Citigroup's analyst has forecasted that the 4.8-inch iPhone 6 will not release this year but is pegged for a Q1 2014 launch. The iPhone 5S, however, will release in September, despite production delays.
Glen Yeung, analyst with Citigroup, estimates in his research note post recent "check" with the supply chain that "we continue to expect a 4.8" screen iPhone 6 to be launched in 1Q14." Yeung's forecast echoes previous estimations by Wall Street that Apple will not increase the iPhone's screen size this year.
Yeung also pointed out in his note that the iPhone 5S was facing delays in launch owing to production problems "likely due to display issues." The next-gen smartphone is allegedly two to four weeks behind schedule. This however, will not affect the launch date but may result in supply shortages of the smartphone post its September release.
"With respect to the iPhone 5S, our checks suggest production has been delayed by 2-4 weeks, likely due to display issues. And while this does not preclude a September iPhone 5S launch date, we suspect volumes in September may consequently be challenged," noted Yeung in his research note.
In case you were wondering about the iPad 5, Yeung is of the opinion that tablet will be a bigger version of the iPad mini when it comes to form factor.
"We continue to expect iPad 5 to sport characteristics similar to iPad Mini (slimmer, lighter), although the prospect of a higher-end solution (like the MS Surface Pro) seems unlikely given discussions with Intel have not resulted in an Intel design win at 22nm," wrote Yeung.
The research note also talks about a cheaper variant of the iPad mini, priced between $230 to $250, which will have a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels.
With the WWDC around the corner, Yeung opines that Apple is unlikely to make any hardware-related announcements, barring a MacBook refresh. Instead, the company will look to focus on the rumored iRadio and may open up API to developers "allowing outside influence to things like iCloud, Maps and Siri."
