'iWatch' a tick closer

Apple filed a trademark application for the name "iWatch" in Japan on June 3. Investors care because the filing has fuelled speculation that Apple is preparing a wearable computing device, a potential major product launch that could compete with Google and Samsung in the growing smart watch market.

No. According to the article, no one from Apple in Tokyo was available to comment on the trademark application, so the filing has sparked speculation rather than official confirmation of an iWatch product.

ABI Research estimates that about 1.2 million smart watches will be sold globally this year, indicating an emerging but early-stage market that investors may want to watch.

Competition is already heating up with major players like Google, Microsoft and Samsung rushing to develop watch-type computing devices. Sony is also active, and Apple’s iWatch filing suggests it may enter the field as well.

Wearable computing refers to devices you can wear—like smart eyewear and smart watches—that extend the functionality of smartphones. The article notes it’s considered the next frontier in consumer electronics following smartphones, making it a key area for investors tracking tech innovation.

The article mentions Sony’s latest SmartWatch, which links with smartphones to receive alerts about phone calls, emails and social network updates, and can also play music—examples of the kinds of features early smart watches provide.

If Apple launches an iWatch, the article suggests it would be the company’s biggest gadget launch since the iPad mini, potentially adding a new product category to Apple’s lineup and influencing its competitive position in wearable tech.

Everyday investors should view the trademark filing as a signal of possible strategic intent rather than confirmation of a product. It highlights growing competition in wearable computing and suggests a market worth monitoring, especially given estimates of rising smart watch sales.