Edible Apple

The latest info from the rumor mill suggests that Apple’s iWatch is very real and is on target to launch sometime in 2013. Recently, Citibank analyst Oliver Chen explained how the global watch market may ultimately prove to be much more lucrative for Apple than the HDTV market because of the healthy margins associated with watches. HDTVs, in contrast, are notorious for their razor thin margins.

Apple reportedly has about 100 employees toiling away on the iWatch product, all under the watchful eye of watch enthusiast and Apple design guru Jony Ive.

So while the rumor mill is a’buzzin with news about Apple potentially getting into the watch business, not everyone is optimistic.

During a press conference held in Grenchen, Switzerland this week, Swatch CEO Nick Hayek expressed skepticism that Apple’s iWatch will fuel a smartwatch revolution.

“Personally, I don’t believe it’s the next revolution,” Hayek said. “Replacing an iPhone with an interactive terminal on your wrist is difficult. You can’t have an immense display.”

Hayek also explained that consumers more often than not look at watches as pieces of jewerly that they like to change often. To that end, perhaps the dynamic display of Apple’s rumors iWatch will allow for many type of watchfaces that consumers can easily change at will.

Indeed, I’ve mentioned before that a one design fits all iWatch would likely be a horrible strategic decision from Apple. As Hayek indicated, watches are often personal fashion statements and to that end, having a little bit of variety can only help. If Apple truly wants this to be a huge money maker, they’ll have to simultaneously appeal to soccer moms, teenagers, and stodgy old businessmen.

via Bloomberg