Disruptions caused to the global supply chain by the coronavirus pandemic have promoted Apple to stagger its iPhone launches this year, with two 6.1-inch models launching first.
Taiwanese trade publication DigiTimes said Monday that printed circuit board suppliers have been ramping up shipments even though the new devices will debut later than expected:
The new iPhone lineup may arrive in two stages, with two 6.1-inch models in the first and another two 6.7- and 5.4-inch devices in the second, said the sources, noting that shipments of SLP mainboards for the 6.1-inch models were kicked off in July and those for the 6.7- and 5.4-inch ones began in the second half of August.
The same publication in June said this year’s iPhones may arrive in October rather than the standard September launch window. Rumor-mill reporting and analyst predictions have strongly hinted at four new iPhone models this year.
There will be one 5.4-inch model, two 6.1-inch model and a flagship 6.7-inch model. The 5.4-incher and one of the 6.1-inch models will be more affordable and feature dual-lens cameras.
The other 6.1-inch iPhone 12 along with the flagship 6.7-inch iPhone are apparently premium models that should feature three rear cameras. And last but not least, 2020 will complete Apple’s transition to an all-OLED lineup as there will be no new LCD models this year.