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iPhone 12 release date could miss September 2020 as antenna supplies may fall short

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports on Apple’s potential issue with the iPhone 12 production if the company does not find more suppliers of the liquid crystal polymer (LCP) flexible printed circuit (FPC) antenna needed for 5G.

Updated 2 min read
iPhone 12 release date could miss September 2020 as antenna supplies may fall short
From the iPhone XS and iPhone XR trailer | Photo by Apple/YouTube screenshot

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Early rumors about the iPhone 12 suggest that the upcoming device would sport an all-new design. However, recent reports claim that this overhaul is causing some issues among Apple’s antenna suppliers that could eventually lead to a release date delay.

iPhone 12 release date: Apple announcement could be moved later than September 2020?

One thing that tech fans can count on every September of every year is one of Apple’s biggest unveil events. During this month, the tech giant announces the new lineup of iPhones each year. However, if Apple and its suppliers would not resolve one rumored issue, the company could reportedly be forced to move the iPhone 12 announcement later in 2020.

The iPhone 12’s design is reportedly dependent on the liquid crystal polymer (LCP) flexible printed circuit (FPC) antenna. But well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo noted that suppliers of the said component could be facing a shortage that would drastically affect the production timetable for the 2020 iPhones. It should also be noted that the LCP FPC is not just a mere design component. It is reportedly needed for 5G support, which is one of the anticipated iPhone 12 features.

While the identified issue floats the possibility of a release date delay, Apple has other options to prevent that from happening. Kuo’s forecast on antenna supply challenges is based on the current situation that Apple has only one LCP FPC supplier. If the Cupertino, California-based company finds more suppliers, tech fans can relax a little about the iPhone 12 release date. For now, it is still safe to assume that the new iPhones will be announced as early as September 2020.

iPhone 12 specs. features: What to expect

Apple is expected to carry over its branding strategy for the iPhone 11 series. The 2020 smartphone lineup could come in three models and might be named iPhone 12, iPhone Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Speaking of new designs, the company is speculated to unveil a fresh look of the display notch that is expected to be smaller and house an upgrade version of the TrueDepth sensor. Per tradition, iPhone 12 is very likely launching with the iOS 14.

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