Apple smartwatch's time draws near

The the Apple smartwatch reaches stores next month. Photo / NZME.

The test for Tim Cook last September was to prove Apple could still come up with innovative products, so he revealed a smartwatch. His next test comes this week - convincing you to buy it.

Apple's chief executive returns to the spotlight to answer questions on many of the device's key selling points, including price range, battery life and when in April the watch will reach stores, and in which countries.

But perhaps the biggest question about Apple's first new gadget since the iPad is whether the internet makes sense on your wrist.

"I would expect Tim to spend most of his time walking consumers through very unique use-case scenarios and exploring the implications for the internet on the wrist and why it matters," said Shawn DuBravac, chief economist for the Consumer Electronics Association.

When the watch with a rectangular touchscreen was first shown in September, Apple said it would come in two sizes, three styles and tell time to within 50 milliseconds of accuracy. Applications allow for maps, photos, music and messages along with the ability to track health and fitness.

Optimism over Apple's new products, including the watch, has helped push the its shares to record highs in recent weeks. Watch sales may reach almost 14 million in the first fiscal year, according to the average estimate of five analysts surveyed by Bloomberg. The global smartwatch market could rise to 28.1 million units this year from 4.6 million, with Apple capturing 55 per cent of it, researcher Strategy Analytics said.

Apple has said prices will start at US$349 ($474). The next price point may be US$550, then US$950, say analysts, which suggests a stair-step approach similar to iPhone and iPad pricing.

"We expect the usage of Apple Watch through the day to be incredible because there's so many different things you can do with it, so we've designed it so it's simple to charge it at night," Cook said last year.

Later he said it would last a full day after nightly charging.

Apple has been working with developers from firms including BMW, Facebook and United to have apps ready out of the box.