Apple's iPhone 5S, low-cost iPhone, iPhone 6 may be delayed
After visiting the tech giant's Asian suppliers, a Jefferies analyst concludes that "preproduction issues" could cause mass production delays on the majority of Apple's mobile devices.
As Samsung, Google, and Microsoft forge ahead with smartphones, smartwatches, and other smart devices, Apple could be experiencing production delays across the board.
According to Jefferies analyst Peter Misek, who recently visited Apple's Asian suppliers, the rumored iPhone 5S will most likely be delayed. It's previously been said that the device would hit stores by July. Misek also said that the possible low-cost iPhone launch could be pushed to this year's fourth quarter and an iPhone 6 probably wouldn't come out until 2014.
"iPhone 5S is having preproduction issues with mass production at least a month or more away. This combined with the publicly discussed delay of iOS 7 puts a July availability at risk," Misek said, according to StreetInsider. "We continue to believe there is almost no chance the iPhone 6 launches in CY13 [calendar year 2013] due to supply chain issues."
Besides iOS 7 and iPhone 6, the iPhone 5S delay is expected to affect production of other Apple products too. Misek said the iPad Mini refresh will also be pushed back and that he didn't see any evidence of a possible iWatch in production. The iPad 5 refresh could happen, said Misek, but he believes the volumes will be low. Finally, he said that an iTV for 2013 is unlikely.
Rumors have abounded about a bigger iPhone, cheaper iPhone, plastic iPhone, iOS 7, an iWatch, and more. But rumors only go so far when the competition is steadily launching new products. If Misek's calculations are correct, there's most likely some gnashing of teeth in Cupertino as Apple works to get a new product in the pipeline as soon as possible.
On top of the delays, Misek is predicting weak second- and third-quarter share prices for Apple, along with lower iPhone and iPad second-quarter shipments than previously expected. Apple's second-quarter results are due April 23.
(Via StreetInsider)
