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Apple is set to debut four new OLED iPhones in 5.4, 6.1, and 6.7-inch sizes before the year is out. Rumors suggest the 6.7-inch iPhone and one 6.1-inch model will be higher-end devices with triple-lens cameras, while the 5.4-inch device and the other 6.1-inch model will be more affordable lower-end iPhones with dual-lens cameras.

iphone12dummylineup.jpg

Owing to development and production delays, Apple is rumored to be staggering its iPhone launches this year, although we're still seeing conflicting rumors about the order in which the devices will be released.

DigiTimes has previously suggested the two 6.1-inch iPhone 12 models could come out first in October, with the 6.7 and 5.4-inch models to follow, and in a new report out today, the Taiwanese industry publication has reiterated that claim, based on the shipment timing of substrate-like printed circuit boards for the devices.
The new iPhone lineup may arrive in two stages, with two 6.1-inch models in the first and another two 6.7- and 5.4-inch devices in the second, said the sources, noting that shipments of SLP mainboards for the 6.1-inch models were kicked off in July and those for the 6.7- and 5.4-inch ones began in the second half of August.
Bloomberg has also reported that Apple will stagger its iPhone launches in 2020. However, it expects Apple to launch the more affordable 5.4 and 6.1-inch devices first, with the more expensive 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch "Pro" devices to follow.

Meanwhile, leaker Jon Prosser claims the iPhone 12 models will be introduced at an event set to take place during the week of October 12, with the lower-cost iPhone 12 models expected to be available for pre-order shortly after the event. Prosser says the iPhone 12 Pro models won't be available until November.

Regardless of the order in which Apple releases its iPhone 12 lineup, an official announcement about the devices could be just around the corner. Prosser believes an iPad and Apple Watch press release is due as soon as this Tuesday, but well-connected Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman thinks it's likely to be an announcement of a virtual iPhone/Apple Watch event in September.

For further details on what features to expect in Apple's upcoming iPhone 12 lineup, be sure to check out our dedicated guide.

Article Link: DigiTimes: 6.1-inch iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro to Launch First
 
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Coming months?
More like weeks. On the last earnings conference call in July, Apple’s CFO Luca Maestri indicated a delay of “a few weeks”.

That may have changed, and Apple wouldn’t provide any updates until the next call in late October. But presumably by late July they would have excellent visibility to the potential launch date.
 
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The 5.4" model is the most important one and will sell like hotcakes, it will easily be the best selling phone out of the lot

This might well be true and, if so, Apple might be worried that many people due to upgrade might jump on this more compact cheaper model if it comes out first, thus sabotaging their sales of bigger = more expensive models. So Apple might want to roll more expensive models first and then follow up with the cheaper ones, getting another comfortable cash stream. Smart for business, but can be quite disappointing for people waiting on for a smaller device.
 
If true, this could be Apple realising they underestimated the interest in the 5.4" iPhone 12 mini, whilst also overestimating interest in the 6.1" iPhone 12:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/which-iphone-12-model-will-you-purchase.2237253/

Perhaps also compounded by any component shortages that affect the 6.7" iPhone 12 max?

Release the 5.4" and 6.7" later and it gives them time to ramp up inventory on those lines rather than have to retool them at the last minute to produce more or less of any one model.

Dunno, this is an assumption upon an assumption, upon a sketchy source :p

Small iPhone enthusiasts are like a cult

All hail the glory of iPhone 4, twas that which nestled deeply into the bosom of the eternal Jobs.

Praise be to iPhone 5, son of 4. The last device blessed to have been touched by the hand of Jobs before his ascension to the ethereal plane of Infinite Loop.

etc etc.
 
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Literally everybody: Lower end first in october, Pro models in November
Digitimes, Both 6.1 inches first, 5.4 and pro max later 🤡

Worst part about it is how it doesn't even make any sense.

It can make sense, kind of. Apple may be very confident that both 5.4” and 6.1” (similar to XR & 11) will sell well, whenever launched, so they might want to try and tempt people with more expensive models first. It’s hard to forecast how this will play out in the current Covid climate, but they can try.
 
This might well be true and, if so, Apple might be worried that many people due to upgrade might jump on this more compact cheaper model if it comes out first, thus sabotaging their sales of bigger = more expensive models. So Apple might want to roll more expensive models first and then follow up with the cheaper ones, getting another comfortable cash stream. Smart for business, but can be quite disappointing for people waiting on for a smaller device.

Why not just make a small high end model then?
 
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