Apple will start producing its first 5G iPhones in mid-September, a new report has claimed.
The report, by Nikkei Asian Review, indicates that mass production of the 5G iPhones will begin gradually between the end of September and early October.
While this is behind Apple's usual launch schedule, it's a large improvement compared with the situation in the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, according to 'two sources familiar with the matter.'
Nikkei Asian Review explained: "Given the lost time, however, Apple may fall short of its production target for the year.
"The California tech giant ordered components for up to 80 million 5G iPhones, but sources say the actual number produced this year may end up being between 73 million and 74 million, with the rest deferred into early 2021, two sources with knowledge of the matter said."
Thew news comes shortly after a report by Bloomberg claimed that Apple is preparing to release four new iPhone models, as well as two Apple Watches and an iPad Air.
The report cites ‘people who asked not to be identified’, and claims that the big unveiling could be this October.
Bloomberg writes: “Among a comprehensive product refresh in the fall, Apple is also preparing a new iPad Air with an edge-to-edge iPad Pro-like screen, two new Apple Watch versions and its first over-ear headphones outside the Beats brand. A smaller HomePod speaker is in the works, too.”
According to the report, Apple has been preparing components for as many as 75 million new iPhones.
The four new iPhones are expected to include two regular iPhone 12s with a 5.4-inch display and 6.1-inch display, as well as two Pro devices with a choice of a 6.1-inch display or 6.7-inch display.
All four variants are rumoured to have squared edges similar to the iPhone 4, as well as 5G capabilities and the new A14 chip. D
However, Bloomberg claims that the four iPhones won’t ship at the same time.
It explained: “Apple plans to ship the lower-end phones sooner than the Pro devices, according to people familiar with the staggered release strategy.
“During a recent conference call, Apple said the new iPhones would ship a ‘few weeks’ later than last year’s models, which started shipping Sept. 20. This year’s rollout is on course to be the latest since the release of the iPhone X in November 2017.”
