Drexel Hamilton analyst Brian White says that Apple is planning to launch a 4.7-inch, 5.5-inch and 5.8-inch OLED iPhone this fall. The new 5.8-inch model is believed to be delayed due to issues surrounding the 3D sensor.
In his note, he cited a “smartphone contact†who he says is “diligently following the supply chain data points†around the device we are currently calling the “iPhone 8†as his source. This means that the information he is relaying is more than a simple hunch, and is at least grounded on conversations White is having on the ground.
Our contact strongly believes the 5.8-inch iPhone 8 will be delayed by several weeks due to challenges around the 3D sensing technology, but still in time for the December holidays. This is not the first time that we’ve heard about a potential delay with a new iPhone; however, our contact was so emphatic about the delay that we are taking this data point more seriously. Since it is only April, this situation could improve. Essentially, our contact believes customers will be able to pre-order the new 5.8-inch iPhone 8 along with the new 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhones in September; however, the 5.8-inch iPhone 8 will not be available for delivery until several weeks later.
This somewhat aligns with other recent reports that have suggested the iPhone 8 may not arrive until October or November.
Supply chain leaks and information coming from other sources of late have also suggested that the new, larger and more ambitious iPhone will be in short supply when the new lineup goes on sale, leaving us to wonder just how difficult it may be to get the specific color and storage configuration we want when sales do begin. Apple is no stranger to stock shortages on launch day, and it is already beginning to look increasingly likely that the iPhone 8 will be no different in that regard.
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