Rumours hint at delayed introduction of iWatch

CUPERTINO, Calif. – Though Apple is expected to unveil its hotly anticipated “iWatch” at a forthcoming Sept. 9 event, the device won’t actually ship to consumers for some time, potentially missing the holiday season entirely and arriving in stores in early 2015, according to a new report.

Citing “sources in position to know,” the website Re/code reported late in August that Apple’s anticipated wearable device isn’t shipping “any time soon.” Industry pundits are now saying the device will likely ship in early 2015.

What to expect:

• Early 2015 launch
• Health & fitness focus
• Biometric sensors
• iPhone connectivity
• Two sizes for men & women

Such a move wouldn’t be unprecedented, as Apple had delays between the announcement and eventual launch of both the iPhone and iPad. However, both of those devices were introduced in January, just after the lucrative holiday shopping season.

The latest rumor comes on the heels of claims from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities, who suggested in August that Apple may be facing internal delays for the unannounced product. Problems in bringing the device to market are said to be related to components, system design, manufacturing, and integration between hardware and software.

Specifically, Kuo has claimed that Apple faces sapphire cover production bottlenecks, which he said may force the company to use glass screen covers for about half of the “iWatch” units it ships. He also believes the device will sport a curved AMOLED display built by LG Display that presents difficulties in manufacturing.