Rather than the usual September launch, the iPhone 12 reportedly won‘t be unveiled until the second half of October. And Apple’s first 5G model supposedly won’t reach customers until November.
This isn’t the first unconfirmed report that the next iPhone will come out later than usual. In fact, there have been quite a few.
No iPhone 12 in September?
The latest rumored dates come from Macotakara, who reports that an LTE version of the 2020 iPhone will be out in October. But everyone will have to wait until November for the 5G version.
The Japan-based website says its source for this info is “multiple Chinese suppliers.” And the COVID-19 pandemic is allegedly the reason Apple won’t unveil the next-generation iPhone in September, as it generally has for many years.
AppleTrack, which rates the reliability of various sources for Apple’s leaks, gives Macotakara a 67.4% accuracy rating.
Or the debut could in be September after all
Several weeks ago, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives said Apple worked through delays it faced in manufacturing the iPhone 12 and the devices should debut in September as planned. But not begin shipping until early October.
And Broadcom, who’ll almost certainly manufacture some of the wireless chips for Apple’s next handset, hinted that the device wouldn’t be out until after September.
The problems are allegedly the result of Apple engineers being unable to go to China in the spring to do quality testing because of COVID-19 travel restrictions. And some component makers have supposedly struggled to meet their commitments in the middle of a pandemic.
A possible non-5G iPhone 12
Numerous unconfirmed reports have said that all the 2020 iPhone models will have 5G. But Macotakara said otherwise. It’s not clear whether this indicates 5G will be included only in more expensive versions, or if shoppers will be able configure any iPhone 12 version with 5G for an additional fee.
Earlier reports indicate there’ll be plenty of versions to choose from. Apple supposedly plans four iPhone 12 versions, with screen sizes ranging from 5.4 inches to 6.7 inches.
