Apple orders up to 6m Watches in time for April launch

Manufacturer asks suppliers in Asia to make a combined five-to-six million of its first wearable device, according to a report

Apple has asked its suppliers in Asia to manufacture up to six million units of its three Apple Watch models in time for its release in April.

According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, which cited people familiar with the matter, half of the Q1 production order is geared towards the entry-level Apple Watch Sport model, with the mid-tier Apple Watch expected to account for one third of output.

It added orders for the high-end Apple Watch Edition, which features 18 karat gold casing, are relatively small but that Apple plans to begin manufacturing more than one million units per month in Q2.

The report added the manufacturer expects the Watch to far outsell other wearable devices from Samsung, LG, Sony and Motorola, as well as a host of fitness trackers.

Apple Watch, which were announced alongside the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus smartphones last September, will go on sale in April and will be available from $349.