iWatch Release Date Delayed To 2015? Production Issues Concerning, Analyst Says

If you were already considering the iWatch among your holiday wishlist items, you may have a bit of a longer wait for your gift.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that a few production issues are threatening to push back the launch of the rumored Apple smartwatch - components, system design, manufacturing, and integration between hardware and software, according to AppleInsider.

Kuo, who AppleInsider notes has a trustworthy history predicting Apple releases, has updated his release date expectations for the iWatch several times since he originally predicted a September debut for the device.

Most recently, the analyst was still pegging the iWatch for a 2014 release - just in limited quantities.

The iWatch was recently tied for mass production start in November.

GForGames calculates that the timing for the device's release sounds right when you consider its likely standing in the Apple lineup:

"Given the fact that the smartwatch in question should work, for the most part, like any other similar companion gadget (meaning that the large majority of its features will be available once the device is paired up with a smartphone), it's somewhat to be expected for Apple to not introduce the iWatch to the world during an exclusive event. With that in mind, if the iWatch won't be ready by the time the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 hits the stage (and it most likely won't), chances are that the wrist gadget will indeed make its debut next to the 5.5-inch model, regardless of when the smartphone will go live."

An earlier update from the Economic Daily News (spotted first by GForGames) tipped two size options for the device - 1.6 inches and 1.8 inches (with the sapphire display). Furthermore, the report adds that the use of the sapphire on the smartwatch could "pave the way" for future iPhones - like the iPhone 6S or iPhone 7 - to use a sapphire display; suggesting rumors of a sapphire-packing iPhone 6 are untrue.

Sources "familiar with the matter" previously told The Wall Street Journal several sizes and model designs would be offered.