Apple's redesigned iPhone 8 may not arrive until the end of 2017. The smartphone was expected to be announced alongside the iterative updates to iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, but the availability could get delayed. The latest piece of information comes from renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi of KGI Securities.
In a new investor report obtained by 9to5Mac, Kuo says the mass production of iPhone 8 will likely be pushed back to October/November. Normally, Apple announces its new iPhones in the month of September and the mass production starts sometime in August or September. KGI Securities cites difficulties in production due to the use of custom-ordered components as the cause for this delay.
Ahead of every iPhone launch, reports originate suggesting delay or lack of adequate supply of new models. However, this time it seems Kuo is not the only one predicting the delay. Earlier, Bloomberg predicted that the redesigned iPhone might get delayed by a month or two, while Macotakara also expects delayed availability of the new model. Most analysts now expect Apple to showcase all three new iPhones at the fall announcement, but only the iterative models will go on sale immediately.
Apple's redesigned iPhone is expected to feature a stainless steel frame, fused with a glass front and back. The smartphone is also said to sport Samsung-made OLED displays and the Cupertino-based iPhone maker has reportedly placed an order for nearly 70 million panels. Other updates include a new 10nm architecture SoC codenamed A11 and support for AR features using new 3D sensing camera technology. KGI's Kuo also believes that the next iPhone will ditch the physical home button and feature a functional area instead. Despite its smaller dimensions, the iPhone 8 is likely to offer a larger battery using a stacked PCB layout. The redesigned iPhone is rumoured to cost around $1,000 at the time of launch.