Update: Rendered images of the purported new Apple Watch 8 suggest no major design changes from Apple's upcoming smartwatch

The Apple Watch 7 is reportedly free from pre-production issues, though it may still face delays

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (via AppleInsider) said in a new Apple investor note that previously reported problems with Apple Watch 7 production have been resolved Mass production of the new smartwatch is expected to begin in mid-September, about two weeks behind schedule

According to Kuo, the production issues Apple had with the touchscreen and display reliability have now been resolved By quickly iterating on designs, moving to a new OLED production line, and implementing a new, sturdier cable design, Apple and its partners now seem to have fixed everything in the nick of time

AppleInsider quotes Kuo as writing: "Because of the first adoption of many new panel-related manufacturing processes, the Apple Watch 7 panel module encountered reliability issues during the risk ramp phase before Jabil began mass production, primarily panel flashing and touch insensitivity problems"

"Apple solved the panel module reliability issues by finding the optimal production configuration through various Design of Experiments (DOEs) and by adjusting the panel-side and assembly-side qualification criteria"

The Jabil team was able to find a solution to the reliability issues by using a new production process, which included a new production process, and a new production process, which included a new production process

However, these problems were encountered by suppliers early in the Apple Watch supply chain, and delays were reported According to Kuo, there is a two-week delay in the mass production schedule for the Apple Watch 7 If this is the case, it could limit initial availability or delay the pre-order/release date of the watch

Apple will likely run into problems due to several new design elements rumored for the Apple Watch 7 Instead of the rounded body of the previous model, the watch is said to have flat sides like the iPhone 12 series, and the smaller and larger versions will reportedly increase in size to 41mm and 45mm, respectively

Apple has announced that it will hold an event on September 14, where the Apple Watch 7 will likely debut, along with the iPhone 13 series, and possibly the AirPods 3 and iPad 9

In the same investor memo, Kuo mentions the Apple Watch 8 next year He claims that the 2022 smartwatch will feature new health-focused features, including temperature measurement

This feature was actually discussed in a recent Wall Street Journal report It also claims that the 2022 Apple Watch will have a built-in thermometer, but that its focus will be on fertility tracking rather than fitness

Unfortunately, there is no information on a blood glucose monitoring feature This feature would be useful for health tracking and diabetics, and was rumored to be included in the Apple Watch 7 and rival Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 However, the Galaxy Watch 4 was launched without this feature, and rumors of the Apple Watch 7 also suggest that this smartwatch will not include it