Apple's anticipated wearable smart device, the Apple Watch, has been confirmed to release in Spring of 2015.
The new launch window, as reported in leaked transcripts received by tech site 9to5Mac, revealed the date in an internal video memo from Apple Senior Vice President of Retail and Online Stores, Angela Ahrendts. The spring date, said to occur after the Chinese New Year of February 19, may be a little later than first predicted when the device was announced in September during an Apple event.
"...We are sprinting a marathon right now, and it's not going to stop. Right? We're going into the holidays, we'll go into Chinese New Year, and then we've got a new watch launch coming in the spring," the video to Apple employees proclaims.
Before this point, Apple has only stated that the Apple Watch will ship in "early 2015," but this note seems to indicate that the launch will follow the progression after the Chinese New Year holiday and release in Spring, instead of Winter. Spring doesn't officially start until March 20 in the northern hemisphere, so it could even be after that. The company's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) begins on June 2, which is technically still Spring, so insiders believe the wearable will launch before then.
Some had speculated that Apple would have a hard time hitting the prime Valentine's Day timeframe, which turns out to be the truth. Original rumors from last year stated that the Apple Watch (then thought to be called the iWatch) would ship in Fall of 2014, but we know that's not the case.
To help prepare for the launch of the the revolutionary device, Apple is already training employees on proper sales protocol. 9to5Mac is reporting that staff will be taught how to properly help customers try on the devices, including switching out sizes and bands, to help cutomers get a better feel for what fits them best. Logistically, this type of hands-on sales technique is new territory for Apple, but it's rumored that the watches will still be tethered to display tables to prevent theft.
The Apple Watch will come in a variety of models that will range from lightweight aluminum with a plastic band to 18-karat gold with a leather band. They will come in two different sizes (38 mm and 42 mm) and feature Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi, a gyroscope, heart rate monitor, and a barometer. Oh, and they'll tell time, too.
The watch will be fully compatible with the iPhone 5, iPhone 5C, iPhone 5S, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus all running with iOS 8.
