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KGI: 5.5-inch iPhone 6 likely to be delayed until after October, possibly until 2015

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has provided accurate Apple product information in the past (timing aside), has released a new research note predicting that supply constraints on key components may result in a serious delay in the release of the larger iPhone 6 model with a 5.5-inch display. According to the note, issues with the in-cell touch panel and coloring of the device could push the launch of the device back to a post-October date, possibly as late as next year:

We think the 5.5-inch model will also have issues with the yield rate of in-cell touch panel and color unevenness of metal casing. Indeed, these problems will likely be even more complicated with a larger size. In addition, from a technical perspective, we don’t expect sapphire cover, used for the first time on the 5.5-inch model, will easily pass the drop test near term. We are conservative about 5.5-inch iPhone launching by end-2014. Even if the product is launched in 2014, it is likely to take place after mid-4Q14, which is later than the September-October of consensus, with shipments being lower than consensus of 15- 20mn units.

The report goes on to note that the phone’s sapphire display (which we’ve seen recently in a scratch test video) may not prove sturdy enough in drop tests to go to market yet. Kuo recently noted that the upcoming iWatch, which will also use a sapphire crystal display, will enter mass production in November. Kuo predicts that when the larger iPhone 6 finally ships, fewer than 15-20 million units will be available.

While the same issues will reportedly affect the 4.7-inch model of the iPhone 6, the issues are expected to be more easily resolved for the smaller size. We’ve previously seen several physical mockups, part leaks, and display components for the 4.7-inch model, but not as many leaked parts for the larger phone. The new devices are also expected to pack in more dense LCDs, a more efficient A8 system-on-a-chip, new sensors, and improved camera systems. Apple will likely discuss the iPhone in September, while the Cupertino company is also planning smart watch and iPad announcements for later in the fall.

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Comments

  1. joshalfie - 10 years ago

    Then next week we’ll hear that the rumoured supply constraints would have been solved and the product will launch on time. I doubt Apple will do a staggered release.

    • Jim Czerwinski - 10 years ago

      It’s the same BS every year with the Apple iPhones. I’m a long time Apple user and own multiples of just about everything they make but I’m really fed up with hearing there will be a delay because of this a delay because of that, shortages of this, shortages of that, problems with this color problems with that color. Just stop and let them release the phone or multi phones or whatever the hell it’s going to be. Enough with the speculation. And yes let’s say there’s going to be limited quantities so everyone will panic and go stand in line for a week. Enough already! Why doesn’t other phone makers have these kind of problems, I never hear this kind of stuff from something like the Samsung Galaxy S5 and I gotta that a pretty nice phone. As much as I’m tied into Apple products and love the iPhone if they announce the phone or phones and talk about limited quantity or staggering the phone sizes I done and finally biting the bullet and getting a Samusung S5. For my purposes it does everything I need it to do and more, I really don’t don’t need 50 Billion Apps for the App Store that just about the only hyping you get more of on the iPhone. The S5 is pretty nice

      • charilaosmulder - 10 years ago

        This thing you call “BS” is no surprise given YOU are reading articles on an APPLE RUMOR SITE. And if you were Apple’s supply chain manager, I have a hard time believing you’d do a better job. The iPhone is the worlds most popular phone so the demand will always be extreme.

      • OneOkami (@OneOkami) - 10 years ago

        If you can’t stand hearing about Apple rumors why don’t you stop coming to a website that frequently posts articles about Apple rumors and reading articles about Apple rumors? Simple. If reading about this stuff annoys you, stop reading. Go plug your ears and sing ‘La La’ if you makes you feel better.

        Not everybody prefers to be kept in the dark about the development of the products they use.

      • bb1111116 - 10 years ago

        @Jim Czerwinski who wrote;

        “getting a Samusung S5. For my purposes it does everything I need it to do and more, I really don’t don’t need 50 Billion Apps for the App Store that just about the only hyping you get more of on the iPhone.”

        It is certainly your privilege to get the Galaxy S5.

        For me I don’t want the S5 which imo has an inferior fingerprint sensor, has a plastic back, and has ~ 100 apps on the phone that I don’t want.

        I am willing to wait until September/October for an iPhone 6.

  2. Stetson - 10 years ago

    I don’t see Apple doing staggered announcements, but a staggered release is likely.

    They could announce both new iPhones at the same event but say that the 5.5″ model is shipping at a later date. They did this last year with the iPad Air and iPad Mini Retina.

    If it’s going to be delayed so much that they can’t announce them together, I would think they would just wait until next year.

  3. Taste_of_Apple - 10 years ago

    Reblogged this on Taste of Apple and commented:
    He’s usually pretty reliable (at least for an analyst), but at this point there’s no telling how Apple will approach the coming iDevice roll out. If the 5.5 inch version is delayed (if they ever intended to release it alongside the 4.7 inch model) then I could see them debuting the 4.7 inch iPhone 6, while introducing lower priced versions of the current line up, as in previous years. Saving the bigger model for late this year or sometime next year makes sense given that they have a swarth of new products in line for a refresh. At this point, however, the rumors are only going to intensify. Let’s see if any credible evidence gets introduced and what Apple actually has planned for their expected fall iPhone event.

  4. Sal Conigliaro (@sconig) - 10 years ago

    Or, you know, Apple had only planned to release a 4.7″ version all along.

  5. Taste_of_Apple - 10 years ago

    He’s usually pretty reliable (at least for an analyst), but at this point there’s no telling how Apple will approach the coming iDevice roll out. If the 5.5 inch version is delayed (if they ever intended to release it alongside the 4.7 inch model) then I could see them debuting the 4.7 inch iPhone 6, while introducing lower priced versions of the current line up, as in previous years. Saving the bigger model for late this year or sometime next year makes sense given that they have a boatload of new products in line for a refresh. At this point, however, the rumors are only going to intensify. Let’s see if any credible evidence gets introduced and what Apple actually has planned for their expected fall iPhone event.

  6. Gregory Wright - 10 years ago

    “issues with the in-cell touch panel and coloring of the device could push the launch of the device back to a post-October date, possibly as late as next year:”

    C’mon….if Sammy mastered the 5.5″ screen surely Apple can.

    • herb02135go - 10 years ago

      I call BS. This is an attempt to create an artificial demand.

      • rettun1 - 10 years ago

        As if Apple has any trouble getting people to want their products… They would delay it to make people want it more? I don’t see it

    • Taste_of_Apple - 10 years ago

      Shockingly enough, I believe we heard these same reasons leading up to the iPhone 5 launch.

  7. Last week Kou said iWatch would be delayed & now same for larger iPhone… I’m forgetting when did Apple say they were to be released? *sigh*
    Btw I have nothing to base this on but me thinks he’s wrong on at least one.

  8. fjpoblam - 10 years ago

    If our ol’ pard Apple doesn’t get back in the game purdy soon, there’s gains to be made elsewhere. Like from my wallet. I need a new phone.

  9. Oh man, every time a rumor like this starts the stock drops.

  10. RP - 10 years ago

    Never seemed likely to launch with the 4.7 and instead seems far more logical to stager releases to take any wind from other releases throughout the year. Samsung likes to release and in May which sounds perfect for the larger version to make it’s debut

  11. Apple has been making phones since 2007. They know what they are doing. They know how to make a 5.5″ phone.

  12. thatsdb - 10 years ago

    So its true the Faux Iphone 6 is already on the streets in China. When is America going to get smart and stop building sensitive instruments in a country that duplicates as fast as they produce products. Patents be damned.

  13. I don’t think we’ll see this 5.5 iPhone in 2014 at all.
    Every year we hear this rumors about production or shipping delays due to the touch ID, the sapphire crystal or whatever… I don’t think Apple will ever ship two different phones with a delay of a few month.
    If they plan to sell a 5.5 iPhone it will hit the market either september 2014 or september 2015

    • klepp0906 - 10 years ago

      Wrooooooooong. And while I’m on the topic, what qualifies these people as “iphone analysts?” Lol. More like fans who gossip and spread misinformation and guesses passed off as probable fact. Biggest issue is esheep who buy into then repeat it.

  14. tomtubbs - 10 years ago

    “Timing aside”
    Cough cough cough
    As in the analyst got the iPhone 5s timing wrong last year.

  15. Neil Martin - 10 years ago

    How can a product that hasn’t been given a public release date (or even formally confirmed) be ‘delayed’. You can’t delay when there is no deadline.

    • OneOkami (@OneOkami) - 10 years ago

      Just because Apple hasn’t announced a public release date doesn’t mean they don’t have an internal roadmap and schedule. I’d be absolutely shocked if they don’t. I work in the software industry and we have indeed “delayed” the release of products that weren’t given a public date. There WAS a date and that date was deferred, we just didn’t make known externally.

  16. Pierre Calixte - 10 years ago

    delayed? or may not be coming at all? still can’t see Apple releasing a 5.5″ phone.

  17. Joe Mecca - 10 years ago

    The same story is told at the launch of every new device. Old, old, old. Besides, how can something be delayed if we don’t even know it exists???

  18. Kyle D. Beeson - 10 years ago

    When the phone enters production, in a couple of weeks maybe?, parts leaks will of course be seen. Unless the “double down on security” comment actually is the truth!

  19. Buzzy T Jordan - 10 years ago

    I hope this is not happening. A lot of customers is waiting on a large iPhone. Including me.

  20. klepp0906 - 10 years ago

    For the love of god where does all this misinformation come from and why do people repeat it as opposed to exercising a bit of common sense? I know some people have more than others but even the most miniscule amounts of brain matter should be able to ascertain that apple delaying the 5.5 would harm sales of both versions as well as anger customers. The only way it will happen is if they don’t announce the 5.5 at all and intend to use it as their “S” model a full year from now. (Unlikely) They will both be rq bounced and released on the 9th/19th with pre orders going live on the 12th.

    Don’t say I didn’t tell you so…

  21. Chris Gifford - 9 years ago

    So in two month they are close to selling 20mm. Apple 1 – Analysts 0