Foxconn begins trial production of Apple’s iWatch, report claims

Apple manufacturer Foxconn has reportedly begun trial production of the rumoured iWatch, while Apple is busy testing 1.5 in OLED touch panels for use with the device.

Reports from Economic Times claim that Apple has ordered samples of 1.5in OLED touch panels to test for its rumoured smart watch, dubbed iWatch. Previously, Apple may have been considering a larger, 1.8in panel, the reports say, but has decided that it would be too big. The panels are said to have been produced by Taiwan based RiTdisplay.

An additional report suggests that Apple has ordered around 1000 units of the smart watch, as part of a “small-scale trial production” run.

This year, during an Apple keynote in February, CEO Tim Cook slammed the picture colour and saturation of OLED displays, while speaking about whether Apple would introduce an iPhone with a bigger screen.

However, an OLED display would open up more options for Apple’s iWatch, including screen flexibility and durability, so Cook’s comments shouldn’t be taken to indicate that Apple will avoid the technology for other devices. Especially as Apple has been hiring experts in that area this year.

Rumours of an iWatch have been hot topic since the beginning of the year, and were propelled further when an Apple patent application detailing a wearable computer that wraps around the wrist was published in February, seemingly confirming the company’s interest in smart watch devices.

Plus, in April, Cook said that Apple is working on “amazing” new products for an autumn launch, and that the company will introduce “exciting new product categories” in 2014.

For more, check out our iWatch release date, rumours and leaked images round up.

[ Via Macotakara]

See also:

iWatch is in demand, and Apple hasn’t even made it yet

Apple iWatch: is it an iPhone nano on your wrist?

Apple patent adds further iWatch evidence to growing pile, but do we need one?

Apple iWatch set to disrupt… what exactly?