Cook confirmed the release timing during an earnings call on Tuesday (US time), adding — in an attempt to assuage fears over reports that low component yield rates would push release past the promised 'early 2015' window — that production of the smartwatch was "right on schedule".

The Apple Watch was first unveiled in an event in September alongside the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, although many details — including battery life and specific functionality — have been conspicuously aloof since that time.

App developers — many of which received development kits for the Apple Watch in November — are among those with the clearest idea of how the device will actually work and what its specifications are, although the most important number for many consumers will be the wearable's price.

At the announcement event in September, Apple said the least expensive of three watch models would cost $US349 ($440) in the United States, while a report in November suggested the high-end gold version would go for up to $US5000.

Cook's announcement comes as Apple reports a fiscal first-quarter profit of a record $US18 billion, spurred by 74.5 million iPhone sales during the quarter ending December 27, an increase of 46 per cent on the previous quarter.

Demand for Apple products is at "an all-time high", said Cook of the company's impressive numbers.

It remains to be seen if that demand will carry over to watches.

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