Apple Fitness Smartwatch 'Due In Autumn'

Apple (NasdaqGS: AAPL - news) is reportedly planning to launch this autumn its hotly anticipated smartwatch which tracks health and fitness.

Multiple versions of the devices will be launched later this year as the company tries to keep pace with rivals Google (NasdaqGS: GOOG - news) and Samsung, the Wall Street Journal reported.

It cited unnamed sources who said the watch will feature 10 sensors, including ones to track health and fitness.

Last month Apple showed off a new app called Health which will be part of its iOS8 mobile software.

Because it did not introduce its own device to collect the data needed to power the app, it fuelled speculation it would unveil a device at a later date.

Production may begin within two months, the report said, at Taiwanese manufacturer Quanta Computer.

Customers will have the option of a range of screen sizes - however exact specifications are still being finalised.

The source said Apple expects to ship 50 million units within the first year of the product's release.

Apple chief executive Tim Cook has promised to enter new product categories over the coming months and years.

He is under pressure, too; it is understood that Google it set for a summer smartwatch launch, while Samsung released its Galaxy Gear watch in September last year.