The months of rumours and speculations of the much-anticipated iWatch are likely to turn into a reality soon as hinted in New York Times’ fascinating profile of Apple’s CEO Tim Cook and his “less-involvement” in smartwatch development.
The report, discussing Cook’s leadership style, influence on product development, brand expansion, and the relatively “quiet” approach to design, notes the differences in management in his nearly three year tenure, compared to Apple’s late revered founder Steve Jobs.
Apple employees, praising Cook for his approach and intellect, have reportedly confirmed the much-rumoured iWatch – the smartwatch expected to hit the shelves in fourth quarter this year. This release time frame is in line with the previous reports claiming a October launch.
Lower-level employees say Cook to be less-involved in the minutiae of product engineering of the smartwatch, and to have opted to delegate duties to members of executive cabinet.
According to the people involved in the project, Cook is interested in iWatch’s broader implications – a smartwatch to monitor all the vital measures and help in improving health to limit doctor visits. However, Apple has refused to comment on iWatch.
In the New York Times Profile, Apple head of design Jonathan Ive described that it has been hard for the company and its CEO to “be patient” and not to neglect the company’s central mission of innovation.
“Honestly, I don’t think anything’s changed,” Ive said. “People felt exactly the same way when we were working on the iPhone.”
He said “Steve established a set of values and he established preoccupations and tones that are completely enduring.”
Ive added that if Jobs was “maniacal about design,” Cook projects “quiet consideration,” and with time “testifies to the fact he knows it’s important.”
