Gurman: Apple Watch Series 7 Will Be Available in Limited Quantities At Launch

Despite the Apple Watch Series 7 reportedly facing production issues, Apple still plans to announce the new smartwatch alongside the iPhone 13 at its usual September event, but the device will be available in limited quantities at launch, according to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman.

Apple Watch 7 Unreleased Feature Flat red
In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Gurman outlines three potential outcomes of Apple's production headaches: The company delays its Apple Watch announcement until the production issues are resolved, it goes ahead with the announcement and makes the Series 7 available in limited quantities, or Apple announces the watch but doesn't make it available until a later date.

According to Gurman, Apple will announce the Apple Watch Series 7 alongside the ‌iPhone‌ this month, but some models will ship later than usual or in limited quantities.

But if you can't wait to get the new watch, you may have to. My colleague Debby Wu and I reported that the new display is causing production headaches. When that happens with a new product, there are typically three outcomes: The announcement is delayed until the issues are fixed, the product launches on time in small quantities, or the device is announced on time but goes on sale later.

I'm led to believe that we'll see an announcement during the usual September event alongside the iPhone, but there will be a mix of the models shipping late or in small quantities.

The Apple Watch Series 7 will feature a much more dramatic design change that will make it clearly distinguishable from prior Apple Watch models. It will come in new 41mm and 45mm size options, up from 40 and 44mm, and feature updated screen technology and a flat-edged design similar to the ‌iPhone‌ 12. New health sensor features aren't expected, but the new model is likely to have a faster processor and possibly improved battery life.

Based on past event dates, the most likely date for the ‌iPhone‌ 13 and Apple Watch Series 7 event is Tuesday, September 14. For everything you can expect in the new Apple Watch, check out our dedicated guide.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 11
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now)

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Top Rated Comments

TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
56 months ago
Not surprised by this report at all. It happens every year. Hoping Apple releases the new Apple Watch in a timely manner.

Scarcity Principle. This is pure economics and marketing 101.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Seoras Avatar
56 months ago
I can hear the noise of knives being sharpened by EBay scalpers at this news.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
whlee75 Avatar
56 months ago
production issues, limited supply, possible launch delay...
if i could have a nickel...
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
twistedpixel8 Avatar
56 months ago

Order Limit quantity 1 ;)
So were most online shops for the PS5 but the bots still managed to place thousands of orders.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Saturn007 Avatar
56 months ago
This guy Gurman is brilliant! His insights are phenomenal.

Not mentioned here, but I understand he also predicted that, in these circumstances, the watch will either be priced the same as last year's, lower than last year's, or higher.

In a special report, only for subscribers, he also said his sources confirmed that there will be new features added this year or in the coming years to Apple products!

At least Prosser makes actual predictions, even if his batting average isn't the greatest.

[Trigger warning: That's a clickbait comment! ?]
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Iconoclysm Avatar
56 months ago

Well consumers keep falling for it so Apple keep playing the same old card! It amazes me that the vast majority of consumers don’t see through it.

That said, this year is a bit different with Brexit and the semiconductor shortage. For example, just about all EU car factories are on hold because of all of this. In the UK our used car prices have soared. My 1 year old car is worth almost what I paid for it - how crazy is that?! Of course it’s temporary and it will plummet in a few months but still strange to see mainstream cars appreciate in value.
Ok, so explain how Apple has record sales at launch every year if they’re purposefully holding anything back? When are you people going to let go of the conspiracies?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)