14 DAY TRIAL // Apple is projected to announce both the iPhone 13 and the Apple Watch Series 7 as part of its typical hardware event in September, but according to a report, the smartwatch could hit several roadblocks before it makes its way to the market later this month.
More specifically, Nikkei reports via sources with knowledge of the matter that the production of the Apple Watch has recently been suspended due to struggles encountered by suppliers and caused by the redesign of the watch.
The Apple Watch Series 7 is expected to give up on the curved edges and go for straight ones inspired by the iPhone 12. However, because of this design update, Apple has reportedly made several changes under the hood as well, and assemblers are reportedly having a hard time putting together all the components, including the electronics and the display.
Due to the global health issue that’s not going anywhere for now, Apple’s executives haven’t been able to travel aboard and work together with suppliers on addressing these production issues, the report adds.
Possible launch delay
So right now, while in some cases the manufacturing of the Apple Watch Series 7 has been slowed down to pay more attention to the production quality, in others everything has been suspended, as suppliers are waiting for Apple to step in and provide additional guidance on assembling the Apple Watch.
With the device projected to see the daylight in just a few weeks and then go on sale by the end of September, everybody is wondering what these production struggles actually mean for the launch of the new Apple Watch.
In theory, Apple suppliers suspending the production of the new watch means the company could end up delaying the start of sales, though the device could still be announced alongside the new iPhones in September. However, because of this production struggle, the date when the Apple Watch Series 7 could be pushed back at least for a couple of weeks.
Another option for Apple is to start selling the Apple Watch Series 7 with the limited inventory available thanks to production models that didn’t encounter any challenges during the manufacturing process.
Of course, Apple is yet to acknowledge these production problems, so it remains to be seen when the device goes on sale, though there’s a good chance the unveiling date hasn’t been changed.