iWatch Rumor Update: Release Date, Specs & Design News

With Google's Android Wear demo during the I/O Keynote now a couple of weeks behind us, all eyes are turning to Apple as they are also expected to announce their own smart watch (rumored to be called the "iWatch") sometime in the coming months.

As such, we've rounded up the latest iWatch rumors in order to keep you updated on one of the year's most hotly anticipated devices.  

The Screen - according to Business Insider, a 2.5-inch display is reported to grace the new device and is said to be rectangular. However, others, like Brian Blair, are claiming that the iWatch will have a round face, similar to the Moto 360. So, consider the screen shape to still be up in the air for now. 

Models for Either Sex - another rumor claims Apple will manufacture multiple models of the iWatch, most likely different versions for men and women. This could make sense given that current smart watches are simply one-size-fits-all, and are severely lacking in customization options. 

Fitness Tracking - the iWatch is also rumored to have fitness tracking integration and will include features like step tracking, a heart rate monitor, hydration levels and more. This makes sense since Apple announced Health Kit as part of iOS 8, the next version of their mobile OS. There will also be "more than 10 sensors," on the iWatch, according to Insider, in order to facilitate accurate health and fitness monitoring. 

Celebrity Endorsements? - Apple is also using pro-athletes right now to test the iWatch. One such athlete rumored to be putting the device through its paces is Kobe Bryant, who was also spotted visiting Apple's headquarters recently and is assumed to have been meeting with Apple design head Jony Ive. 

Fashion Roundup - In another intriguing development that has people talking, Apple has been hiring several industry leaders from various fashion and luxury brands, which leads many to believe the iWatch will feature a high-end or luxury design. Some notable fashion heads consulting with Apple include VP of sales for Tag Heuer Patrick Pruniaux; Angela Ahrendts former CEO of Blackberry and Yves Saint Laurent CEO Paul Deneve. 

Apple also recently hired two former members of Nike's Fuel Band team, engineers Ryan Bailey and John Gale. This leads many to speculate that Apple plans to tap Nike's successful fitness tracking formula in order to integrate it into the iWatch. While it's not clear if Bailey and Gale are definitely working with Apple's wearables team, it does seem likely since that is where their expertise lies.

Release Date - While no one knows the exact release date, most industry experts expect the iWatch to launch sometime this October, perhaps alongside the new iPhone 6.

Wrap-Up - That's all of the rumors we have for now. Check back for more Apple and iWatch news as the fall launch draws closer.