The highly anticipated Apple iWatch is reportedly ready for launch; however, it is still awaiting approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to Chinese Media reports. Currently, the device is rumored to be shelved pending approval from the FDA certifying the iWatch as medical equipment due to its biometric sensors for heart rate, blood pressure and glucose level tracking features. While the FDA is ensuring the iWatch meets the FDA requirements, Apple is seeking patents for the product in other countries such as Mexico, Taiwan, Russa, and Japan (Miller/Inferse/6/23).
Back in 2013, Apple hired former Nike consultant Jay Blalnik to gear up for the smartwatch and later meet with the FDA to discuss the product in December 2013. Over the weekend, 9to5Mac reported that Apple is partnering with professional athletes such as LA Lakers basketball player Kobe Bryant and Boston Red Sox baseball player Dustin Brown to test the iWatch. The athletes have reportedly signed non-disclosure agreements with Apple.
The iWatch is slated for commercial launch this fall in October. Quanta Computer, a Taiwan brand, has already announced that it will start making the iWatch next month and is expected to produce an estimated 50 million shipments within the first year in the market. If the iWatch does not get FDA approval in time, it is possible that the blood glucose level tracker may not be included in the first iteration.
