Rumor: Apple Watch to see initial supply constraints with OLED unit, but constraint is not unexpected

The Apple Watch may see supply constraints before launch, but Apple should be prepared for them.

This is what one source has indicated, as Apple has seen similar issues. When the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus debuted last year, Apple struggled to keep up with consumer demand for months.

That may happen again with the Apple Watch. One person familiar with Apple’s internal logistics shared this week that with all of the new technology introduced in the Apple Watch, the company has faced production issues with the wrist-worn device “at every stage of the development.”

This source said that while there may be some yield issues at launch, they’re not new and are not a surprise to Apple’s top brass.

As a result, it’s expected that there will be a shortage of the Apple Watch at launch. But this person said the shortage is largely expected by Apple management, who knew the struggles the company might face in coming to market.

In particular, the Apple Watch features an OLED display — the first-ever device from the company to utilize the technology. The stainless steel Apple Watch and luxury edition model also feature scratch-resistant sapphire, while all three models, including the Sport, feature the all-new Digital Crown and heart rate monitor.

With so much technology packed into such a small device, production issues leading up to launch should come as no surprise.

Consumers will first be able to try out the Apple Watch on their wrists beginning April 10 at the company’s retail stores, when preorders begin. The Watch will officially launch two weeks later, on April 24.

Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

Via AppleInsider