Apple is set for a big April launch for its Apple Watch, but the device is expected will offer fewer health features than initially planned. The reasons include problems with sensor technology that would offer information about the wearer's blood pressure, stress levels and heart rate, according to the Wall Street Journal. The sensors recorded inconsistent measurements that were affected by factors like dry skin, according to anonymous sources cited by the Journal. Instead of more advanced features, the watch will include a basic pulse-rate monitor, according to the report.

Apple hopes that the appeal of the Apple Watch will not be limited to health and fitness tracking but also in communication functions like the ability to compose text messages and emails and make calls from the wrist.

IDC predicts Apple will sell 22 million of the devices this year.

The company asked manufacturers to produce 5 million to 6 million Apple Watches in the first quarter, according to the Journal.

The paper reported that of the initial run of watches, 50% of them will be the aluminum-bodied rubber strap Sport version and a further one-third will be the more substantial stainless steel Classic version.