Bloomberg: iPhone 12 Still on Course for Fall Launch Despite COVID-19 Disruption

[MacRumors]

The iPhone 12 is on course for a fall launch despite disruptions to mobile manufacturing in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, according to Bloomberg, citing people familiar with Apple's supply chain.

Apple's next flagship iPhones, with 5G wireless capabilities, are still on schedule to launch in the fall, although that's partly because mass production isn't due to begin until May, said the people. They asked not to be identified discussing private supply chain issues.

Apple typically announces its latest flagship smartphones in September, with mass production beginning in May, which usually gives assemblers and component suppliers time to manufacture and amass units for shipping later in the fall.

Earlier this month, a Bloomberg report cited Bank of America analysts claiming that Apple's 5G iPhone could be delayed to due to the coronavirus outbreak. The analysts said Apple's ?5G iPhone? release could be delayed by a month because of restrictions put in place on Apple employees visiting China earlier in the year to perfect assembly processes with manufacturing partners like Foxconn.

Those delays had the potential to eat into the time Apple needs to finalize orders for chips and other ?iPhone? components that need to be made well in advance of when full production begins. However, supply chain experts told Reuters in late February that Apple still has time to keep the ??iPhone?? schedule on track, despite the travel restrictions.

Apple plans to release four so-called iPhone 12 models in the fall, including one 5.4-inch model, two 6.1-inch models, and one 6.7-inch model, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. All of the devices are expected include OLED displays and support 5G, and they may sport a new design that includes more of a flat edged metal frame like the iPad Pro or iPhone 4.

Meanwhile, Apple's new iPad Pro models begin shipping next week. Production of those devices likely started at the top of the year, according to Bloomberg, although DigiTimes today reports that Apple is in the process of ramping up iPad Pro shipments, with volume for the new tablet series from the suppliers to climb about 40 percent sequentially in the second quarter.

Apple this week set worldwide purchase limits on its newly updated iPad Pro and MacBook Air models, its entire range of iPhone models, and the Mac mini on its online stores. Apple often places purchase limits on products in some Asian countries to combat the gray market, but the expanded restrictions are thought to be an effort to balance supply and demand amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Article Link: Bloomberg: iPhone 12 Still on Course for Fall Launch Despite COVID-19 Disruption

 

[Justin Cymbal]

I’m planning on buying the next iPhone

I have the iPhone XS - skipped the iPhone 11 to hold out for the 5G

The 11 Pro has an unbelievable camera but I’m sure the 2020 iPhone will be a huge improvement as well...

 

[iDento]

I want the blue 5.4’ one, my iPad Pro is always there when I want a larger screen. I hope there will be no feature parity with the larger iPhones.

 

[Alon1]

Can we expect the next iPhone to have an even larger camera bump? The new iPad Pro shows that the time of flight sensor requires an area similar to that of a camera. Assuming that it doesn’t get placed in a different location on the iPhone and that we are not losing any of the 3 existing cameras, can we expect a larger, rectangular camera bump?

 

[Seanm87]

I don’t think people are going to start panic buying iPad Pro’s Apple

 

[Populus]

I think the credits for the render that illustrates the article should go to EverythingApplePro, right?
Or is it a Macrumors render?

 

[newyorksole]

Can we expect the next iPhone to have an even larger camera bump? The new iPad Pro shows that the time of flight sensor requires an area similar to that of a camera. Assuming that it doesn’t get placed in a different location on the iPhone and that we are not losing any of the 3 existing cameras, can we expect a larger, rectangular camera bump?

I was thinking the EXACT same thing Lol. I think the flash is going to have to go in the middle of the 4 cameras/sensors. It makes the most sense. I think it’ll still be a square.

ToF sensor will be in the bottom right corner.

 

[ginuz]

mmm... I don't think it's a good idea...

 

[Forti]

mmm... I don't think it's a good idea...

What exactly isn't good idea?

-------------------

I'm about to change my old friend, iPhone 7 (have it since Feb 2017)

 

[DelayedGratificationGene]

I don’t think people are going to start panic buying iPad Pro’s Apple

They already are

 

[I7guy]

My guess is the reveal will be audience free, with a delayed launch for the iphone 12. But we'll see.

 

[DelayedGratificationGene]

mmm... I don't think it's a good idea...

Ok what is not a good idea?

 

[Stella]

If things continue as now with countries in virtual lock down, there won't be much of a demand outside of East Asia, barring mass unemployment due to recession; these countries will have Corona under control and probably free of disease.

 

[Scottsoapbox]

I want the blue 5.4’ one, my iPad Pro is always there when I want a larger screen. I hope there will be no feature parity with the larger iPhones.

Parity means equal.

 

[DelayedGratificationGene]

I don’t think people are going to start panic buying iPad Pro’s Apple

You mean Apples iPad Pro..hate it when that happens like when you type a whole sentence with the caps lock on

 

[cocky jeremy]

Good. I need my new iPhone regardless.

 

[TheShadowKnows!]

Apple could be shooting 12::= "craps" with US, Europe, Japan, Australia/New Zealand in virtual lock-down, with hampered mobility. Only greater China has turned for the better.

I for one, see no need to an upgraded iPhone.
(Maybe an iFixIt battery-kit replacement, and call it the day.)

 

[MisterSavage]

I'm glad with the iPhone upgrade program that we no longer have to go to the Apple Store to trade in our old phone and get the new one.

 

[nylonsteel]

ip12 - bring it on baby

 

[Cosmosent]

One does NOT need to be a Rocket Scientist to know that Sentiment has changed BIG time, OR that Apple's High-Priced products are NOT a Good Fit for the Times !

 

[TheShadowKnows!]

One does NOT need to be a Rocket Scientist to know that Sentiment has changed BIG time, OR that Apple's High-Priced products are NOT a Good Fit for the Times !

Dude, those are fighting words in this forum./s

[However, just take a safe walk (with 6-feet degrees of separation) and count the number of people that continue to carry iPhone tethered to their hand, inseparable, most dealing with the display and not looking up. Apple is betting that poor habits do not die down easily -- they may be into something.]

 

[Kagio]

Great for the looks. BUT.

I’m worried the squared design makes it even harder to hold. Even iPhone 11 Pro is kinda big, and its now going to be iPhone 11 size AND squared? hmmm

 

[bobob]

I think the credits for the render that illustrates the article should go to EverythingApplePro, right?

...or the blame.

It's missing the LIDAR Scanner.

 

[rjp1]

A reveal event feels like it would be in bad taste right now. Hyping it up will lead to people wanting to gather in lines to try to get one. Maybe just do a silent update this year if you have to do something.

Even better would be lowering production of all their products and focus on making medical supplies. Who do they think is going to buy their phones if people are dead or unemployed? Razer is doing this (https://www.forbes.com/sites/paulta...urgical-masks-to-fight-covid-19/#3c7ddac13bad)

I hope we learn from this. I was already a believer in the tariffs on China and trying to get companies to bring manufacturing back home. It doesn’t seem so crazy to a lot more people now. I hope when this is said and done that the tariffs will reach levels that make it cost prohibitive to make things like an iPhone in China.

 

[44267547]

A reveal event feels like it would be in bad taste right now. Hyping it up will lead to people wanting to gather in lines to try to get one. Maybe just do a silent update this year if you have to do something.

Let’s say the iPhone 12 does launch on time this year for ‘mid-September’, and Apple does a online presentation of the keynote versus a live audience gathering. I can tell you/guarantee right now, there won’t be any formulated lines outside Apple stores. I’m sure they’ll be restrictions in various countries/cities that just won’t allow it, unless this pandemic gets under control, which as of right now, that’s totally opposite of what’s happening.