Recent iPhone 13 leaks have thrown up several design shocks, some eye-catching contradictions and one notable disappointment. But now Apple has confirmed perhaps the most surprising release information of all.
Apple’s iPhone 13 range with its supersized new cameras – renders based on leaks from multiple … [+]
Having reported record breaking Q3 financial results, Apple’s chief financial officer Luca Maestri subsequently warned Apple fans that supply of its products will be badly affected moving forward. Moreover, Maestri said it is iPhones and iPads which will suffer most.
“We expect supply constraints during the September quarter to be greater than what we experienced during the June quarter. The constraints will primarily impact iPhone and iPad,” Maestri explained on the call.
For context, September is the month Apple is widely expected to launch the new iPhone 13 range as well as a redesigned iPad mini. Development has been “ahead of schedule” with Apple ordering over 100 million next-gen A15 chips, in expectation of record breaking demand. Unfortunately, however, Maestri’s warning highlights the difference between ordering and being able to attain the necessary chips to meet demand.
Apple’s massive new iPhone cameras are going to be a huge selling point (iPhone 13 Pro Max model … [+]
And, for a company of Apple’s unparalleled supply chain expertise, this is something of a shock. While the Global Chip Shortage has impacted most companies, Apple has coped far better than most and it has been primarily graphics card, games console and car makers which have been hit the worst. As anyone trying to buy an Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5 will attest.
More positively, Apple did say it still expected “strong double digit growth” for the September quarter, but anyone hoping to add to the company’s bottom line by buying a new iPhone 13 looks set for a fight. As gamers have found in the console space, limited supply attracts professional scalpers which only exacerbates the problem and drives prices through the roof.
There’s a lot to like about the iPhone 13 lineup, including their smaller notch, supersized rear cameras (with extreme image stabilization), cutting edge A15 chipset, next-generation 5G and – for Pro models – 120Hz ProMotion displays. That said, the first iPhone 14 leaks have already revealed that Apple will address several shortcomings next year.
Consequently, the decision whether to (try and) upgrade this year is likely to prove tougher than normal. Especially with 2021 increasingly looking like an iPhone S year.
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