While we’re busy collecting some exciting iPhone 15 rumors ahead of the planned September launch, today we read some news that you might not like. According to a Bank of America analyst, the iPhone 15 will arrive a little late this year. And due to issues with new screens, it can be harder than usual to find one to buy.
Wamsi Mohan, global securities analyst at Bank of America, says in an investor note that the iPhone 15 won’t launch until the fourth quarter, which begins October 1. Mohan says Apple’s usual supply chain checks indicate production is “a few weeks” behind schedule, and the launch could slip into the fourth quarter.
Mohan was among those predicting in early 2020 that the iPhone 12 would be delayed due to the impact of Covid-19 and was right. That year, the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro shipped on October 23, and the iPhone 12 mini and 12 Pro Max didn’t arrive until November.
The reason for the delay is unclear, although a report in The Information claims that the Phone 15 Pro and Pro Max will be limited due to production issues resulting from the phones’ thin bezels. The publication reports that LG is struggling to produce the screens under the new manufacturing process. Even if they arrive on time, The Information says the phones will be forced into launch.
Another possibility for the delay is the A17 processor. Apple is reportedly moving to a new 3nm process for the Pro chip, and manufacturer TSMC has been slow to ramp up production due to technical hurdles. The delay can also be related to a number of other issues, including screens, batteries, and design. Mohan doesn’t say if all iPhone 15 models would be delayed or just the Pro or Plus versions.
It’s also unclear whether Apple will delay the iPhone event, which is expected to be held in early September, or just the ship date. Apple traditionally ships the new iPhone a week and a half after the announcement, but delays are not uncommon. For example, the iPhone 14 Plus only shipped on October 7.
We’re expecting a number of upgrades from the iPhone 15, including an extension of Dynamic Island to non-Pro models, a better zoom camera in the Pro Max, and longer battery life. Follow our iPhone 15 roundup for all the latest news.
