A series of trademark filings on the term "iWatch" has led many to believe that rumors about Apple introducing a version of the iPhone that can be worn on the wrist are true, according to Forbes.
The filings cover geographic locations everywhere, including countries such as Taiwan, Turkey, Japan, Russia and Mexico, according to Apple Insider. The filings are also following rumors that Google is planning to introduce a competitive smart watch to counter the one Apple hasn't even announced as officially existing.
The market for wristwatches earns over $40 billion in annual sales. However, the popularity is less in the idea of traditional timepieces worn on the wrist and more about the technology contained in the timepieces worn on the wrist.
The iWatch is unlikely to make a major impact on the financial situation of Apple. Discussions of a product priced at $199 could potentially have a 60 percent gross margin, but even that would likely only increase earnings by approximately 10 percent. The bottom line is projected to be even less.
The purpose of releasing the product would be to tie people into iOS further, matching the operating system for their iPhones and iPads with their iWatch.
The current apps discussed, such as holding the passwords to other Apple devices, aren't necessarily things that will make people want to run out and buy an iWatch. However, Apple has a good history of getting people to run out and buy a new product that doesn't seem like something one would want to run out and buy, such as the recent iPad Mini.
The area where the iWatch could be useful to users is in the category of apps such as fitness trainers. Currently, people need to download a pedometer app to their iPhone, which they would then need to carry with them during their workout. An iWatch would eliminate the need for this, allowing users to strap the device to their wrist and workout.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
