WSJ: iPhone 12 Models on Track to Launch This Year, But Mass Production Pushed Back a Month

[MacRumors]

Apple plans to launch its iPhone 12 lineup this year, but mass production of the devices will be delayed by around a month due to the global health crisis, according to The Wall Street Journal. The report claims that Apple is also slashing the number of iPhones that it plans to make in the second half of this year by as much as 20 percent.

Apple typically unveils new high-end iPhones in September. While a one month delay to production does not sound significant enough to impact that timeframe, rumors suggest that at least one model might not be available to order until October or November.

Apple is planning four 5G-enabled iPhones, including one 5.4-inch model, two 6.1-inch models, and one 6.7-inch model, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and other sources. All four models are expected to feature OLED displays, flatter edges like recent iPad Pro models, and a smaller notch. High-end models are also expected to feature a LiDAR sensor.

Article Link: WSJ: iPhone 12 Models on Track to Launch This Year, But Mass Production Pushed Back a Month

 

[Lucas284]

Who really needs a new phone every year anyway.

 

[motm95]

I'm looking forward to the iPhone 12 and will probably buy one, but during this crisis, if Apple engineers shouldn't travel to China, or if factories can't get up to full speed, that's totally understandable. There's no need to rush it.

 

[EugW]

Who really needs a new phone every year anyway.

Uh what? Your post makes no sense.

Most people buy every 3-4 years, but some happen to need one this year.

I’m currently typing on an iPhone 7 Plus.

 

[phenste]

White iPhone 4 throwback

 

[MrMacintoshIII]

White iPhone 4 throwback

That was much worse... months and months it felt like.

Anyway what I find interesting is the change in value proposition this year. This will be the first time all phones have OLED screens... previously this was pricegated so I’m starting to wonder if I really want to spend the $999 vs the $699... it’s going to take more than a LIDAR scanner, and a better camera, to convince me, if now all screens have the same quality. Of course this is all out the window if 120hz refresh is limited only to the Pro models, which it probably will be. In that case, nevermind, 12 Pro is still the only option for those accustomed to the iPad Pro’s refresh rate.

 

[otternonsense]

I'm really, really quite curious about this model, albeit from the comfort zone of being content with the 11 Pro.

Corona or not, after establishing the grinding tik-tok-tok design refresh cadence and having not particularly tried to impress with new designs on any product category for years (except for the watch S4 and Mac Pro perhaps), they'd better flex their trillion dollar muscle when it comes to their flagship product.

One question remains: without Jony on board (regardless if he's insufferably vain, he's a rockstar designer in chief) who's responsible for the new designs and keeping a modicum of a consistent design language across products?

 

[Sasparilla]

Expected and sounds reasonable.

 

[scrapesleon]

Cool story I get mine in December

 

[MrMacintoshIII]

Jony gave us the butterfly keyboard under his watch, so frankly his usefulness was up. An entire generation of MacBooks scorned because of hubris.
If Apple manages to pull a “2020 iPad Pro” with their iPhone 12 it’s really not going to go well. What I mean by that is, if the iPhone THIRTEEN is going the be the actually innovative iPhone, I and so many others will wait them out again, especially during the pandemic. I’ve been a holdout since the 8, waiting for them to get it right.

 

[macfan90]

sure looks like a sleek phone. I mean no one needs it, let's be real. But it is a very cool design meshing the modern screen design (please reduce the bezels even more like android) and the iPhone 4 body; best design out of all of them. Unfortunately, I hate the camera bump

 

[Freida]

These rumours come up every bloody year! Maybe now with COVID they might actually be correct otherwise why bother. Its every year!

 

[otternonsense]

Jony gave us the butterfly keyboard under his watch, so frankly his usefulness was up. An entire generation of MacBooks scorned because of hubris.
If Apple manages to pull a “2020 iPad Pro” with their iPhone 12 it’s really not going to go well. What I mean by that is, if the iPhone THIRTEEN is going the be the actually innovative iPhone, I and so many others will wait them out again, especially during the pandemic. I’ve been a holdout since the 8, waiting for them to get it right.

I got to agree there, the butterfly keyboard was so bad its creators deserve felony charges.

I've also been on holdout since the 8. When the 11 Pro came out I was so exasperated with the potato battery and mediocre low light sensitivity I couldn't wait any longer. No regrets there, especially when it comes to battery and camera performance, and the latest OLED display is fantastic. The notch still gets on my nerves, regardless if everyone said "you get used to it". I'm not too fond of the new notch rendering either honestly, looks like any run-of-the-mill Huawei device from 2 years ago. I would have hoped after 3 years Apple would actually invent a notchless solution with their R&D billions.

I'm in doubt there will be an actually innovative iPhone again. They're making a killing providing innovation through a driptube and charging obscene amounts of money for the deed, so why change?

 

[Jimpilot]

5G has my eye, but being a long time Verizon user, who seems to be concentrating on mm 5G, and living in the suburbs, I wonder If 5G will even be available to me.

 

[macduke]

To be expected. Wouldn’t be surprised if it slips again.

I’m most interested to see what this 5.4” model is about.

 

[soyazul]

Who really needs a new phone every year anyway.

A new phone every year, only few people... But every year, there are a lot of people that have old phones... for instance I have an iPhone 6s

 

[EugW]

5G has my eye, but being a long time Verizon user, who seems to be concentrating on mm 5G, and living in the suburbs, I wonder If 5G will even be available to me.

How often do you update? Since I update about every 3-4 years (like the average iPhone owner), I want 5G in my next phone (likely to be purchased in 2020), even if 5G support by my carrier is only limited right now.

BTW, I'm eyeing the 6.7" monstrosity, for the big screen, the camera, and the battery life, although I could conceivably wait it out one more year with my iPhone 7 Plus.

 

[satchmo]

Given the current climate I wonder if people have gained a different perspective on whats important in life.
A fancy new phone with lidar and 5G may not be top of mind for many...even those with an iPhone 6 or 7.

I think Apple is going to need to play it’s cards carefully. I don’t expect them to discount their flagship product. However, they might want to adjust their estimates and orders.

 

[MrMacintoshIII]

I got to agree there, the butterfly keyboard was so bad its creators deserve felony charges.

I've also been on holdout since the 8. When the 11 Pro came out I was so exasperated with the potato battery and mediocre low light sensitivity I couldn't wait any longer. No regrets there, especially when it comes to battery and camera performance, and the latest OLED display is fantastic. The notch still gets on my nerves, regardless if everyone said "you get used to it". I'm not too fond of the new notch rendering either honestly, looks like any run-of-the-mill Huawei device from 2 years ago. I would have hoped after 3 years Apple would actually invent a notchless solution with their R&D billions.

I'm in doubt there will be an actually innovative iPhone again. They're making a killing providing innovation through a driptube and charging obscene amounts of money for the deed, so why change?

If Apple messes up and doesn’t include killer features for the 12 Pro like 120hz refresh, or some other unannounced features that aren’t just camera-based, I may just cheap out on the 5.4”(previously this would’ve been unthinkable for me) and wait it out for the true innovative phone with no damn notch AND underscreen touchid that somehow doesn’t compromise on security WITHOUT also losing faceid.

The only certain thing is that I will be buying one of the phones released this year because my 8 is showing its age now. Hell, I might even just buy the new SE if Apple doesn’t serve up something worthwhile.

“Sorry! Not a winner! You only get $399 from me instead of having me go all out for ~$1400 on a 12 Pro flagship with Applecare+ and all the accessories that go with it like smart battery case. Better luck next time Tim 🤷🏻‍♂️ ”

 

[I7guy]

I would have hoped after 3 years Apple would actually invent a notchless solution with their R&D billions.

And I'm still waiting for almost all cars to be able to get 100 miles per gallon.

I'm in doubt there will be an actually innovative iPhone again. They're making a killing providing innovation through a driptube and charging obscene amounts of money for the deed, so why change?

Sure profits before customers. /s

If Apple messes up and doesn’t include killer features for the 12 Pro like 120hz refresh, or some other unannounced features that aren’t just camera-based, I may just cheap out on the 5.4”(previously this would’ve been unthinkable for me) and wait it out for the true innovative phone with no damn notch AND underscreen touchid that somehow doesn’t compromise on security WITHOUT also losing faceid.

Obviously these are rumors and based on the rumors I am interested. Iphone 12 pro (or iphone 11s pro) ... I can probably get a good trade-in with my xs max.

 

[DelayedGratificationGene]

Who really needs a new phone every year anyway.

I do and I know soooo many people that do. They await anxiously for their phone to arrive. They have been doing this for every year since 2007. Yes 13 years! They are so excited about 5G too.
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Yes somewhat interesting story....a month u say? Sept to Oct. well ok then thx

 

[wood1208]

One month delay, no problem, We will live through. My problem is corona virus, not a delay of month or two delay of iPhone 12.

 

[UltimaKilo]

I was a yearly upgraded with T-Mobile’s Jump! program, but I have been rocking my XS Max since it launched.

It’s looking increasingly probable that I skip the next iPhone, especially seeing how 5G won’t be fully deployed until late next year and the exodus to 5G will theoretically increase LTE speeds.

But a month delay won’t make a difference for most consumers so long as it’s out before December.

 

[otternonsense]

And I'm still waiting for almost all cars to be able to get 100 miles per gallon.

If automotive design was run by obsessively detail minded product leaders and not stodgy committees, who knows, they might. Apple doesn't even have to beat thermodynamics laws, just design something bloody new and miniaturise 3 year old tech. Alas, they too design by committee nowadays. Also, Tesla is a thing.

Sure profits before customers. /s

Truer words were never spoken.

Obviously these are rumors and based on the rumors I am interested. Iphone 12 pro (or iphone 11s pro) ... I can probably get a good trade-in with my xs max.

The rumours I'd be interested in is no notch, flush camera module, and usb-c. And I know it's a pipe dream. Meanwhile, 120hz refresh is more like a no brainer in late 2020 for a 1000+ phone.

 

[I7guy]

If automotive design was run by obsessively detail minded product leaders and not stodgy committees, they might. Apple also designs by committee nowadays. Also, Tesla is a thing.

Right but Telsa stops at 250 miles, my gas guzzler gets more than that on a tank and refuels in 2 minutes. The point is limitation of technology.

Truer words were never spoken.

The only fallout seems to be a vocal minority here on MR. Other than that by all objective indications, the path Apple has taken is successful.

The rumours I'd be interested in is no notch, flush camera module, and usb-c. And I know it's a pipe dream. Meanwhile, 120hz refresh is more like a no brainer in late 2020 for a 1000+ phone.

No notch is not going happen. Flush camera is not going to happen. USB-C, that rumor is up for grabs. But that EU directive is still pending. 120hz refresh should happen, but who knows.[/quote]