It’s the most compelling evidence yet that Apple is working on a smartwatch that, until now, we thought only the blogosphere was calling the iWatch.
As it turns out, Apple is actively pursuing ownership of the iWatch trademark in Japan.
Bloomberg reported Monday that the Cupertino, California-based tech giant has been pursuing the trademark since early June.
The iPhone maker is seeking protection for the name, which is listed in a category for products such as a handheld computer or watch, according to a June 3 filing with the Japan Patent Office that was made public last week. Takashi Takebayashi, a Tokyo-based spokesman for Apple, didn’t respond to a request for comment.
According to individuals in the know, Apple’s intelligent touchscreen smartwatch is getting closer to mass production.
Six weeks ago, MMW reported that the company is now chiefly concerned with reading the device’s 1.5-inch OLED screen. Apple has also reportedly assigned dozens of its best and brightest engineers to build the ultimate smartwatch.
“We can expect a full TV at Apple in the future, maybe a watch, and who knows what other future devices,” Tavis McCourt, an analyst at Raymond James & Associates Inc., wrote in a research report today, according to Bloomberg. “New connected devices, whether they are TVs, cars or other devices are likely to be first adopted by high income consumers, over whom Apple dominates globally.”
