The Apple wearables
Given the growing interest in wearable, smart devices, and the technical limitations on them, what is Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) to do, short of developing an Apple Glass? As an iOS developer, the answer seems pretty obvious: The addition of software to the existing iPod touch and iPod Nano could give them the ability to interact with and display data from an iPhone, since they both have Bluetooth, which is essential to provide a data link between the devices. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) already provides a host of APIs for developers to do this for third party accessories, such as the Pebble and the I’m Watch.
What is lacking is built in software for the iPods to perform the functions that smartwatches currently perform. It wouldn’t take much for Apple to provide this for the iPod Nano, and theoretically, a third party developer could provide this for the iPod Touch in the form of a standard iOS app. Granted, there may not be much demand for this.
Clearly what Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) needs is an iPod Nano even smaller than the previous generation, which was wearable on the wrist. This is perfectly doable, although all day battery life may not be happening. This Even Smaller Nano (what’s smaller than Nano?) would have robust iPhone interface and display capabilities, along with the usual iPod features, but wouldn’t be marketed as a watch. It will simply be wearable, as the iPod shuffle is now, and Apple will probably leave it to third parties to come up with wrist straps for it.
It’s not clear what this new iPod will be called. Just introducing another iPod, even one with the capabilities of current smart watches, is unlikely to excite investors or fans, but I think this is what we have to look forward to from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) in the coming months, a series of evolutionary products.
The first signs of this new iPod will appear at WWDC, when Apple rolls out iOS 7, which will contain enhanced APIs for iPhone accessories, and the new iPod may even be debuted at WWDC. Whenever it appears, I don’t expect the reaction by Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s critics to be particularly kind. It won’t be nearly revolutionary enough for them. The new iPod will not be the catalyst that Apple investors have looked for in the iWatch, and Apple’s shares are likely to stay in the $400-$450 range until the product announcements Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has promised for the Fall.
Mark Hibben has a position in Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL). The Motley Fool recommends Apple and Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG). The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple and Google.
The article Why Apple’s iWatch Will Be an iPod originally appeared on Fool.com.
Mark is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network — entries represent the personal opinion of the blogger and are not formally edited.
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