iWatch Release Date Delayed: Mass Production Pushed Back To November, Analyst Claims

Respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities doesn't envision an early fall unveiling for the rumored Apple "iWatch," Apple Insider reports.

In a new research note obtained by the website, Kuo noted that release date schedules suggesting a late September mass manufacturing start and October launch are incorrect, as the device warrants "a new level of difficulty for Apple in regard to both hardware and software development."

Kuo added that supply constraints indicate expectations of 10 million units shipped by the end of 2014 are unlikely, with 3 million units serving as a better figure.

Make sure to read more on Kuo's report about Apple's software and hardware challenges with the iWatch via Apple Insider.

Meanwhile, Apple has reportedly hired two former members of Nike's FuelBand team to assist on the development of its upcoming smartwatch, according to 9to5Mac.

Ryan Bailey and Jon Gale left Nike after the company reportedly downsized its FuelBand team during its shift of focus from hardware to software.

iClarified notes that Bailey, who was the Senior Test and Validation Engineer for FuelBand is now a Mechanical Design Engineer at Apple and Gale, who served as Senior Firmware Engineer at Nike is now a Sensing Systems EnginTeer at Apple.

Earlier this week, the Cupertino-based tech giant reportedly added Patrick Pruniaux, a sales director from TAG Heuer, for its iWatch project.

The smartwatch is reportedly set for an arrival this fall with various shapes and sizes, sources "familiar with the matter" recently told The Wall Street Journal.

The publication reports that the Apple smartwatch will come with 10 sensors — including ones for health and fitness — with the intention to offer an experience that will differ from the iPhone by providing functions users won't be able to get in any old or new smartphones designed by the tech giant. The various designs, meanwhile, would help Apple better compete with the smartphone offerings from rivals such as Samsung and Google.

According to Reuters, the iWatch will feature a 2.5-inch display with a design that will be "slightly rectangular." The Reuters source added that the device's face will "protrude slightly from the band," with wireless charging and a touch screen among the anticipated features.

With July targeted as the mass production start, an October release date seems likely. As Mashable notes, Apple has traditionally launched accessories including the iPod and iPad during that time.