Challenges surrounding the construction and manufacturing of the new iPhone 5S and the second generation iPad mini mean that the new devices will actually launch later than had been predicted, according to KGI Securities analyst Ming Chi Kuo (via MacRumors). Kuo, who has in the past provided some accurate pre-release information for Apple products, had originally suggested that the new iPhone 5S could be set for a July launch, with the iPad mini 2 hitting the market the following month in August.
However, in his latest note to investors, the analyst now believes that ‘challenges’ are pushing back the timescale for the launch of these devices and that they might not now be released in late summer after all. The analyst doesn’t provide any information on when he thinks the release dates may fall but does indicate that it could now be in the August-November window.
In addition to the iPad mini 2 and the iPhone 5S, the analyst also points towards a less expensive iPhone model being launched on the same timescale as the iPhone 5S, so it is likely that this device will continue to follow this release pattern. He also continues to note a Home button fingerprint sensor as being the killer feature for the iPhone 5S, as well as a Retina Display for the iPad mini 2.
Challenging…