Apple Said to Be on a Hiring Spree Ahead of iWatch Release Next Year The tech giant's smart watch likely won't launch until the end of 2014 at the earliest.

By Steve Kovach

This story originally appeared on Business Insider

Esben Oxholm

Apple is on a hiring spree right now, trying to find engineers who can help troubleshoot problems its having with its first wearable gadget, the so-called iWatch.

The news comes from Financial Times reporter Tim Bradshaw, who spoke to several sources familiar with Apple's plans for the iWatch.

Here's what Bradshaw's sources are telling him about the iWatch's development:

The company has begun hiring "aggressively" for the project in recent weeks, say people familiar with Apple's plans for the wearable device, a move that shows it has stepped up development but which raises questions over the ability of its own engineers to develop wearable technology.

The report goes on to say that assuming Apple doesn't scrap the project, the iWatch probably won't launch until the end of 2014.

Speaking of hiring, Apple recently poached Paul Deneve, the former CEO of fashion house Yves Saint Laurent, as a vice president working on "special projects." Deneve reports directly to Apple CEO Tim Cook. The hire caused many to speculate that Deneve was brought on to help market wearable technology once Apple does release a product in the category.

Want to be an BIZ Experiences Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for BIZ Experiencess to pursue in 2025.

Science & Technology

OpenAI's Latest Move Is a Game Changer — Here's How Smart Solopreneurs Are Turning It Into Profit

OpenAI's latest AI tool acts like a full-time assistant, helping solopreneurs save time, find leads and grow their business without hiring.

Starting a Business

I Built a $20 Million Company by Age 22 While Still in College. Here's How I Did It and What I Learned Along the Way.

Wealth-building in your early twenties isn't about playing it safe; it's about exploiting the one time in life when having nothing to lose gives you everything to gain.

Leadership

The Real Reason You Struggle With Accountability — and What You Can Do to Master It

Uncover how to stop sabotaging your own success, and discover practical steps to mastering accountability.

Science & Technology

AI Isn't Plug-and-Play — You Need a Strategy. Here's Your Guide to Building One.

Don't just "add AI" — build a strategy. This guide helps founders avoid common pitfalls and create a step-by-step roadmap to harness real value from AI.

Business News

75-Year-Old Billionaire Ray Dalio Just Sold His Last Shares in the Hedge-Fund Firm He Founded. Here's Why He's 'Thrilled About It.'

Dalio served in a variety of positions at Bridgewater Associates, including CEO, CIO and chairman, over decades.