Apple may delay the release of the iPhone 15 series until October

Anticipated to arrive this autumn, Apple is in the throes of readying the new generation of its iPhone 15 series. Beyond the introduction of USB-C ports and alterations in design and functionality, Apple also plans to debut new color schemes for the standard and Pro models, in a bid to entice a broader consumer base.

Rumors abound that mass production of the iPhone 15 series will commence in August, with Apple set to unveil the iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Plus, and iPhone 15 in September. However, as per reports by Barron’s, there may be a deferral to October for the release.

Analyses project a decline in Apple’s fiscal revenues by September this year, down to $87.1 billion from a previously anticipated $91.6 billion, a likely repercussion of the postponed launch of the iPhone 15 series. The current assembler, Foxconn, has already bolstered its workforce to amplify the production capacity of the iPhone 15 series, while Apple has enlisted Luxshare Precision this year to stave off unexpected production shortfalls akin to last year’s incident.

On another note, The Information has suggested that the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro may encounter significant supply shortages due to production issues related to their screens. Owing to the adoption of thinner bezels in the new models, novel production methodologies are required, potentially attributing to the shortage.

The screens for the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro are manufactured by Samsung and LG, with the crux of the issue stemming from LG. During the risk ramp-up stage, suppliers are tasked with producing hundreds to thousands of components for quality assurance and verification of manufacturing processes and equipment reliability. Only then does mass production commence, but screen issues tend to surface during this phase. Should effective measures not be swiftly deployed, the production and launch of the iPhone 15 series may encounter further delays.