Sourced from Phone Arena
Apple is preparing a possible delay of the launch of its first 5G enabled iPhones – the iPhone 12. This is, of course, due to the global coronavirus pandemic that is threatening international demand and has crippled the company’s development schedule, reports Tech Weez.
Allegedly, Apple is considering delaying the launch by several months and has been holding internal discussions on just that. The release, originally scheduled for September, could be pushed back much further into 2021.
“Supply chain constraint aside, Apple is concerned that the current situation would significantly lower consumer appetite to upgrade their phones, which could lead to a tame reception of the first 5G iPhone,” a source told Nikkei.
More than half of Apple’s sales come from the US and Europe and therefore Apple is seriously monitoring these regions in contemplation for its launch.
Samsung and Huawei already have 5G-enabled smartphones, with Huawei’s latest flagship the P40 series releasing internationally in April. Apple looks to be wanting to catch up with its contemporaries in terms of 5G.
“Apple will make a final decision around May at the latest, given the fluid situation globally,” another source told Nikkei.
Suppliers are usually told to start shipping in huge volumes around June, however with the global situation appearing as it is, suppliers have been apparently told to ship by the end of August.
Apple delaying the launch of the new iPhone from the usual September release could have several effects. The most vital of which is the sharp decline in revenue that can be expected year on year. Apple made almost $92-billion in revenue in Q4 last year.
