iPhone Usually Released in September May Launch at Year-End
Supply Chain Production Disruptions Due to COVID-19 Impact
iPhone Chip Manufacturer "Revenue Generation Delayed by One Quarter"
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] The release schedule for Apple's 'iPhone 12' is expected to be delayed by about one month to one quarter due to delays in parts production.
According to Bloomberg and others on the 4th (local time), Broadcom, Apple's chip supplier, explained to investors during its earnings conference call that "the major product production cycle at a large North American mobile phone manufacturer is delayed, so wireless revenue will also occur about one quarter later than originally expected." The "large North American mobile phone manufacturer" mentioned by Broadcom CEO Hock Tan refers to Apple.
CEO Hock Tan added, "This year, revenue will not increase until the fourth quarter of the fiscal year, and wireless revenue in the third quarter is expected to sequentially decline." Regarding iPhone parts supply, he said, "We are ready at any time," but added, "The issue is time."
Apple usually unveils new products in September, but this year the release schedule is expected to be delayed by about one month to one quarter. A recent report also stated that iPhone assembly partners are preparing to start product production from July. Due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), factories in China were shut down, and movement restrictions acted as obstacles for Apple engineers to make decisions.
Apple has previously adjusted the release schedule of iPhones by model. In August 2018, the iPhone XS and XS Max were released first, and the iPhone XR was released a month later in September. In September 2017, the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8+ were introduced first, and the iPhone X was released in November.
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