Reports are circulating that Apple is planning on releasing multiple designs of its smartwatch, which is likely to be launched in autumn of this year as a counter to wearable devices released by Google and Samsung.

According to the Wall Street Journal, who cited people familiar with the matter, Apples wrist device will include over 10 sensors, with a focus on delivering mHealth data to tie into their recently-announced Health app and providing functions that differ from existing smartphones.

Production of the device is due to start in the next two to three months at Quanta Computer Inc, the Taiwanese manufacturer that has supplied Apple for Mac computers for several years, with a view to getting the smartwatch into stores for as early as October, and potentially making it the must-have tech item for Christmas.

According to one source, the iWatch will come in multiple designs with varying screen sizes, with another person saying that they estimate Apple will ship between 10 and 15 million units by the end of the year.

It has been four years since Apple unveiled the iPad, its last major product release, and chief executive Tim Cook has promised that the company will introduce new product categories by the end of the year. The wearables market is currently undergoing swift and massive growth, with sales expected to triple this year to 19m units, and pass 100m by 2018. With growing public demand for wearable technology and its mHealth ecosystem rapidly developing, Apples entrance into the world of wearables seems inevitable.