Even Apple Couldn't Avoid COVID-19... 'iPhone 12' Launch Delayed

6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max Release Rumors After October
Model-Specific Launch Schedule May Be Adjusted Like iPhone XR
Supply Chain Issues Could Delay Release Until Year-End

iPhone 12 Pro Concept Image

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] It is forecasted that the release schedule of some iPhone 12 models will be delayed by about a month. There is also an analysis that the release schedule will be postponed until the end of the year due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

On the 10th (local time), IT specialized media MacRumors cited a research note from China's GF Securities and stated that the release date of the iPhone 12 series will be divided into two phases. The iPhone 12 5.4-inch model, 6.1-inch model, and iPhone 12 Pro model are expected to be released in September, while the 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max is expected to be released after October.

Researcher Jeff Pu explained, "The engineering verification test process for the iPhone 12 has been extended by about two weeks, and the 5.4-inch and 6.1-inch models will be delayed to late April, while the 6.7-inch model will be delayed to mid-May." This is due to travel restrictions and cargo delays caused by COVID-19, which have disrupted the parts procurement process.

Apple has previously adjusted the release schedule for iPhone models separately. In August 2018, the iPhone XS and XS Max were released first, and the iPhone XR was released a month later in September. In September 2017, the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8+ were introduced first, and the iPhone X was released in November.

There is also an analysis that the iPhone 12 release schedule may be delayed until December. Wedbush Securities expects a year-end release due to supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19, making it difficult to meet the release schedule.

Daniel Ives, a researcher at Wedbush Securities, explained, "The iPhone 12 series supporting 5G will not be released in the fall due to supply chain issues," and added, "Apple is likely to take a conservative approach amid the global pandemic situation."

Wedbush Securities forecasted that iPhone sales will decrease by 14% this year. The initial iPhone sales forecast for this year was also lowered from $150 billion to $131 billion. The iPhone sales volume forecast was also revised downward from 200 million units to 177 million units.

Meanwhile, GF Securities predicted that the 2020 iPhone SE will be released in mid-month and may be announced as early as next week. The new iPhone SE is expected to feature a 4.7-inch display, Touch ID and home button, an A13 chip, 3GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of storage capacity.

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