Apple unveiled the next generation of the Apple Watch at the "California Streaming" event on September 15th. In a rare move, the company did not announce when the device would go on sale, only that it is expected to be released in the fall. Now a leaker claims to have learned more details about the market launch.
Citing SourcesAccording to sources familiar with Apple's plans, Jon Prosser reports that Apple is preparing to begin taking pre-orders for the Apple Watch Series 7 as early as next week, with shipments expected to begin in mid-October. Prosser has made a name for himself as a leaker, but he has a mixed track record when it comes to concrete release dates. In addition, he was wrong about his predictions regarding the Apple Watch's design. Recent reports suggested that Apple was struggling with production delays, partly due to the Watch's "new design." Mass production was supposedly set to begin in August, but assemblers encountered obstacles that pushed the schedule back to September. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo detailed the production issues in a letter to investors earlier this month, explaining that complications related to a new OLED panel design and related technologies are to blame for the delay.
Apple Watch Series 7 with larger Retina display
The Apple Watch Series 7 is based on an OLED G6 production line, which can improve production efficiency and reduce panel costs, Kuo said. In addition, the panel module features a new contact cable design that uses a LIPO (Low Injection Pressure Overmolding) process that can improve durability. Apple reportedly resolved the manufacturing issue in early September and assembly partners began mass production a few weeks ago. This timeline is in line with Prosser's statement, who expects a mid-October release. The Apple Watch Series 7 features a refined case design that houses a larger Retina display with nearly 20% more screen area than the Apple Watch Series 6. Apple is also banking on improvements in robustness and improved power management that enables faster charging with the new Magnetic Fast Charger USB-C cable. (Image: Apple)
