Apple Watch 7 will ship this month with ‘dramatic change in design’

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Apple Watch Series 7 concept
Apple Watch Series 7 could look a little something like this.
Photo: Jon Prosser/RendersbyIan

Apple Watch Series 7 will make its debut later this month after issues in its production were resolved, according to a new report published by TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and seen by Cult of Mac.

The new device will introduce the “most significant change in the design of the Apple Watch ever.” Availability could be limited initially, but mass production is expected to begin in late September.

Apple Watch Seres 7 could be the best yet

Recent rumors have indicated Apple Watch Series 7 will sport a new chassis design with flat edges — like those on iPhone 12 or iPad Pro — that increases its surface area and allows for larger display panels.

Kuo echoes those claims, stating that the device will feature “flat-edge and narrow bezel designs.” He also blames the new displays on the production issues Apple Watch 7 has faced in recent months.

“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,” Kuo wrote in a note to investors on Friday.

But Apple has now ironed out those production issues, and Apple Watch 7 will launch this month, as originally planned.

Apple Watch 7 will arrive this month

“The market is worried that the Apple Watch 7 will not be released,” Kuo said. “However, according to our latest survey, Apple has resolved the panel module quality issues.” Mass production will begin in mid to late September.

Kuo believes the issues will have a “limited impact” on Apple Watch 7 overall, with mass production delayed by just two weeks. He still expects shipments to grow significantly to as many as 45 million units in 2021.

Kuo doesn’t mention what this might mean for Apple Watch 7 availability at launch. However, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman has warned that some models may ship late, or will be available in small quantities initially.

As for Apple Watch Series 8, Kuo predicts “new health management features,” including temperature sensors.

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