APPLE CONFIRMS THAT THE NEW IPHONE 12 WILL BE RELEASED LATE THIS YEAR

 THE BIG TECH POSTPONES THE SEPTEMBER LAUNCH

After months of rumours and speculations, Apple has finally confirmed that the company would delay the launch of the iPhone 12 this year. The news was shared during an earnings call with investors, and the reason for the delay wasn’t highlighted. One of the reasons for the delay is the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that halted many countries of the world for a few weeks.

 

Talking about the launch plans of iPhone 12, Apple CFO Luca Maestri said, “Last year we started selling new iPhones in late September, this year we expect supply to be available a few weeks later.”

The speculation regarding the delay started a few months back, and popular leaker Jon Prosser was the first one to share the speculation. Many other prominent publications also shared similar speculations and rumours.

 

Usually, Apple unveils the iPhone refresh in September, and the devices are shipped before the month ends. Now, it’s not clear whether the devices will be ready to be shipped in October or not. The company has not elaborated much on the delay, so the company might launch some other products in September and delay the launch of the iPhone 12. Last year, the company ensured that iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro went on sale from September 20. The probability is high that it won’t happen this year.

 

Though the delay in the launch of the iPhone 12 is disheartening, this isn’t the first time the company has delayed shipping an iPhone. iPhone X was announced in September 2017, but it arrived in stores only in November that year due to production issues (speculation). Similarly, iPhone XR was announced in September 2018, but problems with LCD production (speculation again) meant it hit the stores only in October that year.

 

Apple hasn’t said so upfront, but it is a fact that the delay in the arrival of the iPhone 12 and other launch plans is mainly due to the coronavirus crisis that led to the shutdown of factories in China in February and March this year. Also, the supply chains of many companies that contribute components were hit due to the pandemic.

 

Though iPhone 12 delay is a problem for Apple, the company has already done well at WWDC 2020 this year, and it is doing well on the innovation front, like the recntly filed patent for an Apple Pencil that could detect colours from real-life objects. So, the delay won’t affect the brand much.