Apple has released new version of the iPhone each June or July every year since the original iPhone. The iPad was thought to take the same route. However, according to two different reports, the iPhone 5 and the iPad 2 will both be delayed this year.
BusinessWeek has reported that the shipments of a new model of the iPad may have been delayed from April to June due to “production bottlenecks” at manufacturer Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. According to their source, the delay has occurred after Apple decided to make several design changes right before the Chinese New Year (about 3 weeks ago).
The report cites that the second generation iPad may be released in June. This seems odd, as this is when Apple is expected to release a newer version of the iPhone. In addition to this, as we reported earlier the iPad 3 is rumored to launch this fall. A three month life-cycle seems very unlikely for an Apple product. We really don’t know what to believe, or what not to.
According to a different report from FBR Capital Markets, the iPad may not be the only device hitting the shelves late, the iPhone is also going to be late according to the site.
Berger writes, "For the iPhone 5, we continue to hear that a July launch is unlikely, with various casing suppliers and touch suppliers still ramping up, with some chip vendors not having yet received firm iPhone 5 orders, and with other sockets like the image sensor (most likely going to Omnivision exclusively, but with some potential for Sony to split that socket) still in flux. Given these factors, we think a September launch is more likely, off from Apple"s traditional iPhone launch schedule, but giving the firm more time to enhance its next-generation instant communications on the phone."
The report suggests the iPhone may be released around September. Which, too, seems very unlikely, as this is when Apple usually plans to release a new iPod line-up.
Update: Macrumors is reporting a tweet from Reuters and a tip from The Loop that both claim the delays to be untrue and nothing more than media generated rumors. According to The Loop,
It seems amazing that rumors of Apple missing product deadlines are running rampant when Apple hasn’t even announced the product yet. The only deadlines that have been set are by the media, not Apple.
Having said that, the iPhone 5 and iPad 2 are not delayed.