Apple iWatch Rumors: Release Date Delayed As Battery Life and Screen Issues Slow Production?

Apple has apparently hit pause on the highly rumored iWatch. Due to manufacturing issues, screen technology options and apparent battery life issues, Apple has purportedly halted production on the much-discussed device, which is reportedly being launched this year.

Battery life issues were brought to light in early 2013. Supposedly, early versions of the iWatch were only seeing a battery life of two to three days. This made Apple look into other screen technologies to help extend the battery life between charges. OLED is known for its better power consumption compared to tradition LCD screens, but some are suggesting that Apple is exploring options other than OLED.

As it stands, an Apple device (especially a wearable one) with a short battery life would flop in the market. In 2011, with the launch of the iPhone 4s and iOS 5, Apple was under fire for a slew of battery-related issues. However, a quick update to the software fixed the problem. Apple is apparently trying to get ahead of the same kind of issues with the iWatch. The company's fans are notorious for their love it or hate it attitude. The iWatch is rumored to use a 100mAh battery similar to the sixth-gen iPod nano.

Other issues are supposedly plaguing the upcoming wearable. A key member of the iWatch development team, Bryan James, left work at Nest Labs as the VP of New Product Engineering. However, considering it's Apple, the team working on its next innovation is probably still quite large.

Some also point to manufacturing problems that the iWatch is facing for its slow production. Apple reportedly froze “advanced prototyping” late last year. The manufacturer it was working with is still unknown. However, the company is now working with Quanta, a Taiwanese-based manufacturer, to develop a larger iPad slated for late 2014, which would fall in line with the current iPad release schedule.