Kuo: Apple Watch Series 7 will ship later this month after production issues are resolved

Apple has solved its Apple Watch Series 7 production issues and will begin mass-producing the new model from mid-September to the end of September, with a launch later the same month still on schedule, according to a new memo. investor of analyst Ming-Chi Kuo seen by MacRumors.

The Apple Watch 7 production issue is mainly related to the panel side. 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-edged 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 process than previous models because of this “dramatic” change in design.

Specifically, the new, more durable display panel uses a contact design instead of the old cable design, and also requires a low injection pressure overmolding (LIPO) process for the first time. Apple is also using a new OLED production line that can improve efficiency and lower panel costs, but required the accession of new vendors like 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 for the first time, the Apple Watch 7 panel module encountered reliability issues during the risk ramp phase before Jabil began mass production, including the flashing panel and insensitivity to touch. This complicated production problem may be related to LGD, Jabil or Young Poong.

The good news is that Apple has solved the panel module reliability issues by going through different Experiment Models (DOEs) to find the best production setup and by adjusting the qualification standards on the panel side and the side. Assembly.

“We expect Jabil to begin mass production of Apple Watch 7 panel modules in mid-September,” Kuo said in the note. Based on this new schedule, the analyst indicates that the final product will start shipping en masse at the end of September.

The two Nikkei Asia and Bloomberg previously reported that production issues due to a more complicated design meant that the launch of the Apple Watch Series 7 was likely to be delayed. Separately, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman recently reported that the device may be available in limited quantities at launch. Gurman reiterated this in a Tweeter following Kuo’s latest investor memo.

In his note, Kuo also mentions his optimism for Apple Watch shipments in 2022, due to the Series 8 offering “new health management features (eg temperature measurement, etc.)” – a reference to the recently reported thermometer feature that Apple is supposed to use. consider adding to the device as early as next year.

Apple plans to unveil the redesigned watch alongside its new iPhone 13 lineup at next week’s digital-only event on Tuesday, September 14. We’ve got a full rundown of everything we’ve come to expect from the Apple Watch Series 7‌ in our dedicated guide.