German site ifun is reporting that local Apple Store staff have been banned from taking any leave in September, the usual month for the launch of a new iPhone. No restrictions have been reported for August.
This would seem to scupper the unlikely but persistent rumors that have been circulating of the 4.7-inch version of the iPhone 6 being launched in August, with the 5.5-inch model following in September. Delays to the 5.5-inch model were said to be due to unspecified manufacturing difficulties.
A split launch always seemed unlikely for a variety of reasons, not least the logistical hassles of a launch at peak vacation time, requiring leave blackouts for two months rather than one. Sales figures would also be complicated by a two-phase launch, and would potentially provide competitors with data on the relative popularity of the two models. Apple has always only reported iPhone sales in aggregate, rather than breaking out numbers for specific models.
We’ve seen a range of schematics, renders and mockups of the rumored design of the iPhone 6, all suggesting an iPod touch-like design with a slim form factor and rounded edges.
The site ifun also reports that the Apple Store in Hannover, expected to open shortly, has been delayed until the fall by mold growth found in the building. Construction work had required the temporary closure of the Mobilcom store next door, which has now re-opened, suggesting a pause in work on the Apple Store.
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Has it occured to anyone that this 5.5in “iPhone” we keep hearing about is actually the new iPod Touch? It makes ZERO sense to me tht they would release 2 phones (in those sizes) a month apart…. but they would release an iPod Touch a month after the iPhone!
I also apologize for not being able to properly spell “occurred” and “that”
In short, yes.
What do you think about it having a cellular data option? And do you hate that you can’t edit your comments?
dude, i’ve been saying this repeatedly ever since 2011 when they started this dumb rumor before the 4S. Apple would never do something so utterly stupid. It makes no sense in any way shape or form. Wish these know-nothing analysts would shut up.
Yep, occurred to me. Since it’s blatantly too large to be used in any form as an iPhone, it being an iPod touch seems pretty great.
Just because two products are a month apart in the supply chain does not mean that it would be announced at a different date.
The same was true last year of the two new iPad models. Apple announced them both at the same time but the retina mini took a few more weeks to start shipping.
It’ll be crazy if the launch 3 iPhones just to screw everyone up:
iPhone C = Classic 4″ screen (5&5s style)
iPhone 6 = New 4.7″ screen
iPhone Air = New 5.5″ screen
My guess is good as any others
Why would the largest model be “Air”? :p
And no, that doesn’t mean I’m advocating for “iPhone Pro”. That’s an equally idiotic name.
I thought about it after I wrote it, it was just a quick thought anyways who cares
The 9.7″ iPad is an ‘Air’ model, just sayin
Because the 13 or 15 inch model is forthcoming.
LOL, some people just love those “Air” and “Pro” terms. Until I see the name iPad Pro, I may believe there’ll be iPhone Air or Pro. What the f is different in the way that a professional and a regular person use the phone? None, so Air and Pro for iPhone are stupid names…
I really don’t care what they call it, but what if…..?
iPhone Mini/Nano 4.0″
iPhone 4.7″
iPhone Air/Pro? 5.5″
Thin = Air?
http://9to5mac.com/2014/04/22/taiwanese-media-claims-5-5inch-iphone-6-to-be-very-thin-special-battery-components-causing-delays/
Heh, I doubt it. There’s nothing “mini” about the 4” screen.
Really the best course of action is to just drop the numbers entirely. “iPhone”. Three models, three ages. Separated internally by a year in parenthesis added to the name.
“BUT HOW WILL I KNOW WHICH ONE I WANT” is the whining complaint to this naming convention.
Stop being an idiot is how you’d know. People who don’t know which model is newest aren’t smart enough to care or to need the new one, anyway. Anyone who actually wants the best model at any given time will have done their own research and will know what’s what. Takes ten seconds of looking at apple.com.
If i would be Apple, i would split selling of 2 models as well, simply because this way it would help to sell more. Everyone knows how start of any Apple product look like. Splitting sale in two parts will help apple not repeat the iPhone 5C fail.