Speaking of smartwatches, the oft-rumoured Apple iWatch is back in the news. According to The China Times, Apple and its manufacturing partners have begun to produce the smartwatch in small quantities in preparation for larger volumes in time for a launch sometime in the fall. Apple appears to have lofty goals for its next device. Production is set to reach up to 3 million units in Q2, a number that could jump to as much as 15 million by the end of the third quarter.
The report also sheds light on the manufacturing approach Apple has opted to go with. Rather than using the more usual printed circuit boards (PCBs), the iWatch will be built using adds that the Apple iWatch will system-in-package modules(SiPs). These effectively package a number of integrated circuits into a single package. Each SiP can include any number of components, such as a processor or flash memory. While more compact than PCBs, production yields can be smaller.
Among the SIP suppliers named in the report are Kinsus Interconnect Technology Corp, NanyaPCB and ASE Group (also known as Advanced Semiconductor).
Recent rumours have suggested that Apple could offer the iWatch in a number of configurations with a choice of 1.3- or 1.5-inch flexible AMOLED displays. It will reportedly come with biometric functionality (including user recognition), NFC connectivity, wireless charging, a battery between 200 and 250mAh and a sapphire cover lens.
Apple could have a very busy fall season with not only the launch of the iWatch but also new iPhones and iPad tablets.
Sources : The China Times // G for Games