Apple has reportedly told a selection of app providers that it wants their Apple Watch apps ready later this month.

As Digital Spy reports citing MacRumors, the iPhone maker is giving developers until February 12.

A source claims that Apple has asked one of its biggest Apple Pay partners to prepare its app with WatchKit support.

It is not clear which app makers Apple is rounding up, but it could point towards a possible launch event to show off the smartwatch's capabilities further.

Apple recently confirmed that its first wearable will go on sale sometime in April.