Though Apple still hasn't committed to a release date for the Apple Watch, some of the company's suppliers are reporting they have been asked to produce between 30 million and 40 million of the smart watches.
Apple has been struggling to meet the demand for its latest smartphone series. But the success of the iPhone 6 and warm reception to the Apple Watch prototype may be emboldening Apple to bet big on its first entry into the wearable tech market, though that depends on whether or not there's any truth to the production claims.
Digitimes is citing industry insiders in a report that says Apple wants somewhere between 30 million and 40 million Apple Watches on hand when the wrist-worn fitness and health device finally launches.
Right now, the closest thing consumers have to an Apple Watch release date is a broad window that puts the launch somewhere around the end of the first quarter of 2015.
Angela Ahrendts, Apple's senior vice president of retail and online stores, said the Apple Watch will launch at some point after the Chinese New Year, which is Feb. 19. Ahrendts didn't elaborate on how long after Feb. 19 consumers will have to wait for the watch, but she indicated the that launch would be sometime in the spring of 2015.
"We're going into the holidays, we'll go into Chinese New Year, and then we've got a new watch launch coming in the spring. So, I just, I really wanted to say, stop for a moment, take a breath," said Ahrendts in a message to Apple store employees.
While the Apple Watch may have millions of consumers salivating, the smart watch will have to be exceptionally impressive to wow at least one person. Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak recently shared his thoughts on the incoming Apple Watch and smart watches in general, when he spoke to reporters at a ceremony in Plano, Texas.
Wozniak said he's "negative on smart watches" now, after trying them out for half of a day and finding himself sorely disappointed with the battery life they offered.
He said he was initially enthused about smart watches, but he found they got between him and his smartphone. However, he said he won't prejudge the Apple Watch.
"I have been hoping that Apple would be the company that would make one that is different from the others," said Wozniak. "In appearance and functionality, it is kind of different, so I will give it a try when it comes out."
