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Apple's rumored iWatch delays due to manufacturing issues?

Not only has there been corporate shuffling, but the tech giant is said to be hitting hurdles with the purported smartwatch's screen technology and battery life.

Dara Kerr Former senior reporter
Dara Kerr was a senior reporter for CNET covering the on-demand economy and tech culture. She grew up in Colorado, went to school in New York City and can never remember how to pronounce gif.
Dara Kerr
A real iWatch would surely put this mockup to shame. Sarah Tew and Christopher MacManus/CNET

Screen technology, battery issues, and corporate shuffling may be some of the reasons for the delay in the release of Apple's expected iWatch. While all product development hits snags, a report from The Information points to these "bumps" as some of the possible setbacks in the company's rumored smartwatch development.

Apparently, Apple hasn't yet definitively decided on what kind of screen technology to use due to battery issues. However, this is common with lots of smartwatch manufacturing since the wearable's real estate is much smaller than a smartphone or tablet.

According to The Information, Apple has also "halted advanced prototyping of some unknown pieces with one manufacturer late last year." But, Apple is known for regularly switching manufacturers, so it's unclear how big a deal this was.

Another issue for Apple is that Bryan James, who was reportedly working on the iWatch, has stepped down and is now working at Nest Labs.

There's been talk of a purported iWatch for about a year now, yet no conclusive signs of any device have appeared. In October it was rumored that LG Display was close to signing a deal with Apple to provide flexible organic light-emitting diode panels (OLED) for its iWatch. It was also said that Apple was talking to Taiwan-based RiTDisplay.

Despite the possible setbacks, The Information says that an iWatch launch is still expected sometime this year.

CNET contacted Apple for comment. We'll update the story when we get more information.