Apple may have begun ramping up production of the Apple Watch for release in the relatively near future.
Per 9to5Mac and DigiTimes, while Apple has yet to provide a specific launch date for the Apple Watch, leaving its early 2015 timeframe and internal memo revealing a spring launch after Chinese New Year as the only information to go by in terms of a release date, chipmakers in Apple’s overseas supply chain are reportedly gearing up to begin production of the Apple Watch. The report, citing industry sources, claims that between 30 to 40 million units of the upcoming wearable device have been ordered.
A previous supply chain rumor claimed that Apple supplier Quanta Computer would begin Apple Watch production in January 2015, possibly just in time for a Valentine’s Day release. While it was originally considered to be unlikely that the smartwatch would be ready in time for Valentine’s Day, the supply chain ramping up production this month makes a February launch more realistic.
It’s been rumored that the steel Apple Watch will start at US$500 alongside a gold model that will retail for between US$4,000 and US$5,000. Apple previously claimed at its September event that the Apple Watch would start at US$349, which likely applies to the entry-level Apple Watch Sport, but did not disclose further pricing information.
The report also backed up the Valentine’s Day launch date for the Apple Watch.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.