Tokyo, April 16 (IANS): Apple's highly anticipated smartwatch will feature a Line Messaging application, the system used on the iPhone, enabling the watch to receive new messages and reply with "stickers" and "emoticons", Line's spokesperson in Japan confirmed to Efe news agency on Thursday.

The new Apple Watch, set to hit stores on April 24, will allow users to view messages containing text, stickers (enlarged emoji pictographs), emoticons and images on the wrist.

When messages contain other data like video, the users will receive a notification on the handy gadget.

Although the application will not allow users to send text or images, it includes a catalog of 38 stickers and 144 emoticons, but additional graphics cannot be downloaded, according to a statement by the company.

The additional service by Line for Apple Watch will operate outside Japan and will be available in nine languages: Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Spanish.