JP Morgan: Any 'iPhone 6' display shortage would have 'no impact' on sales, device launch
Following a spate of rumors that late-term problems with the display on Apple's next-generation iPhone could force the handset's delay or seriously constrain supplies, at least one Wall Street analyst indicated that the issue -- if it even actually exists -- would not materially impact the launch of the so-called "iPhone 6."
Alleged 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 mockups with iPhone 5s. | Source: TechSmartt via YouTube
"This sounds like a typical late-in-the-game supply chain story that turns out to have no impact on launch dates or devices sales," J.P. Morgan analyst Rod Hall wrote in a Monday morning note to investors which was provided to AppleInsider. "We believe that initial supply could be slowed somewhat if there is any truth to this but we doubt that iPhone unit volumes in the fall are likely to be impacted."
Apple suppliers were "scrambling to get enough screens ready" for the launch, Reuters reported last week. Two issues -- one said to revolve around backlight technology, and another referred to only as involving a "key component" -- were pegged as having a potentially serious impact on Apple's plans.
At the time, it was "unclear" whether the problems could "delay the launch or limited the number of phones initially available to customers," the outlet said.
As for the track record for Reuters, the news publication also claimed last year that Apple's iPad mini with Retina display may not arrive until 2014 due to alleged supply constraints. Of course, that report ended up being erroneous, as the high-resolution iPad mini launched last year without issue.
As has become customary in the lead-up to the release of a new Apple product, the "iPhone 6" has been the subject of numerous delay rumors. Most have revolved around the potential pushback of a 5.5-inch "phablet" variant, which is believed to remain on track but may not make an appearance at the company's rumored Sept. 9 special media event.
Apple is expected to launch its next iPhone in two screen sizes of 4.7 and 5.5 inches. If the company sticks to its usual release pattern, it will launch the "iPhone 6" two Fridays after its unveiling, which this year would fall on Sept. 19.
Alleged 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 mockups with iPhone 5s. | Source: TechSmartt via YouTube"This sounds like a typical late-in-the-game supply chain story that turns out to have no impact on launch dates or devices sales," J.P. Morgan analyst Rod Hall wrote in a Monday morning note to investors which was provided to AppleInsider. "We believe that initial supply could be slowed somewhat if there is any truth to this but we doubt that iPhone unit volumes in the fall are likely to be impacted."
Apple suppliers were "scrambling to get enough screens ready" for the launch, Reuters reported last week. Two issues -- one said to revolve around backlight technology, and another referred to only as involving a "key component" -- were pegged as having a potentially serious impact on Apple's plans.
At the time, it was "unclear" whether the problems could "delay the launch or limited the number of phones initially available to customers," the outlet said.
As for the track record for Reuters, the news publication also claimed last year that Apple's iPad mini with Retina display may not arrive until 2014 due to alleged supply constraints. Of course, that report ended up being erroneous, as the high-resolution iPad mini launched last year without issue.
As has become customary in the lead-up to the release of a new Apple product, the "iPhone 6" has been the subject of numerous delay rumors. Most have revolved around the potential pushback of a 5.5-inch "phablet" variant, which is believed to remain on track but may not make an appearance at the company's rumored Sept. 9 special media event.
Apple is expected to launch its next iPhone in two screen sizes of 4.7 and 5.5 inches. If the company sticks to its usual release pattern, it will launch the "iPhone 6" two Fridays after its unveiling, which this year would fall on Sept. 19.
Comments
I kind of like the idea of a three-size lineup...
The current form factor will be iPhone6,
then the iPhone 6G for Gigantic,
then the 6WHG for Way Huge Gigantic...
I got this from a fortune cookie, if anyone's curious.
(wanted to be sure the day had its proper rumor ration)
One would think Apple knows how to produce new iPhones after seven years of introducing new models every year.
Still, the title read weird: 'shortage' but not an issue. What does shortage mean, then? They'll be producing less then they wanted, but enough to fulfil requests from Apple?
This post will be thumbed-up by every single member here.
Still, the title read weird: 'shortage' but not an issue. What does shortage mean, then? They'll be producing less then they wanted, but enough to fulfil requests from Apple?
Concerning the iPhone launch, "shortage" is likely a word used internally at Apple to indicate a production level not sufficient to achieve their internal revenue projections. It is not a word they would use in public.
For the media, "shortage" is a bandied-about word used to describe heavy demand and perceived lack of supply to meet that demand. Apple has a method for dealing with this: simply withholding the launch in some markets (particularly smaller international markets) and carriers (particularly smaller US regional and prepaid operators).
That's a good explanation, tnx.
The analysis are playing both ends of the game, no matter what happens they can say they told us so.
To be fair JPMorgan has been bullish on Apple for a while now
and you do not think the analysis read what each other write, one say up and other says down, it does not matter what they believe it is a game they play together. The only time you will see most analysis in agreement is on the way down, but even then what the lights are about to turn out there is some analysis trying to paint a rosy picture.
That makes me...sad.
What about the people who prefer a 4" iPhone? The only thing that size will be the older model 5S? Somehow that doesn't seem right. IMHO Apple should have 3 sizes, one keeping the 4" screen as an iPhone 6.
They really ought to have just two....
Apple won't release the iPhone if there is a shortage. And by that, i mean if The supply levels is less than what Apple predicts, Apple will modify release date.
Allegedly the sun is supposed to come up tomorrow.
They really ought to have four...
By the way there won't be any 5S. The 5S will be placed into a plastic shell with a few minor upgrades and be called the iPhone Color. Its called progress.
Complete and utter tripe. Stop your nonsense.
Just give me a new 4" phone Apple. That's all I want. And if not the 4.7" should work. And gold, please. Please have enough gold versions.
And leave that 5.5" for other companies.