Skip to main content

Apple Watch Series 7 has resolved production issues and will launch this month

MacRumors is reporting Apple has resolved its Apple Watch Series 7 production issues and will begin producing and launching the new model this month, according to Apple Insider analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Nikkei Asia and Bloomberg reported there could have been delays because of these production issues. Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman recently tweeted the device will be available in limited quantities at launch.

The watch has a new, more durable display panel and a contact design instead of the older cable design. It has a flat-edged look modeled after the designs of the iPhone 12 and iPad Pro. This created a more complicated production process.

The production issue was related to the complex new panel modules having reliability issues. These issues included a blinking panel and touch insensitivity. The problem was solved by going experimenting with different designs to determine the best production configuration. Qualification standards for the panel and assembly sides also had to be adjusted.

For the first time, a low-injection pressure overmolding was used to protect the inner components. A new OLED production line was used to reduce costs and improve efficiency. A longer supply chain may have contributed to the delays because of the addition of new suppliers like LG Display, Young Poong, and Jabil.

“We expect Jabil to start mass production of Apple Watch 7 panel modules in mid-September,” said Kuo.

Kuo’s note is optimistic about the future of Apple Watch shipments and mentioned “new health-management features” for the Series 8. This is encouraging news for Apple users as Gurman said there would be “no chance” of any additional health features for the Series 7.

The Apple Watch Series 7 displays will be larger than previous models. Currently, they come in 40mm and 44mm sizes. The new series should be 41mm and 45mm. Apple will release its new product lineup at 10 a.m. PT on Tuesday, September 14 and you can watch it live.

Editors' Recommendations

Williesha Morris
Williesha Morris is an Alabama-based freelance journalist and copywriter currently focusing on accessibility, mental health…
The Apple Watch ban is over … kind of
The Apple Watch Series 9 showing apps on the screen.

The sales ban on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, which caused Apple to stop selling the two smartwatches late last week, has already been lifted — for now.

On December 27, the U.S. Court of Appeals temporarily lifted the sales and import ban on the two Apple Watch models. Apple stopped selling the Series 9 and Ultra 2 from its online stores on December 21 and pulled the watches from its physical retail locations on December 24.

Read more
The 6 best Apple Watch alternatives, now that it’s banned
apple watch alternatives

If you were planning to purchase the latest Apple Watch Series 9 or Apple Watch Ultra 2, you may have to hold off for a while. The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) has prohibited the sale of these smartwatches until a patent dispute is resolved. On December 26, Apple pulled the wearable devices from the U.S. market. It's unclear how long this situation will last, but Apple has assured customers it's working towards a resolution.

If you're in the market for a new smartwatch and have your heart set on an Apple device, don't worry; plenty of alternatives are available, including some of the year's best ones. Companies such as Garmin, Fitbit, Withings, and even Apple offer a range of smartwatches and fitness trackers to meet your needs. These alternatives have unique features and benefits, such as heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and guided breathing exercises to help you stay healthy and stress-free.
Apple Watch SE 2

Read more
These two Apple Watches are now banned in the U.S.
watchOS 10 Smart Stack widgets on the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Apple halted the sales of two Apple Watch models earlier this month following a court ruling that the company violated patent laws. Apple’s last hope was the White House, which could offer the company a respite from a sales and import ban with a veto order. However, Apple didn’t get any such relief from the Biden Administration on the sales ban covering the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

In an executive release issued by President Biden’s office, the White House has decided to uphold the sales ban suggested by the United States International Trade Commission (ITC). The Office of the United States Trade Representative conducted the final review of the U.S. ITC’s verdict, which concluded that Apple infringed on patented technology owned by Masimo and Cercacor Labs.

Read more