It’s been a strange year for the tech industry as much as for the world as a whole, and many expected plans have had to change. As a result of supply-chain disruption caused by the pandemic, for example, it’s understood that Apple won’t be able to get enough iPhone 12 units ready for its usual September launch event, and even when it does make the announcement, it’s likely to split the launch and delay the appearance of certain models.
The big question, of course, is this: which models of iPhone 12 will be (more) delayed, and which will appear at the initial announcement? The Apple punditsphere has gone back and forth on this one, and still cannot agree.
According to the Taiwanese publication DigiTimes, the two 6.1in models will be released first (that’s the iPhone 12 Max and 12 Pro), and the 5.4 (iPhone 12) and 6.7in (12 Pro Max) models will arrive a little later. This theory has the advantage of logistical efficiency: because the 12 Max and 12 Pro are expected to be based around the same 6.1in OLED screen, it’ll be easier to manufacture them together at scale.
Bloomberg, on the other hand, reckons that the two cheapest models will be released first: that’s the 5.4 iPhone 12 and 6.1in 12 Max. This means the Pro models of 6.1 and 6.7in respectively will be released later. This makes less sense, as far as we’re concerned, and neglects the premium market; DigiTimes’ theory offers something for everyone (or everyone who has enough money to be considering a new iPhone at all).
In related news, it’s also believed that Apple will manufacture fewer units than usual, due to the prevailing recession which means many people have lost their jobs. For these people, a new mobile phone is hardly at the top of the agenda.
The iPhone 12 is expected to appear in October (although one pundit thinks we’ll get invitations to the launch this week). For the latest information, visit our iPhone 12 news hub. Or, if you’re more interested in Apple’s current offerings, browse our guide to the best iPhone deals.
This article originally appeared on Macworld Sweden. Translation by David Price. Main image by Svetapple.
