Speculation is swirling around that reported production snags might cause customers to experience limited Apple Watch Series 7 availability when the wearable device launches.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS:
- Apple Watch Series 7 is experiencing production hiccups
- Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman expects limited launch quantities
- Apple could even delay its scheduled announcement of the watch
Apple Watch Series 7 to launch in limited quantities?
This speculation was put forth by Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, who in his PowerOn newsletter posits that Apple Watch Series 7 should be unveiled alongside the iPhone 13 during Apple’s prerecorded product presentation expected to stream later in September. However, the device could be available in limited quantities at launch due to the reported production snags.
Basically, Gurman proposes three possible scenarios:
- Delayed announcement:Â This is the worst possible outcome: Apple postpones the upcoming Apple Watch Series 7 announcement until suppliers resolve production issues.
- Delayed launch: The watch is announced alongside the iPhone 13 lineup in September. Apple then takes pre-orders for the device but doesn’t launch the watch until a later date.
- Limited launch quantities: Apple announces Apple Watch Series 7 alongside the iPhone 13 lineup and launches the device according to its original plan but in limited quantities.
The last option is what we’re all hoping for. A recent report alleged that Apple’s suppliers are expected to ramp up Apple Watch Series 7 production at the end of September so availability issues are certainly expected when the device lands on store shelves.
Mark Gurman expects Apple Watch Series 7 supply constraints
Here’s an excerpt from the newsletter:
But if you can’t wait to get the new watch, you may have to. My colleague Debby Wu and I reported that the new display is causing production headaches. When that happens with a new product, there are typically three outcomes: The announcement is delayed until the issues are fixed, the product launches on time in small quantities, or the device is announced on time but goes on sale later.
He expects some supply constraints when Apple Watch Series 7 arrives.
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.
Apple Watch Series 7 should mark the second time Apple has increased the device’s screen.
Rumored features of Apple Watch Series 7
Aside from flat edges, the device is expected to be powered by a faster Apple chip and feature an upgraded display. Case size should increase a bit, with the new 41 and 45-millimeter variations expected. This will result in increased resolution and with more pixels should come new watch faces designed to display more data.
As for health upgrades such as sensors that measure body and blood pressure temperature, expect those features to be implemented in a future Apple Watch model, not this year.