. The analyst adds that health insurers could subsidize the cost of the smartwatch in the future, similar to the carrier subsidization model for the iPhone.

Arcuri notes that the ‘iWatch’ will sport unique features when compared to other wearable device, and will go on sale just in time for the holidays. Earlier reports have suggested that the ‘iWatch’ will feature various sensors capable of measuring health and fitness-related parameters. Based on these speculations, the analyst predicts that such features could convince health insurers to partially cover the cost of the device.

“We continue to feel this product will differentiate itself with existing wearable products primarily from a health perspective with a number of key innovations including noninvasive blood cell count and blood pressure and other more pedestrian features like heart rate,” the analyst said. “If people wearing an Apple iWatch are more cognizant of steps taken, calories burned, blood pressure, heart rate and other biometric data, they will lead healthier lives and have less need for medical care”.

Predicting a price of around $250, Arcuri claims Apple will be able to sell over 18 million units of the device next year.