We feel like we've read reports about delays in iPhone 12 development hundreds of times. But now things are getting more concrete - thanks to Ming-Chi Kuo.
Well-known TFI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has spoken out in a new note to investors. He is typically considered to be well-informed, which is why his reports receive a lot of attention. According to Kuo, there could be delays in mass production due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The flagship model – iPhone 12 Pro Max – could be the last to launch. Due to its complex design and a last-minute change, this model has a "potential risk of delay." Apple reportedly made changes to the antenna design (AiP) in early April, which suspended the qualification process for this mmWave model. Apart from that, the corresponding labs are currently closed, according to the note, which was published by MacRumors was published:
The mmWave iPhone requires more time because the antenna in the body (AiP) design was changed in early April. In addition, the testing lab is closed and cannot provide services for the qualification process. If the pandemic cannot be brought under control by July, we expect the mmWave iPhone shipment rate to drop from 15% to 20%.5%.10%.
Announcement in September, market launch delayed
According to the report, due to the complicated design, mass production could start in October. In contrast to the 6.7-inch iPhone, the 5.4- and 6.1-inch devices are expected to go into mass production in September. It goes on to say:
Apple has decided to start the qualification process online and delegate more tasks to local employees for the development of new iPhones. The change takes time; therefore, it has led to a one-month delay in entering the Engineering Verification Test (EVT) for all new 2020 iPhones. We believe it is likely that the new 2020 6.1-inch and 5.4-inch iPhones will enter mass production in September. Mass production of the new 2020 6.7-inch iPhone will be delayed until October because the design of this model is the most complicated.
Other reports have already suggested a delayed market launch. Here, even the November conceivable. One possible scenario would be the announcement of the devices in September, with the individual models going on sale at different times. In this case, the flagship would be at the bottom of the list. How the whole thing will actually work out remains to be seen, of course. (Photo by Vershinin89 / Bigstockphoto)
