An analyst at KGI Securities, Ming-chi Kuo, predicts in a research note that Apple’s mobile products for 2013 may be delayed due to various development issues. These products include iPhone 5S, the second generation iPad mini and the low cost iPhone. With the exception of second generation iPad mini, a lot has already been rumored about iPhone 5S and the substantially cheaper iPhone. Rumor has it that iPhone 5S will come in multiple sizes and will feature fingerprint technology. An alleged iPhone 5S prototype was recently spotted and according to latest rumors, Apple’s next flagship smartphone is expected to be released this summer, while its production begins this quarter.
iPhone 5S will reportedly face delays due to the implementation of fingerprint technology. Apple needs to figure out how interference from the black and white coating material under the cover glass of iPhone 5 will be contained. The fingerprint sensor of iPhone 5S is reportedly going to be under the Home button, this positioning eliminates the need for password entry. Delay in the development of iOS 7, particularly with regards to its fingerprint scanning functions, may also affect iPhone 5S release.
As far as the low cost iPhone is concerned, its rumored plastic casing is proving to be difficult to manufacture. This would cause delays for this much rumored cheaper iPhone. Only earlier today a purported component of this smartphone was leaked. The second generation iPad mini is said to face delays due to display panels. Kuo claims that Apple will go for a Retina Display which is supposedly going to make it difficult to manufacture the next iPad mini, as well as increase its price. He expects that iPhone and iPad shipments will only see a single digit growth in Q3, 2013.
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