Apple long rumored wearable device iWatch is reportedly suffering a setback that could delay its release even further. The issue is that the surface finish treatments dealing with the device’s body are reportedly showing unexpectedly low yield rates of less than 50 percent.

According to a report from Taiwan where many suppliers and manufacturers are located, both Apple’s iWatch and Qualcomm’s Toq smartwatch are facing yield issues. According to Digitimes:


Several wearable devices such as Apple’s iWatch and Qualcomm’s Toq are reportedly seeing less than 50% yield rates due to difficulties applying surface treatments on their metal injection molded (MIM) chassis, according to sources from the upstream supply chain.

Metal injection molding is a metalworking process that involves mixing finely-powdered metal with a measured amount of binder material. The process lends itself nicely to manufacture of high-precision tiny parts that feature intricate designs.

The report says that although this process has been a part of the industry for some time, MIM is traditionally used on internal components. Now that the external design of many devices includes these components, manufacturers are beginning to stress the importance of surface treatments.

Apple, Qualcomm and other makers are having to balance between efficiency and quality, but if report is to be beloved, they are finding it difficult in maintaing balance.


Since clients have high demand over quality, and also need high volumes of supply, most component makers are having difficulties satisfying both of requirements.

Earlier reports surfaced that apple is planning to release the iWatch in October 2014. So let’s see when apple announces iWatch and what features it will feature.

Next week CES is starting , it is expected that many manufactures will launch their wearable device.