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Apple is putting the finishing touches to its Watch ahead of an expected launch in March - and has released a test version of the software that will link it to an iPhone.

The latest release of iOS 8.2, expected to be launched within weeks, includes references to the much anticipated watch.

Apple Watch will link via bluetooth and a special app on user's iPhone. 

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Thw Apple Watch will link to a special app on the user's iPhone via Bluetooth.

'Inside of the Bluetooth Settings menu is a new panel specifically for pairing an iPhone with the Apple Watch,' said Mark Gurman of 9to5mac.

'Additionally, the instructions inside of the Bluetooth menu specifically indicate that Apple will release a dedicated 'Apple Watch app' for setting up and controlling the wearable device.

Apple has previously said the timepiece will be controlled by a special app. 

Apple Watch users will install an Apple Watch app on their iPhone, which will be used to download apps onto the watch as well as manage Apple Watch settings.

A user's iPhone is also used to help with computational demands,a nd help preserve the watch's battery life. 

Sources familiar with the product's development say that the device is currently on track to ship in the United States by the end of March, 

So far Apple has refused to reveal exactly when it will be released, although a statement made to Apple employees suggests the release will be in 'the spring.' 

It has previously been claimed that suppliers were struggling to make enough screens and processors.

However, breakthroughs have been made in the number of successful yields for the watch's display and processor, according to Taiwan's United Daily News late last year. 

Now 9to5Mac's Mark Gurman says Apple Store employees are set to be trained in February.

'One or two representatives from many Apple Stores in the United States, depending on store and market size, will be sent to Apple offices in either Cupertino, California or Austin, Texas to learn first-hand about the Watch,' he claims.

The Apple Watch will be available in three versions: Watch, Watch Sport, and Watch Edition, a high end version made of specially developed precious metals.

'These training programs will take place between February 9th and February 16th.'

The employees will then train the rest of their store's staff, it is believed. 

Unveiled on September 9 at Apple's iPhone 6 launch event, the Apple Watch is the company's foray into wearable computers.

Samsung, LG, Motorola and Microsoft have already launched their own smartwatches, but Apple is expected to face unprecedented demand for its watch.

Quanta, which is building the watch, has upped its number of workers from 2,000 to 10,000 and is ultimately aiming for 20,000. 

The initial round of shipments will be 3 to 5 million watches. 

Apple anticipates a total of 24 million watches will be shipped during 2015, according to claims - and mass production will start in January

Apple anticipates a total of 24 million watches to be shipped during 2015, G for Games said. 

According to 9to5Mac, Angela Ahrendts, Apple's senior vice president of retail and online stores hinted at the release date when she told staff: 'We're going into the holidays, we'll go into Chinese New Year, and then we've got a new watch launch coming in the spring.'

Apple's chief executive Tim Cook unveiled the watch at a launch event in September. 

He didn't announce exactly when the watch would be available, but said it would go on sale 'early next year.'

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE APPLE WATCH

Built-in is a 'taptic engine' that responds to a subtle vibrations users feel on their wrist for notifications

The watch has a completely new user interface, different from the iPhone, and the 'crown' on the Apple Watch is a dial called the 'digital crown.'

Users can turn the crown to zoom in and out on a map, or scroll a list. The crown can also be pressed to take the user back to the home screen.

Different areas on the watch face can be customised with taps and swipes, and force touches.

The Glances feature shows info users would like to see, similar to Google Now, and is accessed by swiping the screen up from the bottom.

Music can also be controlled on an iPhone through the Apple Watch.

Built-in is a 'taptic engine' that responds to a subtle vibrations users feel on their wrist for notifications.

It understands questions in messages and then offers pre-selected answers, and messages can be dictated to the iPhone.

Users can also talk to the watch and send a voice reply, or have it transcribed to them.

There is no keyboard on the watch, and messages can only be sent through dictation, or emoji.

Siri also is built into the Apple Watch. 

A 'source close to Apple' told The Information last month that the firm 'would be lucky to ship [the watch] before Valentine's Day'. 

Chinese New Year falls on 19 February next year, so Ms Ahrendts comments push it at least beyond this date. 

Despite the range of impressive features unveiled by Mr Cook, there was something he failed to mention: battery life.

The telling omission suggests the watch's battery life will be the Achilles Heel of the device when it eventually does go on sale. 

Apple is said to be unhappy with the watch's battery life, and the long lead time before the $349 (£216) product ships could mean the device will be more functional once it's released early next year.  

Apple's chief executive Tim Cook (pictured) unveiled the watch at a launch event in September. Although he didn't reveal battery life details, Mr Cook did spend some time talking about the Watch's charging system, which combines Apple's MagSafe technology with inductive charging

Most existing smartwatches on the market, such as Pebble and MetaWatch, tend to last up to a week on a single charge.

The closest Cook came to talking about the battery life for the Watch was saying that users would 'charge it at night.'

During an interview in Bloomberg Business Week, Apple's senior vice president of operations Jeff WIlliams said: 'We want to make the best product in the world.

'One of our competitors is on their fourth or fifth attempt, but nobody is wearing them.'

The company's chief executive added that the Apple Watch 'can be worn all day, for any occasion,' but hourly figures were notably absent.

A source said Apple is unhappy with the watch's battery life, according to Re/Code. Another source confirmed to the technology site that that the battery life 'is about a day now.'

The watch has a completely new user interface (left), different from the iPhone, and the 'crown' on the Apple Watch is a dial called the 'digital crown' (right) presented by chief executive Tim Cook

The company's chief executive added the Apple Watch 'can be worn all day, for any occasion,' but hourly figures were notably absent. The long lead time before the $349 (£216) product ships could mean the device will be more functional once it's released early next year

A spokesperson for Apple declined to provide battery details to MailOnline and said they will be revealed closer to launch next year.

Like many of Apple's other products, the Apple Watch appears to have a sealed back, which means the battery cannot be replaced. 

This suggests that the entire $349 (£216) device will have to be replaced, once the battery eventually deteriorates from constant charging and use.

Another concern is the launch of the health and activity-tracking apps on the Apple Watch, which will rely on adequate battery life for round-the-clock monitoring. 

Apple unveils its long-anticipated Apple Watch

Companies including Fitbit and Withings have health trackers that are designed to be worn at night too, monitoring sleep patterns through movements.

However, if the Watch has to be charged at night, vital health signs could be missed by the gadget which Apple says will 'motivate people to be more active and more healthy.'

Apple did, however, spend some time talking about the Watch's charging system, which combines Apple's MagSafe technology with inductive charging. 

Apple's silence on battery life suggests the company is still working to improve the feature. 

The success of the device could hang on whether or not it manages to do it in time.