iWatch May Not Get 2014 Release Date After All, Supply Chain Sources Claim: Report

Although a report involving sapphire glass on Thursday suggested the iWatch could release in October, it appears more are thinking along the line of analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who recently expressed his belief that the device will not become available until 2015.

Supply chain sources have informed China's Economic Daily News (via G4Games) that the assembly process for the rumored Apple smartwatch will conclude in September, but that once "components hit conveyor belts, it's estimated that it will take between 1 and 2 months before the final product will be ready." This, unfortunately, means a late 2014 launch would not be in the cards for the device - unless it is a limited one in December.

An earlier update from the Economic Daily News (also spotted first by G4Games) tipped two size options for the device: 1.6 inches and 1.8 inches (with the sapphire display). Furthermore, the report adds that the use of the sapphire on the smartwatch could "pave the way" for future iPhones - like the iPhone 6S or iPhone 7 - to use a sapphire display; suggesting rumors of a sapphire iPhone 6 are untrue. 

Sources "familiar with the matter" previously told The Wall Street Journal several sizes and model designs would be offered.

The publication reports that the Apple smartwatch will come with 10 sensors - including ones for health and fitness - with the intention to offer an experience that will differ from the iPhone by providing functions users won't be able to get in any old or new smartphones designed by the tech giant. The various designs, meanwhile, would help Apple better compete with the smartphone offerings from rivals such as Samsung and Google.

What do you make of the latest chatter about the iWatch's release and specs? Would you be interested in an Apple smartwatch if it came to market? Let us in on your thinking with a comment.