Apple Watch Series 7 Production Issues Resolved, Will Ship Late September [Report]

Apple has resolved production issues affecting its next generation Apple Watch and will likely ship the new smartwatch starting in late September, reports analyst Ming-Chi Kuo via MacRumors.

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

The next generation Apple Watch is said to feature a 'dramatic' change in design. It will have flat edges similar to the iPhone 12 and iPad Pro. A new more durable display uses a contact design instead of the old cable design, requiring a low injection pressure overmolding (LIPO) process for the first time.


A new OLED production line is being used that improves efficiency and reduces panel costs but requires new suppliers like LGF, Young Poong, and Jabil.

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 started mass production, mainly including blinking panel and touch insensitivity. This complicated production issue may be related to LGD, Jabil, or Young Poong.

Kuo expects Jabil to start mass production of panels for the Apple Watch Series 7 in mid-September. Mass shipments should begin in late-September.

Apple will unveil the new Apple Watch at a special event on September 14th. Please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS for updates.