Add another log to the iPhone 5 rumors fire. Now it’s looking like consumers may not see the device until next year, or possibly very late this year. It was once expected in early summer.
According to a report from Avian Securities, as relayed by Business Insider, production may not even start until September. The report said:
“Supporting out comments over the last month, conversations with yet another key component supplier indicates that production for iPhone-5 will begin in September. This is consistent with Avian findings in the supply chain in recent months and we believe the consensus view is moving towards this scenario. In addition, our conversations also indicate the existence of a lower-spec/lower-priced iPhone in Apple’s roadmap. However, while our contacts have seen the placeholder in the Apple roadmap, they do not yet have insight into specs or production timing. This leads us to believe that any launch is likely a very late 2011 or more likely a 2012 event. As a reminder, Avian has uncovered several data-points in recent months pointing to the existence of a lower-spec/lower-price iPhone. A lower-spec/lower-price iPhone has also been speculated in the press and gadget blogs, though we do not believe consensus currently discounts the existence of such a model.”
Another recent rumor has the iPhone 5 possibly coming with a hybrid e-Paper/Video iOS display. This is based on a patent application from Apple. Another rumor has the device possibly coming with a more lightweight casing. That’s based on the company’s hiring of a carbon fiber expert.
I have to wonder if this would help in correcting the antenna flaws of the iPhone 4. Apple does not want a repeat of antennagate.
Sales figures for the iPhone in 2011 have been inconsistent. Either way, it does appear teens will keep buying them.