There have been several rumors that the iPhone 12 will be released later than planned in the fall. However, a report has now been published that addresses Apple's schedule in more detail.
Bloomberg news outlet has published a new report detailing some of the problems in Apple's supply chain. Citing anonymous sources, Bloomberg explains that Apple's iPhone 12 is currently "still on track for a fall launch." However, mass production isn't scheduled to begin until May, so delays could occur. In light of the recent announcements – iPad Pro 2020 and MacBook Air – Bloomberg writes that mass production of the two devices must have started in early January – before the production stop. For this reason, the delivery of the new Magic Keyboard is delayed. But what exactly is the situation with the iPhone 12? The source explains that Apple's supply chain has not yet reached its normal pace. This is what the report:
A person who works in Apple's supply chain said that not all operations are running at normal speeds because the flow of components to be assembled is still slow. The person added that it will take another month or more for parts to flow smoothly through the system.
“Mass production of new cases begins in April”
Key assembly partners in Malaysia, for example, have halted production due to a two-week lockdown in the country due to COVID-19. Apple suppliers and teams in other countries, including South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States, Italy and Germany, were also affected. But despite the severe restrictions, Apple is said to have already produced some test versions of the iPhone 12 last month. The report states:
Those struggles haven't yet seriously derailed the fall's 5G iPhone launch. During the factory shutdown in China in February, Apple was able to build a limited number of test versions of the new models, said one of the people familiar with the company's supply chain.
Apple completes most design features for new iPhones between November and December of the year before launch, the people said. Mass production of new cases begins around April, and then begins a late-stage manufacturing process called final assembly, testing and packaging around May.
Accordingly, the new iPhone series is currently on schedule. A presentation and market launch in September should therefore still be realistic - unless there are further restrictions. (Photo by bigtunaonline / Bigstockphoto)
