A new report says that Apple may be forced to delay the launch of iPhone 5S, a low-cost iPhone and the Retina iPad mini. The iPhone 5S and low-cost iPhone were originally expected to ship in June or July, while the iPad mini 2 was expected to be launched in August. The three very highly anticipated Apple products are now reportedly being delayed, due to production challenges.
A very reliable KGI Securities analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, has been spot-on when it comes to when Apple will release upcoming devices. He revealed a new report Thursday that claims the iPhone 5S, low-cost iPhone and iPad mini 2 will ship later than he originally forecasted. This delay, if true, would certainly hurt Apple's third-quarter shipments and its earnings.
Kuo shared the report with AppleInsider and broke down why each product was facing a delay:
The iPhone 5S is reportedly delayed due to Apple trying to find the correct color coatings to use on the iPhone 5S, in order to prevent any interference with the fingerprint sensor Apple is believed to be including on the iPhone 5S. This wouldn't be the first time Apple has had to delay an iPhone due to color. The iPhone 4 was unveiled in both black and white models, but problems with the white paint delayed the iPhone 4 for months.
The low-cost iPhone delay is said to be due to Apple wanting to offer the smartphone in multiple colors and make it as thin as possible. It is believed that the delay is due to Apple's choice of casing for the low-cost iPhone: "The slimmer casing may make it more difficult to ramp up production yields of coating and surface treatment, and could slow down the shipment timetable," according to Kuo.
The iPad mini 2 with Retina display is reportedly facing technical challenges related to design and also manufacturers are having a tough time building the smaller Retina displays.
Kuo does not provide any specific time frame for the launches of the iPhone 5S, low-cost iPhone and iPad mini 2, but has laid out a series of three different timeframes of when the products might ship. While this source is almost always spot-on with his predictions, Apple is one of, if not the most secretive company in the world. Take these reports with a grain of salt, but also prepare for potential delays just in case.
