Apple Watch Series 7 launch still happening this month despite production issues, says Gurman
Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman is out with the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, this week reporting that despite manufacturing issues, which supposedly have caused Apple Watch Series 7 production to be halted, the new wearable is still expected to be announced alongside the iPhone 13 later this month.
Nikkei Asia claimed last week that Apple and its suppliers are working around the clock after small-scale production of the Apple Watch Series 7 started in late August. It was said that production was delayed “due to critical challenges in reaching satisfactory production performance,” citing the complexity of the new wearable’s rumored new design as a contributing factor to the unexpected delay.
The report said “Production of the upcoming Apple Watch has been delayed in large part due to the complicated designs of the new smartwatch, Nikkei Asia has learned. Manufacturers of Apple Watch 7, as the device is expected to be called, began small-scale production last week but encountered critical challenges in reaching satisfactory production performance.”
It wasn’t clear if the production issues would force Apple to postpone the launch of the next-generation Apple Watch however, Gurman suggests today that despite the problems being faced, we will still likely see the wearable announced during Apple’s iPhone 13 special event this month, but certain models may ship late or in small quantities.
I’m led to believe that we’ll see an announcement during the usual September event alongside the iPhone, but there will be a mix of the models shipping late or in small quantities. That shouldn’t be too unfamiliar to those who witnessed the original Apple Watch launch in 2015.
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The Apple Watch Series 7 is said to get a faster processor, improved wireless connectivity, and an updated screen. Recent leaks and reports have pointed to Apple making the new wearable available in new 41mm & 45mm sizes, replacing the current 40mm and 44mm options.
The new devices are said to feature a flat-edged design similar to that seen with the iPhone 12 Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Pro, with leaker Jon Prosser sharing concepts back in May that was said to be based on a design shown in images obtained from a “very highly trusted source.”