Apple is currently experimenting on a "watch-like" device, according to sources for the
New York Times and the
Wall Street Journal. The
Times claims that the device is based on iOS, and employs curved glass. While curved glass isn't unique in the electronics world, the
Times sources
suggest that Apple is exploiting knowledge of how it can curve around the human body. The paper speculates that Apple could turn to Corning's Willow Glass, which can be curved far enough to wrap around someone's wrist.
The
Journal's sources say that the watch would handle some of the functions of a smartphone, and that Apple has already been
talking with manufacturing partner Foxconn about the hardware. Foxconn has reportedly been working on several projects that could improve wearable devices, such as more power-efficient displays, and aiding chip manufacturers in stripping down their designs.
An Apple watch could take after devices like the
Pebble smartwatch (pictured), which connects to iOS and Android phones and on a basic level passes along notifications about calls, emails, and texts. It can also handle tasks like music control and sports tracking though, and an Apple-made watch would presumably go further, possibly even taking calls directly or hosting some local apps.