Apple Considering Launch Delay for 5G iPhone 12, iPhone 9

The coronavirus outbreak has hit the tech industry very hard, and now Apple appears to be one of the victims, as the Cupertino-based tech giant is reportedly considering delays for the upcoming 5G iPhone 12 and iPhone 9.

A report from SCMP and citing a series of high-profile analysts indicates that the iPhone 12 with 5G support could be pushed back by at least a month, especially as suppliers have a hard time recovering after the suspended operations caused by the coronavirus.

Apple is expected to bring 5G support to at least one iPhone model launching this year, but at the same time, people familiar with the company’s plans indicated that all models in the 2020 generation could include 5G capabilities.

iPhone 9 originally expected this month

And while this device could be delayed for approximately one month, the iPhone 9, which is the second-generation iPhone SE based on iPhone 8, could actually experience a delay of a few months, according to Elliot Lan, an expert with knowledge of Apple’s supply chain plans.

iPhone 9 was originally projected to debut in March, and the few months delay could mean that Apple is pondering holding it back until the debut of the fall lineup. If this is the decision that Apple makes, the 2020 iPhone generation unveiling could also include this iPhone 9, in addition to the 5G models mentioned above.

Foxconn, the largest Apple supplier, said it expects to resume normal operations at its Chinese factories by the end of this month, but it’s not yet clear if this timing could allow the Cupertino-based tech giant to launch its 2020 iPhones according to the original schedule.

More information will probably emerge in the coming days, as we get closer to the expected release date of the iPhone 9 in late March.