Apple Watch Release Imminent with Mass Production in January, to Kill Android Wear

Apple Watch release may be delayed as production issues hit Apple once more. According to estimates, Apple's wearable device will not hit mass production until January 2015. This is the earliest projected schedule possibly pushing the release. While Apple intended for the watch to launch in 2015, the company previously claimed during its September 9 press event that it will be targeting an early 2015 release. That may not happen soon if problems continue to persist.

Rosenblatt Securities analyst Brian Blair thinks that the Cupertino-based giant has been hit with production issues thus the possible changes in the release of the Apple Watch. More importantly, GSM Arena reported that if Apple's wearable device will go in production in January then it can be launched and be available in February but in limited quantities. Forecasts suggest that Apple can create as many as 15 million units by February. Quanta has been named the company's partner for the device.

Previously, there were two suppliers supposed to produce the watch but G for Games blog noted that only one supplier will now take charge. Inventec was removed from the supplier lineup with Apple remaining tightlipped on why. Instead, Quanta reportedly sealed a deal with Apple agreeing to manufacture solely for the company. It will not be supplying or assembling a similar device to any other company according to Tech Times.

Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Muster also provided his thoughts about the Apple Watch (via AppleInsider): "Overall, we believe that the Apple Watch is light years ahead of any other smartwatch on the market, but consumer application may be limited initially until developers begin to create useful applications for the watch."

Blair added that if Apple's first release turns out to be a success then the tech giant may ramp up production to 20 or 25 million units. The entry level edition of the series will come around $349. Apple has not released a detailed pricing scheme for its new device. Apple analyst John Gruber, on other hand, sees the Watch Edition retailing for as much as $1,999.

Analysts also previously predicted that the Apple Watch can be a game changer for Apple and its competitors because it will combine target markets. Its integration with the rest of Apple's products can be a primary selling point.