Apple is hiring backup for iWatch project

Apple is hiring fresh faces to strengthen its expertise as facing some design problems. Experts say an eventual product launch would be possible at least in a year. The aggressive hiring for iWatch project in recent weeks shows Apple is experiencing engineering problems which they dont seem to know how to solve. Apple’s iWatch recruitment urge has also included seeking out acquisitions of early-stage start-ups working on wireless devices.

Tim Cook, Apple’s chief executive officer, could still decide not to launch the product, just as some previous ideas have been left out, people with knowledge said. However, the iWatch – a brand for which Apple has made several applications to trademark – has now progressed from an early exploratory state to having several dozen experts dedicated to its development.

Tim Cook said in April’s earnings conference: “Our teams are hard at work on some amazing new hardware, software and services that we cant wait to introduce this fall and throughout 2014.”

At the start of this month, Apple hired Paul Deneve, the outgoing chief executive of fashion house Yves Saint Laurent, to work on undefined “special projects”, reporting to Mr Cook. His experience in fashion and luxury goods could have been seen as potentially useful as a move into watches, and branding.

Apple is not alone in looking for talent to back up its iWatch project. Google, Samsung and Dell are working on their similar versions also looking to hire the best for the job. So, retaining a high qualified employees becomes harder for Apple. One senior member of the iWatch team, who had been considering leaving the company, decided to stay after being awarded a substantial pay increase, according to one source.

This “incredibly interesting” project as described by the CEO of iPhone maker could be the next big thing in technology world.

Apples shares lost 0.18% on Friday, adding to almost 20% year to date decline.