All signs seem to suggest Apple might be about to break tradition and make you wait unusually long for the next-generation iPhone.
Esteemed Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from KGI Securities has predicted the Cupertino heavyweight could begin mass production for the upcoming OLED iPhone with a slight delay, 9to5Mac reports .
The analyst claims production will likely be pushed back to October/November as opposed to the standard August/September timeframe. However, he still expects the iterative 7S models to land on time.
Kuo cites supply chain difficulties with several new components – including custom OLED panels , new 3D Touch modules and 3D sensing cameras – as the main cause for the delay.
The report falls in line with earlier analysis from investment banking firm Drexel Hamilton hinting the phone could indeed arrive later than usual.
Kuo goes on to speculate the delay will also likely leave a dent in Apple’s calendar year sales, indicating competitors could take advantage of the extra time Apple needs for production to launch their own bezel-less handsets to rival the new iPhone.
Taking into account these developments, KGI Securities has lowered its shipment forecast (including the iterative 7S models as well as the all-new iPhone 8) from 110 million down to 80-90 million units.
Meanwhile, Apple is expected to announce its new iPhone during its signature hardware event in September.