Mass Production of Apple Watch Reportedly Slated for January 2015

applewatch2Apple is reportedly finalizing the details on its upcoming Apple Watch as it prepares to begin mass production of the device ahead of its launch early next year. Mass production of the smartwatch device may begin January 2015, reports Taiwanese news source AppleDaily (via G For Games).

According to the news report, Apple is working only with long-time manufacturing partner Quanta to produce the device. This contradicts an earlier report suggesting Quanta would be handling the bulk of the production with Inventec supplementing the supply.

Quanta has allegedly received Apple’s heads-up and has begun making preparations (which involve increasing its worker head count to 4 million). Even more, it is said that Apple and Quanta have entered a deal which prohibits the Taiwanese company from manufacturing/assembling smartwatches for Apple’s rival OEMs.

Inventec was among several assembly companies said to be vying for Apple Watch orders months ago, but Quanta may have won an exclusive arrangement due to the complexity associated with manufacturing the device.

Apple says its Watch is unlike any device it has ever made, with cutting edge sensor and haptic feedback technologies. Given the advanced features of the device, it's not surprising Apple has selected to work with only one manufacturer as it streamlines the production process, as others may have been unable to meet Apple's standards.

Relatively reliable KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had previously reported that Apple was planning a November production ramp for the Apple Watch, so a shift to January could indicate Apple believes it needs a bit more time to finalize the product's design.

Apple is expected to begin selling the Watch starting in early 2015, with one insider saying Apple would be "lucky" to launch it in time for Valentine's Day on February 14. A production ramp beginning in January would indeed make it difficult for Apple to have significant quantities available in time for Valentine's Day purchases. The smartwatch will retail at a starting price of $349 for the base model, with several collections including 18-karat gold luxury options available at higher prices.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 10
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Caution)

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Top Rated Comments

TimeSquareDesi Avatar
141 months ago
My ready is body.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
odds Avatar
141 months ago
How are people on MacRumors so "meh" about the Watch? I'm betting on *much* more hype and marketing before the actual release/pre-order, so I'll also wager that all the "meh"s we're seeing now will flip soon enough.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sonmi451 Avatar
141 months ago
I love all the 'meh' comments. This thing is going to sell out so fast. Most of you will end up buying one. I'm on the fence but leaning toward getting one. We'll see.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
koigirl Avatar
141 months ago
Think I will be waiting for 2nd or 3rd generation to jump into this pool. But it does look interesting.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bbeagle Avatar
141 months ago
Meh... all that talk about Switzerland being 'in deep ****', they got nothing to worry about...

If millions buy an Apple Watch, those people are less likely to buy a Swiss watch. I'm sure that their sales WILL go down. How much remains to be seen.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Fenez Avatar
141 months ago
If millions buy an Apple Watch, those people are less likely to buy a Swiss watch. I'm sure that their sales WILL go down. How much remains to be seen.
Not the same market
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)