Apple iWatch variant to cost several thousand dollars: Analyst

Apple iWatch, the rumoured wearable device by the Cupertino firm, is being predicted to arrive in two sizes and with a hefty price tag of 'several thousand US dollars'.

KGI Securities analyst Ming Chi Kuo (via Macrumours) predicts the Apple iWatch will arrive in two different screen sizes: 1.3-inch and 1.5-inch, contradicting previous rumours that indicated multiple screen-sized watches. Kuo also predicts the iWatch will come with multiple price tags and in a number of materials competing with both high-end and budget smartwatches. It has been additionally mentioned that the high-end version of the Apple iWatch can cost thousands of dollars.

Besides the smartwatch being said to get shipped in Q3 of 2014, Kuo also adds that it might include a flexible AMOLED screen with sapphire covers. Further, a number of biometric sensors are expected to come integrated with Apple's smartwatch, which could also carry the feature to integrate with iPhone, iPad and Mac. A lightweight, NFC-enabled slim-profiled design of the iWatch is also speculated.

Kuo also believes that iWatch's arts might be created using liquid metal along with a new antenna design, making it wireless-charging enabled. Regarding the battery of the proposed Apple iWatch, a 200 to 250mAh battery capacity is expected to be included, which is predicted to power it for almost a day. The number of units said to be shipped are around 5.5 million this year, which might bump up to 30 to 35 million in 2015.

"We are confident on Apple's ability to make wearable devices with good fashion sense, which sets Apple apart from rivals," said Kuo, adding, "Fashion is the name of the game; most expensive model likely priced at several thousand US dollars. Referring to the rules of the fashion market, we predict the iWatch casing and band will come in various materials. The most expensive model of the iWatch line will carry a price tag of several thousand US dollars."