Apple’s iPhone 12 debut in the fall is reported to still be on track, despite manufacturing disruptions caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, says a Bloomberg report.
The report, citing people familiar with Apple’s supply chain, says:
Apple’s next flagship iPhones, with 5G wireless capabilities, are still on schedule to launch in the fall, although that’s partly because mass production isn’t due to begin until May, said the people. They asked not to be identified discussing private supply chain issues.
Apple typically debuts its new flagship smartphones in September, with mass production kicking off in May, which allows lead time for component suppliers and assembly partners to stock units for shipping in the fall.
A Bloomberg report earlier this month told of Bank of America analyst saying Apple’s 5G iPhone lineup could be delayed by the coronavirus outbreak because of travel restrictions by Apple on employees traveling to China earlier this year to perfect the assembly process for the new handsets.
However, a Reuters report in late February said supply chain experts told them that Apple still has time to keep iPhone production on track.
Apple industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple has plans to release four “iPhone 12” models in the fall, including one 5.4-inch model, two 6.1-inch models, and one 6.7-inch model. All of the devices are expected to feature 5G connectivity, OLED displays, and a new design that may include more of a flat-edged metal frame like the iPad Pro and iPhone 4.
