Every year we expect Apple to roll out new iPhones, but this year there's a good chance it may not happen.
As GSMArena reports, there's now a real possibility Apple will decide to delay the launch of iPhone 12 due to the world currently being focused on coping with the coronavirus pandemic. A report by Nikkei says Apple is having internal discussions and the delay being considered would be for a few months, meaning an early 2021 launch is more likely.
There are two main reasons why Apple believes a delay may be unavoidable. The first is its supply chain and manufacturing partners citing "practical hurdles" in guaranteeing enough supply to meet the demand an Apple iPhone launch requires. If everyone is going to have to wait weeks or months for their new iPhone to arrive, why launch in the first place?
The second reason is Apple being concerned consumers simply won't be excited about a new iPhone considering what's happening right now. Apple's two biggest markets, Europe and the US, are about to experience the peak of the coronavirus pandemic. It would be a brave person (or company) who predicted how everyone will be feeling by September.
Add together the potential for not enough handsets being produced in time and potentially nobody being in the mood to spend money on a new phone this year, and a delay may actually be an easy decision to make.
The iPhone 12 is expected to be Apple's first 5G phone, but it could also end up being the company's biggest smartphone failure if it makes the wrong call on a release date. If you are looking to buy a new smartphone, though, Apple may still offer you a new handset this year. We're expecting the iPhone 9/SE2 to launch in April.
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