For the first time, Apple may decide to delay its upcoming iPhones for the year 2020 due to the pandemic’s impact.
Several factors lead to delaying this year’s iPhone, which is reportedly going to include 5G.
For one, the COVID-19 pandemic has made things difficult. Apple themselves have been affected by, as they faced shortages and supply issues for replacement units.
For the new iPhone, Apple was meant to develop a “more concrete” prototype with suppliers. It would’ve been released in March but was delayed due to travel restrictions between the US and China.
Apple attempted to reschedule to the end of March but was again delayed as the coronavirus situation gets worse in the US.
These delays have cleared slowed the process, as any engineering testing Apple intends to carry out for the new iPhone will have to happen later than usual.
While that is a contributing factor, they can bounce back and speed up the process to meet the September launch. Difficult, but possible.
But there’s another factor Apple considered. Even if they can meet their usual September launch, it’s worried that demand for it will be underwhelming. That’s also because the current COVID-19 pandemic could significantly reduce consumers’ interest to buy the phone, due to a weak economy.
That would lead to a pretty lackluster reception to the first 5G iPhone, and Apple finds that a big deal. They intend to score big with 5G as their largest selling point.
Discussions are still early, and no solid plan has been made yet. Apple continues to monitor the situation and will reportedly make its final decision in May.
The worst-case scenario is the iPhones will be delayed to 2021. That would be a huge deal, as it could impact Apple’s future plans.
Despite the rumoured delay, Gene Muster, Loup Venture’s analyst, refutes these claims in a blog post and believes Apple will still launch the product this fall.
He says iPhones take three to four years to develop before launch. Aside from that, manufacturing partners are also ramping up production.
I guess we’ll have to wait and see what will happen, though I think a delay wouldn’t be surprising.
