What’s coming next from Apple? While the pundits and rumor sites dig for dirt on the next iPad and iPhone, there’s also been a lot of speculation about Cupertino’s so-called “iWatch” device, that the company has yet to confirm is in development.
But a new survey by ChangeWave Research shows plenty of interest in the iWatch should Apple, as is widely-rumored, deliver it later this year.

"Apple's track record of delivering ultra-convenient, easy to use products with a perceived ‘cool factor’ is driving pre-release demand for the rumored Apple 'iWatch,'" said Andy Golub of 451 Research's ChangeWave service.

"While an 'iWatch' doesn't yet exist – and if it ever does it will have to live up to super high expectations – it has the potential to be another huge success for the Cupertino, CA manufacturer."

According to reports citing insider sources the "iWatch" is a device that would sync with an iPhone or iPad that would help you handle many common tasks like phone calls and texting. Other features could include such features as mobile payments, the Siri digital assistant already in the iPhone and newest iPad, and health monitoring sensors.

Oh yeah, it would also tell you what time it is.

ChangeWave’s survey of 1,713 primarily North American consumers between March 4-19 shows interest in the iWatch is nearly identical to that for the iPad and iMac before they were released.

In response to ChangeWave’s question:

How likely is it that you will buy a new Apple "iWatch" for yourself or someone else if-and-when it becomes available?

5% said they are Very Likely and 14% Somewhat Likely to buy an "iWatch" for themselves or someone else. (66% said they're Unlikely and 14% Don't Know).

Consumers gave a number of reasons for their interest in an iWatch, chief among them: Loyalty to Apple (18%) with a disproportionately high number of Apple product owners saying they’re likely to buy an iWatch.

Other top reasons include Convenience (16%), Cool Factor (14%) and Ease of Integrating with Other Apple Products (11%).

tabtimes