The next-generation iPhone won’t launch in September, and market researchers predict the delay will cut significantly into sales of the smartphone.
But, as crazy as 2020 has been so far, there are still plenty of wild cards — including a possible dark blue iPhone color option — that could affect sales numbers.
Apple will sell between 63 million and 68 million iPhone 12 series units before the end of this year, according to Digitimes Research. That’s more than 5 million fewer than the company sold of the iPhone 11 series in 2019 after its September debut.
This is based on a prediction that the 2020 model will reach customers “four to six weeks behind original schedules,” according to the analysts. Numerous other sources say the delay stems from difficulties getting production started this spring during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Asia.
2020 iPhone 12 sales are up in the air
But Digitimes Research warns that a couple of factors could make a significant change in the number of iPhones sold before the end of 2020, either up or down.
First off, a second round of stimulus checks from the U.S. government could push up sales of the iPhone 12 by as much as 10 million more units. And the new dark blue color might fuel additional interest in the 2020 iPhone.
On the other hand, if Apple is forced to remove the messaging app WeChat from the App Store in China because of pressure from the White House, sales of all iPhones could drop 10% in 2020, according to Digitimes Research.
Look ahead to the iPhone 12
According to multiple sources, Apple plans to release no fewer than four iPhone 12 versions. These include a standard tier of 5.4- and 6.1-inch handsets, as well as 6.1- and 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro models.
All will feature redesigned chassis and OLED displays. And the handsets will be the first in Apple history with 5G networking capabilities.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 12 Pro will supposedly add a lidar 3D scanner like the one in the latest iPad Pro.
Despite the improvements, leaks indicate the 2020 models will cost the same as their 2019 equivalents.
Source: Digitimes
