Apple testing flexible PCBs for iWatch ahead of September launch: Report

Apple is said to have started receiving flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs) for its long-rumoured smartwatch and first ever wearable, the Apple iWatch. The Cupertino-based tech firm is said to be testing these circuit boards and will select the one that is most suited for the iWatch.

The PCBs are reportedly being manufactured by companies like Flexium Interconnect, Zhen Ding Technology Holding and Career Technology.

It has been further noted that Zhen Ding, Apple's largest supplier of circuit boards, is expected to shell out almost $100 million for boosting its production capacity, as per DigiTimes (via Phonearena). By doing this, the firm is speculated to snag orders for Apple's iWatch along with the rumoured Apple iPhone 6 and its variants.

It has been also noted that Flexium Interconnect might also spend $50 million to $60 million for increasing the production numbers which in turn is expected to increase the company's revenue by 20 percent. Career Technology is also said to be spending around $33 million this year.

Such developments indicate that Apple is already working on its iWatch and may introduce it in September this year.

In February, it was reported that Apple's iWatch could feature a flexible AMOLED display paired with a 3D protective glass. The tech firm was also noted to install silver nanowire touchscreen technology, which will be developed by TPK, a touchscreen solution firm.

The rumour mills for Apple's much-anticipated iWatch wearable device suggest the firm has a total of 200 people working behind the curtains on the project. It has been also mentioned that the smartwatch will be 'simpler' than has been rumoured for the past few months. However, the term 'simpler' is yet to be supported by any details.