Quanta, a Taiwan-based manufacturer of notebook computers and currently one of Apple’s key supplier for parts for the Apple Watch, is preparing to start production next month (January 2015) with a target of providing enough materials for between 3 million and 5 million units in the initial production run, according to Taiwan’s United Daily News.
The report said that Quanta has been able to increase production staffing from 3,000 to 10,000 workers in the in the second half of 2014 and is still actively recruiting.
Although Apple has yet to specify the launch date other than early 2015, Angela Ahrendts, Senior Vice President of Retail and Online Sales, said that the launch would take place in the spring of 2015.
The iOS 8.2 beta was also released Dec. 10 and includes the WatchKit, which allows developers to create applications and Glances – scannable summaries of the information users seek out most frequently for the watch. Additionally, 9to5Mac said that Apple Stores have started recruiting fashion and luxury experts to help sell the watch.
Morgan Stanley publicized predictions last month that claims around 10 percent of iPhone 5, 6 and 6 Plus users will purchase the Apple Watch. Analysts suggest that this will put first year sales in the $10 million to $30 million range.
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