Apple iWatch already in production ahead of September launch: Report

The rumour mill is continuing to churn out details about Apple's first wearable device, likely to be called the iWatch. The latest rumour about the iWatch claims that the device is already in production.

A report in China Times, first picked up by G4Games, notes that Apple's much-anticipated iWatch has entered production in small quantities ahead of an expected September unveiling.

The report cites supply chain sources and claims that Apple's alleged iWatch will be built using SIP (system-in-package) modules, contradicting earlier reports that suggested the Cupertino based company has been testing the flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs) for its iWatch, and would select the one that is most suited for the iWatch.

Notably, the SIP (system-in-package) modules are generally used in small gadgets such as MP3 players and smartphones and comprise a number of integrated circuits enclosed in a package. The report claims that the SIP modules are less complex, when compared to PCBs.

Further, the report has also named some of the SIP manufacturers: Kinsus Interconnect Technology Corp, NanyaPCB and ASE Group, which it claims can be involved in Apple iWatch project.

About iWatch shipments, the China Times report cites sources in supply chain and claims that about 2.5 to 3 million units in the Q2 with the production increased up to 14 to 15 million units by end of Q3.

An earlier report suggested that Nike had dismissed a major chunk of employees from FuelBand's hardware team. The move was linked to the latest development of iWatch, and was said to indicate that the companies (Apple and Nike) may be ready for a closer relationship.

It's worth noting that Apple CEO Tim Cook sits on Nike's board of directors and has been seen sporting a Nike FuelBand in public.