Kuo: Apple Watch Series 7 will be shipped later this month after fixing production issues

Apple has solved its production problems of Apple Watch Series 7 and will begin mass production of the new model in mid-late September, with a release later the same month still scheduled, according to a new note from the investor of analyst Ming-Chi Kuo seen by MacRumors.

The production problem of the Apple Watch 7 is mainly related to the side of the board. However, it has been resolved and mass production of panel modules will begin in mid-September.

The ‌Apple Watch Series 7‌ will feature a new design with a flat-cut look similar to the flat edges used for the iPhone 12 and iPad Pro. According to Kuo, the new Apple Watch had to go through more production processes than previous models due to this “dramatic” change in design.

Specifically, the new, more durable display panel uses a contact design instead of the old cable design and, for the first time, requires a low-pressure injection molding (LIPO) process. Apple is also using a new OLED production line that can improve efficiency and reduce panel costs, but that required the incorporation of new vendors such as LGF, Young Poong and Jabil, which in itself could have contributed to the delays.

Due to the adoption of many new panel-related production processes, the Apple Watch 7 panel module encountered reliability issues during the risk phase before Jabil began mass production, including mainly intermittent blinking. and tactile insensitivity. This complicated production problem may be related to LGD, Jabil or Young Poong.

The good news is that Apple has solved the reliability issues of the panel modules by going through different experimental designs (DOE) to find the best production setup and adjusting the rating standards on the sides of the panel and assembly.

“We expect Jabil to begin mass production of Apple Watch 7 panel modules in mid-September,” Kuo said in the note. Under this new schedule, the analyst says the final product will begin mass shipments in late September.

Both of us Nikkei Asia i Bloomberg previously reported that production issues due to the more complicated design meant that the launch of the Apple Watch Series 7 would likely be delayed. Separately, Bloomberg Journalist Mark Gurman recently reported that the device could be available in limited quantities at launch. Gurman reiterated that he has it in one tweet after Kuo’s last investment note.

In his note, Kuo also mentions his optimism for Apple Watch shipments in 2022, because the 8 Series offers “new health management features (e.g., temperature measurement, etc.).” , a reference to the recently reported thermometer feature that Apple says is considering adding it to the device as soon as next year.

Apple plans to present the redesigned watch along with its new line of iPhone 13s at next week’s digital-only event on Tuesday, September 14th. We have a full summary of everything we hope to see from the ‌Apple Watch Series 7‌ in our dedicated guide.