TORONTO – After months of anticipation, Apple is expected to share final details about the Apple Watch – its most talked about device in years – during a live media event Monday in California.
Though Apple has not confirmed the event will be dedicated to its first wearable device, the tech giant has provided some not-so-subtle hints about the subject matter. Apple’s tag line for the event is “Spring Forward” and will take place the day after Daylight Saving Time begins.
READ MORE: How much will Apple Watch cost and when can I get one?
Apple will be live streaming the event on its website starting at 1 p.m. ET. Global News tech reporter Nicole Bogart will have live coverage of the event.
Want to chime in on the big announcement? Leave us a comment on the live blog, or tweet Nicole at @nlynnbogart.
Apple first unveiled the Apple Watch during its iPhone 6 launch event in September, so we’ve already had a look at the highly anticipated device.
But there are still many questions Apple hasn’t answered about Apple Watch – right down to specifics, like what the price will be.
Here’s what we can expect to hear during Monday’s event:
Apple Watch
“It’s the most personal product we’ve ever made,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said of the smartwatch when first unveiling it in September.
We know that Apple Watch works as a companion to the iPhone to send messages, check notifications, interact with other Apple Watch users and use Apple Maps. It will feature its own messaging system that will allow users to send each other “touches” in the form of a vibration, drawings and even share each other’s heartbeat, which is read directly from the user’s wrist.
Apple’s product designers repurposed the traditional watch dial to be a “Digital Crown” that allows users to scroll, zoom and navigate the screen. The watch can also sense when the user is raising their wrist to automatically illuminate the screen.
Apple Watch will be available in three different collections – Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition – and will come in two different sizes, 42 mm and 38 mm for those with smaller wrists. There is even an 18-karat rose or yellow gold version.
READ MORE: Apple ordered up to 6M Apple Watches ahead of launch
What we don’t know is the exact price point of the models.
So far Apple has only released pricing for the Apple Watch Sport model, which will start at US$349.
According to the rumour mill, the gold coated Apple Watch Edition could have a price tag as high as $4,000.
We are also waiting for prices on the large array of accessories and bands to go with the watches.
Of course, Apple will likely announce an official release date for the watch.
Usually the company begins retail sales about 10 days after these media events. There is a possibility that Apple will set a date for pre-orders as well.
A closer look at third party apps
During iPhone and iPad launches, Apple usually brings two or three developers on stage to show off some of the third party apps tailored to new devices.
Apps are going to be a huge selling point for the Apple Watch. The company has been working with outside companies to create apps tailored to the watch’s abilities. Cook previously bragged about using Apple Watch as an electronic key to open hotel room doors, or even cars.
READ MORE: What are the first impressions of the Apple Watch?
According to a Bloomberg report, Apple has been engaging in top secret meetings with companies including BMW, United Airlines and Facebook to fine tune watch apps.
iOS updates
Because Apple Watch requires iOS 8.2, many are speculating that Apple will release the updated mobile operating system following Monday’s event.
For iPhone users this won’t mean much other than a few bug fixes. But, the new “racially diverse” emojis should be included in that update.
A MacBook Air update and other surprises
According to reports, we could also see an update to Apple’s MacBook Air – however, the rumours surrounding what changes are coming to the laptop lineup vary. Some suggest the company could be unveiling a 12-inch version of the notebook, while others suggest the 11-and 13-inch models could be upgraded with Apple’s high resolution Retina Display.
Some have also suggested that the Apple TV streaming box could finally see an update – although this particular rumour seems to pop up during every media event the company holds. That said, it has been almost three years since Apple TV was updated.
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