Apple’s iPhone 12 lineup is on track to launch later this year, but mass production of the devices will be delayed by around a month, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, says a report by The Wall Street Journal.
The report also claims that Apple is also adjusting its plans for the number of iPhones it plans to produce in the last half of 2020, slashing the number by as much as 20%.
The Cupertino firm typically debuts its new high-end iPhone models in September. While the new models may still be unveiled in September, numerous rumors have suggested that at least one model may not be available to order until the October/November timeframe.
It is widely expected that the iPhone 12 lineup will include four new models. Ming-Chi Kuo predicts a staggered mass production schedule for the devices this fall. With the rumored 6.1-inch and 5.4-inch iPhone 12 models entering mass production in September and the 6.7-inch iPhone entering mass production in October. Kuo says the 6.7-inch model has “the most complicated” design.
All four models are expected to feature OLED displays, flatter edges like the most recent iPad Pro models, as well as a smaller front screen notch. High-end models are also expected to feature a LiDAR sensor.
While Apple may unveil all four of the iPhone 12 models at once, the release dates will be staggered. Apple has done this in the past, with the releases of the iPhone X and iPhone XR.