Due to the coronavirus, Apple would be considering postponing the launch of the iPhone 12 - its first iPhone 5G - for a few months, expected in September. This was reported by the website of the Nikkei Asian Review business magazine, citing sources familiar with the situation. The Californian company would be concerned about the impact of the epidemic on both production plans and demand.
Aside from the problems in the production chain, "Apple fears that the current situation will significantly reduce consumers' desire to update their phones, which could lead to a lukewarm reception of the first iPhone 5G", while the company "has need the first iPhone 5G to be a success, "explained a source.
The decline in smartphone sales generated by the Covid-19 has already begun to manifest. In February, according to data from Counterpoint Research reported by the Reuters website, global smartphone sales fell by 14%. In China, where Apple and other manufacturers lowered their shop shutters last month, the drop was even more pronounced: -38%.
In this context, Apple would be monitoring the epidemic in the US and Europe, two markets which together represent more than half of iPhone sales. The final decision on the possible postponement - the Japanese newspaper still reports - will be taken by May at the latest.
