Apple Allows Outsiders Into Secret 'Watch Lab'

According to a report by Bloomberg, representatives from other companies were allowed into Apple Inc.'s AAPL top secret watch lab in recent weeks to make last-minute adjustments to Apple Watch apps.

Apple is expecting to debut a set of apps along with the watch next month, and the company wants to make sure everything is working properly for the launch of their gadget.

Classified Operations

Not only are outsiders required to leave their phones at the door, Apple is reportedly not even allowing paper into the lab to ensure that nothing about the Apple Watch will leak prior to the big launch. The lab itself, located at Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, California, is completely shut off from communication with the outside world.

Even several of Bloomberg's sources for the story asked not to be identified because of non-disclosure agreements that are in place.

What Apps Can Users Expect?

There's no official word of what apps users can initially expect to be available for the watch, but Bloomberg listed several companies that have been working closely with Apple, including Facebook Inc FB, United Continental Holdings Inc UAL and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc HOT.

Facebook has created a program for Instagram that can browse through photos and notify users of other users' activities. Other social networks like Twitter Inc TWTR and Pinterest will also have apps.

High Expectations

Researcher Strategy Analytics predicts that Apple will take over 55 percent of the global smartwatch market share in 2015. Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty is estimating that Apple will ship 30 million watches in the first 12 months, and initial demand for the watch could be stronger than the initial demand for the iPhone and iPad.