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KGI says iWatch/iBand launch could be pushed to 2015

iwatch-concept-future-08

According to a new report from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the much anticipated launch of Apple’s “iWatch” could be delayed into 2015. Kuo claims that difficulties with manufacturing the new device will likely be the cause of the delay:

We reiterate our view that iWatch, as compared to existing products, and as Apple’s (US) first attempt at a wearable device, represents a much higher level of difficulty for the company as regards component and system design, manufacturing and integration between hardware and software. While we are positive on iWatch and believe that the advantages of the design and business model behind it are difficult to copy, we think, given the aforementioned challenges, that the launch could be postponed to 2015.

Kuo, who has a good track record when it comes to Apple product releases, previously reported that Apple’s yet to be announced wearable would enter mass production from late-September to late November. His last report also detailed some components to expect on the device including a flexible AMOLED display, a sapphire coated display cover, higher waterproof standards, and new system-on-a-chip components.

The latest reports from ReCode and others claim that Apple is planning to introduce its much rumored iWatch device in October.

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Comments

  1. Eli Matar - 10 years ago

    Ohhhh
    Enough already with the iWatch crap.

  2. Robert Nixon - 10 years ago

    I wish you guys would quit using this godawful mockup for every iWatch article. That thing is absolutely hideous.

    • o0smoothies0o - 10 years ago

      Yeah that’s the most hideous thing I’ve ever seen. Whoever the graphics designer was that made that, they should be barred from ever doing graphics design again. A 5 year old could make something better than that. Moreover they put a sim tray in it and even a moron knows they won’t have a SIM card in the iWatch.

      • WaveMedia (@WaveMedia) - 10 years ago

        The SIM tray is also bent… so good luck putting an actual SIM card in there.

  3. jrox16 - 10 years ago

    My money is on a late 2014 unveiling, early 2015 on-sale.

    • MurphyMac (@murphymac) - 10 years ago

      I don’t think they’ve ever unveiled anything at year end for release the following year. Except maybe the white iPhone 4.

      • nelmat - 10 years ago

        Mac Pro, current iMac.

      • MurphyMac (@murphymac) - 10 years ago

        I stand corrected. But I’d still take that bet from jrox16. There’s a difference between a new iMac and an Apple watch.

  4. chrisl84 - 10 years ago

    Guess those exciting new products in the pipeline for the fall were an iPhone (shocking) and Beats headphones….But just wait until the 2015 pipeline, Apple TV and iWatch baby! Oh, it will be delayed again then too….

  5. Kye Alexander C - 10 years ago

    I feel like each time a rumor begins to not add up, they say “production issues” delayed it. -__-

  6. RP - 10 years ago

    This is a product that must come out of the gate perfect and with plenty of apps out of 4he box. There is far far more at stake not having it perfect than meeting an arbitrary, imaginary made-up dead line by an analyst.
    It looks like its going to be a pretty complex gadget. They will not announce it until its ready.

  7. WaveMedia (@WaveMedia) - 10 years ago

    This is the reason given for ever BS rumour about a new Apple product not making it out by the time they claim it’ll be out. Also how can something that has no release date be delayed?

    • herb02135go - 10 years ago

      As ugly and dysfunctional as all these comments say, the sheeple will still buy it.

      • ssanook - 10 years ago

        Baaaa baaaa and proud of it.

      • o0smoothies0o - 10 years ago

        What’s ugly and dysfunctional? Your comments genuinely never make sense, it’s hilarious.

  8. kimxotjd020 - 10 years ago

    But didn’t Tim promise to launch a new-category product this year?

    • herb02135go - 10 years ago

      No. That’s a rumor. And it’s been delayed.

      • o0smoothies0o - 10 years ago

        I hate rumors from the mouth of Tim Cook. Wow you’re smart herb

    • Gregory Wright - 10 years ago

      It isn’t September yet. 2014 has roughly 4.3 months left.

      • herb02135go - 10 years ago

        September has been delayed. Production issues.

        October’s start will be announced later this month, according to rumors.

  9. Jason Sims - 10 years ago

    I’m sick of hearing that the watch is delayed, either come out with the watch or don’t apple, if I don’t hear that it gets at least announced this year I’m just gonna sell out and get a pebble watch, or something similar

  10. Carlos Shabo - 10 years ago

    Im calling it now. when the iWatch debuts they will kill of the Nano. it will look like a 6th gen Nano with a curved screen for your wrist. it will be incredibly thin with no buttons on the face, only on the sides. Maybe even call it an iWatch Nano.

    i personally would love if they called it the Apple iQ.

    • o0smoothies0o - 10 years ago

      Um no? iWatch nano is a terrible name to be honest. It also won’t be 2″. 1.5-1.7″ at the most, and the sides will curve.

    • herb02135go - 10 years ago

      In honor of Robin Williams it will be the ipod Nano Nano.

      According to well-sourced rumors.

  11. Stuart Nicholson - 10 years ago

    It seems odd to me that even at this late stage (late this year/early next year) not one leaked peak at a case or component is anywhere to be seen. In iPad and iPhone terms we would have seen plenty of real or so called blurry images of something at least. The mockups are not based on anything so why even bother.

  12. gassan16 - 10 years ago

    I’m tired of this

  13. I think they’ll wait until there are a good amount of notification widgits designed & proven out since that’s ultimately what they’re for. I’m thinking next spring at the earliest.

    • o0smoothies0o - 10 years ago

      That’s what they’re for? BAHAHAH embarrassing you still don’t know what they’re for. They’re for biometrics. The only reason they made this device is for biometrics. They literally wouldn’t have made it if they couldn’t do something useful on it’s own—biometrics. God damn people are clueless. It’s actually astounding.

  14. Gregory Wright - 10 years ago

    It amazes me how some of you get riled up over rumors and speculations.

Author

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Jordan Kahn

Jordan writes about all things Apple as Senior Editor of 9to5Mac, & contributes to 9to5Google, 9to5Toys, & Electrek.co. He also co-authors 9to5Mac’s Logic Pros series.