According to him, he learned from Apple suppliers in Asia that iPhone 5s is very likely to be delayed for released and the budget iPhone will also be affected and be launched only in the fourth quarter this year. As for iPhone 6, there may be a need to wait until 2014.
The delays are attributed to 2 aspects. Firstly, the manufacturing supply chain has met with problems, resulting in a month’s delay of the test units to be manufactured. Secondly, the delay is possibly also due to iOS7 not being able to reach its desired milestone on the specified dates, causing delays. That is why it will be difficult for Apple to release a new iPhone this coming July.
Coincidentally, KGI Securities analyst Kuo Ming-Chi had also published a similar report and pointed out that the next generation iPhone smartphone will include finger scanning technology, but Apple must solve the problem of sensor interference. The company is currently developing a new and appropriate colour coating, which delays the actual launch dates for iPhone 5s.
Additionally, Kuo also revealed that the low-cost iPhone has encountered difficulties in manufacturing, specifically to the works done on the back case of iPhone. Currently, Apple is trying to reduce the thickness of the back case and this may lead to even more product woes.
Delayed release of the iPhone 5s will also affect other products Apple has in the pipeline. The budget iPhone 5s will be delayed to the fourth quarter while iPhone 6 will not be launched this year. iPad Mini 2 will also be delayed. Apple may refresh its iPad series with a new iPad 5, but production quantities are expected to be low.
Kuo said that iPhone 5s is likely to come only in late September this year and iPad Mini 2 in October.
