Apple’s move into wearable technology could be bad news for other wristband and smartwatch manufacturers in more ways than one.
Not only will the Apple Watch provide major competition for the existing players, some may also lose their spot in Apple’s influential retail stores, according to reports on Wednesday.
Recode sources claim Apple will annex the Fitbit range of fitness trackers, like the Fitbit Flex and the forthcoming Fitbit Charge range.
The report says it remains unclear whether the firm will continue to sell other wristbands like the Nike FuelBand range or the UP24 by Jawbone.
Jawbone is among those companies to fully embrace integration with Apple HealthKit, while Nike has a longstanding relationship with Apple and its FuelBand devices remain compatible with iOS-only.
Fitbit, which is yet to make its mind up over whether its users will be able to view their stats in HealthKit, could be collateral damage as Apple begins its Watch push.
Just last week, reports claimed Apple will cull all Bose headphones from its retail outlets, following its purchase of rival firm Beats.
Are third-party products in Apple Stores an endangered species if they compete with the firm’s own lines? It certainly appears that way.
Read more: Apple Watch vs Android Wear