Apple’s often-discussed entrance into the wearable tech market with the so-called iWatch, could happen as soon as October, according to the latest industry rumours.

Just a week after the technology giant unveiled its upcoming native health tracking platform HealthKit, Apple is said to be gearing up for a high-profile launch that would rival Samsung’s fitness-focused Gear 2 smartwatch.

Japanese news service Nikkei has cited “industry sources” who say the device will use a curved OLED (organic light-emitting diode) touchscreen and connect to users’ smartphones to feed in health-related data.

As part of HealthKit, Apple has said it will consolidate heart rate, blood pressure, weight and other data from a range of apps and devices, including those from long-time collaborator Nike. Nikkei’s sources say many of these vitals will be recordable via the smartwatch – a likely set-up given Apple’s traditions of harnessing cross-platform interactivity.

In addition, parts manufacturers have been briefed to expect a monthly commercial output of around three to five million units, according to the sources.

While many analysts believe Apple is biding its time for an end-of-year launch when people spend more money, others believe the company could be too late to market, with Google also expected to join the party with its new offering later this year.

To read Health Club Management editor Kate Cracknell's leader column for the June edition on the latest developments in the fitness tracking app sector, click here.