Apple iWatch May Be Delayed Until 2015 Due To Production Issues

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) fans may have to wait longer for the company’s entry into the wearable technology market.

Taiwanese research firm KGI Securities told the Financial Times on Tuesday, that the iWatch could be delayed until 2015. KGI claims that that increased manufacturing difficulties surrounding the components and design of the iWatch are to blame.

Yet, this isn’t the first time the Apple iWatch has reportedly been delayed. KGI’s last estimates pegged the rumored smartwatch to November, also blaming design issues for the hold back. Other rumors indicated an October launch for the iWatch.

The iWatch’s absence in Apple’s busy fall launch schedule may be a minor setback for the company as its current portfolio of devices has been relatively thin for most of 2014. However, Apple could instead take on a delayed release approach, by introducing the iWatch in October and selling the wearable technology in 2015. The company has done this in the past with products such as the Mac Pro, which was introduced at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2013 and later released in December. The original 2007 iPhone also followed a similar release pattern when it was unveiled in January and released six months later.

While physical proof of the iWatch has yet to emerge, several rumors surrounding Apple’s entry into the wearable market indicate that it will have a number of fitness features and integrate with iOS 8’s Health app. A joint venture between GT Advanced Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:GTAT), Merrimack, New Hampshire-based that produces sapphire glass, and Apple, has also fueled speculation that the iWatch will also use a sapphire screen.