iPhone Delays Continue... "iPhone 9 to Launch in June or Fall"

John Prosser "Apple Cancels March Launch Event"
iPhone 9 Release Possibly in June or Fall
Apple Faces Concerns Over Consumer Traffic and Sales
iPhone 12 Series Likely Released After October

iPhone SE and iPhone 8

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Apple's iPhone release schedules are showing signs of consecutive delays. Due to concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the iPhone 9 (iPhone SE2) launch event planned for the end of this month has been canceled, and the iPhone 9 release date is likely to be postponed until after June. The impact of COVID-19 is also expected to delay the iPhone 12 release by about a month to October.

On the 9th (local time), John Prosser of Front Page Tech stated, "After confirming with five reliable sources, Apple has decided to cancel the new product launch event scheduled for March 31." Apple is also considering holding the event at a different location or switching to an online event. Previously, the Santa Clara County health authorities, where Apple's headquarters are located, advised companies not to hold large-scale events or gatherings.

The release schedule for the iPhone 9 (iPhone SE2), the successor to the iPhone SE, is also likely to be delayed until as late as September. It is increasingly likely to be unveiled at Apple's annual developer conference WWDC held in early June, and if this event is also canceled, the iPhone 9 release could be delayed further. Apple has not specifically commented on the iPhone 9 release schedule.

IT specialist media GSM Arena explained, "Apple is trying to prevent large crowds from gathering at Apple Stores, complicating the iPhone 9 release schedule," adding, "It is expected to be released around the time of the WWDC event, but a fall release is more likely."

There are various analyses regarding why Apple is delaying the iPhone 9 release. The first is Apple's concern about consumers flocking to buy the new iPhone. Additionally, with COVID-19 spreading globally, there are worries that iPhone 9 sales may struggle. John Prosser explained, "Apple has secured enough iPhone 9 inventory, so the delay in the release schedule is not related to production issues."

Recently, Bank of America stated in a report, "Due to weak demand and supply issues caused by COVID-19, the iPhone 9 release will be delayed by several months."

Customers visiting the Apple Garosugil store in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the 25th, the domestic release date of the iPhone 11, are experiencing the iPhone 11. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

Production of the flagship smartphone iPhone 12, scheduled to be unveiled in the fall, is also facing setbacks due to COVID-19. According to Bloomberg and Taiwan's DigiTimes, the iPhone 12 release is likely to be delayed by about a month. Apple engineers' travel to China has been blocked, causing delays in engineering and prototype testing necessary for production.

Bank of America said, "The iPhone 12 release will be delayed by about a month," adding, "The release schedule may change depending on how much iPhone production recovers in April and May."

DigiTimes explained, "If the spread of the COVID-19 virus is not controlled, Apple’s iPhone 12 may miss the timing of the 2020 year-end shopping season release."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.