Rumor: Prototypes of Apple's iOS-powered 'iWatch' face battery life issues

Source: USPTO

The details were reported on Monday by The Verge, which cited unnamed sources apparently familiar with the prototype hardware. Those people said Apple's current test models only get about two days of use maximum before a recharge is necessary.

The prototype device allegedly runs the same iOS platform found on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. iOS reportedly has "several hooks" to operate with a watch-like device, but the software currently lacks an appropriate interface, suggesting Apple may have more work to do on the software front.

The details piggyback on an earlier report from Bloomberg which claimed that Apple could introduce its rumored wristwatch device as soon as this year. That report also indicated that the wearable device will run Apple's iOS platform.

The same publication claimed in a report filed last month that Apple has a 100-person team working on the device, including marketing, software and hardware personnel who previously worked on the iPhone and iPad.

Though the "iWatch" remains a fantasy for now, that hasn't stopped market watchers from speculating how much Apple could earn from such a device. Citigroup's Oliver Chen noted that current watch makers see margins of about 60 percent on their products, suggesting that an "iWatch" could be a hugely profitable device for Apple.