Apple’s iPhone 12 could be delayed by up to a month due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to supply chain sources, the company is working hard to minimize delays for the new device, but it’s all-but-confirmed that the smartphone range will run into some issues.
It had previously been reported that Apple was cutting orders for components for the new device, and now it seems that Apple is working hard to keep the phone on schedule.
But it’s still expected that there will be a delay of several weeks, and perhaps even months, which could mean that the usual September release is pushed back to October or even November.
Speaking to the Nikkei Asian Review, an unnamed source said: “What the progress looks like now is months of delay in terms of mass production, but Apple is doing everything it can to shorten the postponement. There’s a chance the schedule could still be moved ahead.”
Insiders suggest that Apple’s hardware development team returned to Apple Park to ensure that the smartphones can be released as close to their usual schedule as possible.
Rather than working from home, these executives have been in the office liaising with suppliers and assemblers to ensure a smooth transition between the two, cutting out unnecessary delays.
Despite their best efforts, some of the iPhone assembly processes could be delayed to October, and as final designs are yet to be locked down, further delays could be introduced.
The coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on Apple’s supply chain, not only affecting Apple and its component suppliers but the laboratories that are needed to verify and sign off the new devices.
The iPhone 12 range would usually have been tested and approved by now, but because of travel bans, the smartphones are still awaiting verification.
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