Apple’s upcoming smartwatch is suffering production snags as manufacturers adjust to a new design, likely leading to supply constraints or shipment delays, according to a person familiar with the situation.
The device is expected to have a larger screen, alongside a faster processor, Bloomberg has reported. The upgrade has brought manufacturing challenges, according to the person, who asked not to be identified because the situation isn’t public.
Apple’s new smartwatch is believed to have hit production snags.Credit:AP
The company is expected to unveil the new line - known as the Apple Watch 7 - in the coming weeks. It’s part of a flurry of new products from the technology giant, including updated iPhones, iPads, AirPods and Macs.
It wouldn’t be the first time an Apple Watch has hit snags coming out of the factory. The first version was delayed in 2015 due to production problems. But since Apple hasn’t yet announced the release date for the Apple Watch 7, it has options. The company could just give a later date or ship a smaller number of units.
Nikkei reported earlier that production of the device has been delayed due to the complexity of the new watch. Manufacturers of the product began small-scale production last week but didn’t get satisfactory output, Nikkei said.
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An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment.
The new watches also have screen technology that brings that display closer to the cover glass using a different lamination technique, Bloomberg previously reported. That display layer may be causing some of the production woes, the person said.
Shares of Apple have gained 15 per cent this year.