Ever since Apple’s Watch went on sale, the ship dates for hardware have been marching steadily backwards — as of this writing, on 4/29, the ship date now reads “June” without any further clarification. Now we know why Apple is having a hard time meeting demand for its smartwatch hardware — apparently one of the core components is defective.
The WSJ reports that the taptic engine of the watch is to blame. This is the component that produces the sensation of being tapped on the wrist in response to notifications or as part of Apple’s new method of giving you directions while following Apple Maps. It’s also critical in sending your heartbeat to others. One of Apple’s suppliers is AAC Technologies Holdings, of Shenzhen, China, but the company’s hardware fails at an unacceptably high rate.
Apple has reportedly moved its business over to its second supplier, a Japanese company named Nidec, but these sorts of transitions can take time — Nidec has to ramp up production of the part in greater volume and there may be other supply chain issues that need to be addressed.
Apple recently told some watch component suppliers to slow their production despite having earlier told them it was having difficulty meeting demand. Apple has told Apple Stores not to expect to actually have watches to sell until May, due to “high global interest combined with our initial supply.” Apple is reportedly looking into adding new suppliers and manufacturers — currently the Apple Watch is built by Quanta, but Foxconn might be tapped as well if the shortages persist. 
There’s another bit of tech news worth knowing if you’re a tattooed tech user — depending on your ink, the Apple Watch may or may not function correctly when strapped to your wrist. The Apple Watch uses green photodiodes to measure blood flowing through the wrist at any given moment. That’s how it can read your heart beat. When you add ink to skin, you screw up this entire process. Apparently in some cases this can leave the watch convinced it’s no longer in contact with your body, and constantly requesting a security pin.
Even if the Apple Watch isn’t quite that confused for most people, apparently having a tattoo in a solid, dark color can cause the heart monitor to malfunction or behave erratically. Would-be owners with sleeves are advised to test the device in-store to ensure it will function.
Apple, of course, is looking for a new hit that will drive wearable sales in the same way that the iPad drove tablet products. Whether or not this newfound love for the Apple Watch is a flash in the pan or the sign of something more long-lived is open for debate. Personally, I think smart watches have a long, long way to go before I’d consider buying one — I’m not interested in a wristwatch I have to charge on a nightly basis.
Source Article from http://www.extremetech.com/computing/204613-apple-watch-orders-delayed-by-faulty-chinese-components http://www.extremetech.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Tapple-640x353.jpg
Apple Watch orders delayed by faulty Chinese components
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