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Apple’s smartwatch reportedly launching this fall

AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez In this Sept. 2013 file photo, Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks on stage before a new product introduction in Cupertino, California. / AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

Apple appears poised to jump into the smartwatch market this fall.

According to separate reports from Reuters and The Wall Street Journal, Apple’s smartwatch will launch as early as October.

Reuters reports Taiwanese company Quanta will start mass production of the watch next month. The device will measure 2.5 inches diagonally, and boast a touch display and wireless charging.

The Journal says Apple is planning to launch multiple versions of the yet-to-be-named smartwatch featuring different screen sizes, with a heavy focus on fitness. The watch will reportedly include more than 10 sensors that will track health and fitness, among other things.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has said Apple will launch new products this year, but has yet to explain which markets it will enter. Last year, in a memo to employees obtained by 9to5Mac, Cook said the company had “big plans” for 2014.

Cook hinted at those plans again during Apple’s second quarter conference call in April. “We’re eagerly looking forward to introducing more new products and services that only Apple could bring to market, said Cook.

The wearables market, especially smartwatches, is expected to surge in popularity. Research firm IDC says 7.6 million wearable devices will ship in the U.S. this year, and jump to 27.3 million by 2018.

The smartwatch market already has several competitors, including Pebble and Samsung with its Galaxy Gear. Later this year, Google enters the space with its line of Android Wear smartwatches.

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