Apple To Ramp Up Apple Watch Production Very Soon, Analysts

By Kamal Nayan - 14 Apr '15 04:51AM

Apple is expected to quickly ramp up smartwatch production after strong pre-orders outstripped limited supply, according to analysts.

Shipping times for Apple Watch is being pushed to June for some models and four to six weeks for others.

According to analysts, Apple is expected to sell between 2.3 million and 4 million watches in the quarter ending June.

"Overall we view the trends over the weekend as an indication of solid demand paired with very limited supply, with supply being the most significant limiting factor," Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster said in a client note, according to Reuters.

Estimates by shopping data firm Slice Intelligence and brokerage Cowen and Co pegged bookings on Friday, the first day of pre-orders, at about 1 million in the United States.

For comparison, Android-powered smartwatches offered by companies including Samsung and Sony managed to ship just 720,000 units last year.

Apple Watch is Chief Executive Tim Cook's first new major product launch and the company's first foray into the personal luxury-goods market.

So far, the device has got mixed reviews. Some have praised the watch styling while others are ranting about its slow-loading apps and less capable battery.