iPhone 15 Release Faces Potential October Delay, Pro Models Could See Limited Launch Units: Reports

iPhone 15 Release Faces Potential October Delay, Pro Models Could See Limited Launch Units: Reports

The release of the iPhone 15 series of smartphones is reportedly facing delays this year. Normally, Apple unveils its new iPhone generation in September, and they become available for purchase a few days later in the same month. However, last year’s iPhone 12 series was unveiled later than usual due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, the upcoming iPhone 15 series may also experience a delay. A Bank of America (BoA) analyst suggests that the iPhone 15 series may hit the markets in October instead of the usual September release. The delay in the launch of the iPhone 15 series could have implications for Apple’s September quarter performance.

Furthermore, reports indicate that the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models may face supply constraints at the time of their launch in September due to issues with screen manufacturing. These supply constraints could result in the limited availability of the higher-end iPhone 15 models when they are first released.

According to BoA Global Research Analyst Wamsi Mohan, in his latest investor note accessed by Barrons, there is a possibility that the launch of the iPhone 15 series could be delayed by a few weeks. This delay may push the debut of the next-generation iPhone into the December quarter instead of the usual September release.

Mohan’s claims are said to be based on supply chain audits, which likely provide insights into the production and availability of components required for the new iPhones.

Despite the potential delay, Mohan has raised his price target for Apple shares from $190 to $210. This indicates a positive outlook on Apple’s stock performance. However, the analyst also mentions concerns about iPhone sales for the fiscal year ending in September 2023, as they may be lower than initially anticipated.

The delay in the launch of the iPhone 15 series could have implications for Apple’s financial performance, especially if it affects sales during the crucial holiday season. However, it’s worth noting that Apple has faced delays in the past, and consumer demand for iPhones remains strong, which could offset any short-term setbacks.

It appears that Wamsi Mohan’s prediction about the iPhone 15 series launch being delayed aligns with the recent report by The Information. As seen in the case of the iPhone 12 launch in 2020, the impact of the coronavirus on the supply chain led to shipping delays for some iPhone models. Similarly, this year, the 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are expected to go official in September, but they might be in very short supply due to issues with screen manufacturing.

According to The Information’s report, Apple’s display suppliers are employing a new manufacturing process for the Pro models to reduce the width of the bezels. This alteration is aimed at allowing the iPhone 15 Pro models to have slightly larger screens compared to previous models.

Given these supply chain challenges, it is not uncommon for new models to face initial shortages upon release. Such supply constraints may result in high demand and limited availability for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max when they are first introduced to the market in September. Apple will likely work to address these manufacturing issues and gradually ramp up production to meet consumer demand as time progresses.

The report about LG Display facing issues in the manufacturing process for the screens of the iPhone 15 Pro models aligns with earlier concerns about supply constraints for these models. The screens of the Pro models are reportedly failing a reliability test when fused to the metal shell, leading to potential shortages at launch.

To address these issues, Apple is said to have made design tweaks to the displays produced by LG, aiming to ensure they pass the reliability test. Additionally, Apple is reportedly planning to use displays made by Samsung for assembly, which may help mitigate potential supply shortages for the 15 Pro models.

However, despite these efforts, it is anticipated that the iPhone 15 Pro Max, being the most premium model in the series, may still be the most affected by supply constraints. As a result, customers may experience limited availability of the iPhone 15 Pro Max at the time of its launch.

Supply chain challenges are not uncommon in the tech industry, especially for high-demand products like iPhones. Apple is likely to address these manufacturing issues and gradually increase production to meet consumer demand over time.

Apple has a history of launching its new models in September. However, there have been instances where certain models faced delayed availability in stores despite being introduced in September. For example, the X and XR models were both unveiled in September but reached stores slightly later due to production and supply chain factors.

As per previous reports, the iPhone 15 series, which includes the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max models, is expected to be officially announced in September. It is worth noting that while the unveiling may take place in September, the actual availability and shipping of specific models, especially the high-end Pro models, could be impacted by manufacturing challenges and supply constraints.

Given the complexities of production and supply chain logistics, there is always a possibility of slight delays or variations in the availability of different iPhone models after their official announcement. Apple typically works to address any such challenges and strives to make its new iPhones available to consumers as quickly as possible following the launch event.