Apple iPhone 12 Launch to Be Delayed

Another day, another supply chain report to corroborate the ongoing rumor that the iPhone 12 launch will be delayed. According to the latest news published in Digitimes, sources familiar with the supply chain claim the current production rate suggests an October and not a September launch.

Volume production of new mainstream iPhone models to start in 3Q20 say sources […] the planned launch of Apple’s 2020 iPhone lineup, reportedly to come in four models and three sizes, is likely to be in October instead of September.

Digitimes

According to DigiTimes, Apple is ramping up the production of its 6.1-inch iPhone 12 model. Apple is focusing on this model initially with the other models to follow.

The reason for this staggered production is unknown, but it could be related to suppliers and assembly logistics.

Reports suggest LG may be supplying the OLED display for this entry-level model instead of Samsung. In the past, LG has struggled to meet Apple’s stringent quality testing and high volume production needed to launch an iPhone. The manufacturer may be starting earlier to compensate for possible delays.

Sources also claim the display used in the entry-level 6.1-inch iPhone 12 may be more challenging to assemble than the high-end displays being supplied by Samsung. The Samsung displays ship with built-in touch functionality and does not require installing a separate touch layer, which simplifies and speeds up manufacturing.

Apple is expected to debut four models of the iPhone 12 sometime this fall. The lineup includes a smaller 5.4-inch iPhone 12 with some entry-level specs.

Apple is also preparing an entry-level 6.1-inch model along with two iPhone 12 Pro models.

All iPhone 12 models will ship with an OLED display, though the Pro models may include Apple’s ProMotion technology, which boosts the refresh rate to 120Hz. The new iPhones also will offer 5G connectivity and the company’s new A14 processor.

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]