RaduTyrsina
News Team
In a recent research note, KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that Apple Watch preorders will exceed 2.3 million units by the end of May. The analyst is known to have accurate predictions, so he could be right this time, as well.
Mass production of the Apple Watch started in March and should reach output of 2.3 million units, but there are still production bottlenecks caused by the haptic vibrator and advanced OLED screen. Kuo believes that 85 percent of orders will go to Apple Watch Sport, 15 percent to stainless steel Apple Watch versions and 1 percent to the most expensive gold Apple Watch Edition devices.
For the entire year, the analyst is targeting production at 2 to 3 million units per month, but he cites a number of supply chain problems that could hinder the manufacture process. There seems to be a restricted supply of vibration motors from Hong Kong-based manufacturer AAC and flexible AMOLED screens from LG Display.
Kuo estimates Apple will ship between 15 and 20 million Apple Watches in 2015, which is much lower than the average of 20 to 30 million units that was previously believed. Apple hasn't disclosed yet any sales numbers, but it could do so at the upcoming WWDC in June.
Source: AppleInsider
