As Apple's rumored fall hardware event draws closer and closer, new reports now highlight possible production delays for two of the company's most anticipated products — the Apple Watch Series 7 and 2021 MacBook Pros. For a few weeks now, everyone's been placing bets on Apple unveiling its latest round of hardware this month. Apple hasn't acknowledged or confirmed an upcoming event in any way, yet all eyes are on the company to announce its fall lineup on Tuesday, September 14.
There's a lot that's expected of Apple for this fabled event. Along with the annual updates to the iPhone and Apple Watch, it's also anticipated there will be new AirPods, MacBook Pros, and possibly a redesigned iPad mini. Unfortunately for Apple fans eagerly awaiting these new gadgets, it looks like some of them may be shipping later than expected.
According to two new reports from DigiTimes (and first spotted on by MacRumors), production issues have popped up for both the Apple Watch Series 7 and 2021 MacBook Pros. In the case of the Apple Watch, DigiTimes indicates production for the new wearable will go into full gear at the end of September — contradicting earlier reports claiming this was supposed to happen in the middle of the month. It's safe to assume Apple will still announce the Apple Watch Series 7 this month, though it may come with a later pre-order and launch date than the company originally planned.
The New MacBook Pros Could Be Delayed Until November
Where things get especially concerning is with the new MacBook Pros. Apple's expected to launch 14 and 16-inch variants with overhauled designs, more port offerings, and mini-LED displays. All of that innovation apparently comes with a price, as DigiTimes claims the laptops won't enter full production until October or November. As the report explains, "The ongoing chip shortages that are in varying degrees may cause the launch of Apple’s upcoming miniLED-backlit MacBook Pros to be scheduled in October or even November, instead of the usual September, according to industry sources."
Assuming this is correct, that opens up a couple of possibilities for Apple. It could still announce the new MacBook Pros on September 14 with the caveat that they won't go on sale for a couple more months. Alternatively, Apple may delay the MacBook Pros' unveiling until a separate event later in the fall — just like it did with the M1 Macs in 2020.
While reports like this are disappointing, they also aren't very surprising. Experts anticipate the chip shortage to continue through 2022 and possibly into 2023. No one — not even Apple — is immune to something like that. It's irritating and annoying, but it's also the reality of where the market is right now.
Source: DigiTimes (1), (2), MacRumors