The Apple Watch Series 7 has been hit by production delays which could hit availability, and could even push back the announcement.
That’s the story from Bloomberg and Nikkei Asia, which are both reporting manufacturing issues.
According to sources, the Series 7 is using a new screen technology processes, which involves a “different lamination technique”. The idea, allegedly, is that the screen panel will sit closer to the glass, which will form part of the revised design that’s been rumored to land on the Apple Watch Series 7.
However, as manufacturing has ramped up, there’s been quality control issues, which have been confounded by the pandemic.
Update: The Apple Watch Series 7 is now official. Read our guide for everything you need to know.
Renders based on CAD designs allegedly seen by Jon Prosser
We’re accustomed to getting a new Apple Watch every September alongside the new iPhone, so it would be a blow if Apple wasn’t able to announce the new device in that period.
The original Apple Watch was announced in September, but didn’t go on sale until the following April – although that would represent something of a disaster if the new smartwatch wasn’t ready for this Holiday season.
It comes alongside rumors of a large design change – which could be the biggest since the Apple Watch was launched in 2014.
According to Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, the Series 7 will grow slightly, with 41mm and 45mm case sizes, which has been packed up by multiple rumors and leaks.
Apple Watch Series 7
45mm pic.twitter.com/vIjR5mvQ85
— DuanRui (@duanrui1205) August 26, 2021
He also reported that the Series 7 will feature the flatter edges, matching the newer iPhone design language. That’s been backed up by several sources, including Jon Prosser's renders (pictured).
It seems that the Series 7 will focus on the upgraded design, with little or no headline health features or new sensors heading to the smartwatch in 2021.
However, when we’ll see – or be able to buy – the Series 7 seems uncertain for now.
How we test
James is the co-founder of Wareable, and he has been a technology journalist for 15 years.
He started his career at Future Publishing, James became the features editor of T3 Magazine and T3.com and was a regular contributor to TechRadar – before leaving Future Publishing to found Wareable in 2014.
James has been at the helm of Wareable since 2014 and has become one of the leading experts in wearable technologies globally. He has reviewed, tested, and covered pretty much every wearable on the market, and is passionate about the evolving industry, and wearables helping people achieve healthier and happier lives.