Apple has been granted a patent for a new curved touch display that could support a smartwatch or fitness band, Patently Apple reports.
The patent specifically relates to "forming a curved touch-panel having at least one touch sensor formed using thin flexible substrates."
In figures you can check out on their website, a system for curving and laminating "the flexible substrate to the cover surface" is shown. While the patent does not specifically mention a device for the display, the website notes the "most realistic short-term" option would be an iWatch or fitness band.
If you were already considering the iWatch among your holiday wishlist items, you may have a bit of a longer wait for your gift.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that a few production issues are threatening to push back the launch of the rumored Apple smartwatch - components, system design, manufacturing, and integration between hardware and software, according to AppleInsider.
Kuo, who AppleInsider notes has a trustworthy history predicting Apple releases, has updated his release date expectations for the iWatch several times since he originally predicted a September debut for the device.
Most recently, the analyst was still pegging the iWatch for a 2014 release - just in limited quantities.
The iWatch was recently tied for mass production start in November.
GForGames calculates that the timing for the device's release sounds right when you consider its likely standing in the Apple lineup:
"Given the fact that the smartwatch in question should work, for the most part, like any other similar companion gadget (meaning that the large majority of its features will be available once the device is paired up with a smartphone), it's somewhat to be expected for Apple to not introduce the iWatch to the world during an exclusive event. With that in mind, if the iWatch won't be ready by the time the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 hits the stage (and it most likely won't), chances are that the wrist gadget will indeed make its debut next to the 5.5-inch model, regardless of when the smartphone will go live."
An earlier update from the Economic Daily News (spotted first by GForGames) tipped two size options for the device - 1.6 inches and 1.8 inches (with the sapphire display).
Sources "familiar with the matter" previously told The Wall Street Journal several sizes and model designs would be offered.
