iPhone 8 launch may be later than expected because of production issues of custom components

Several reports suggest that the Apple iPhone 8’s launch may be a few months later than expected.

The reports come amid claims of production issues for some of the custom components Apple has ordered.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that mass production of the iPhone 8 will likely be pushed to October/November instead of the usual August/September timeframe for iPhone launches.

“While we believe the announcement and launch time of the new iPhones will be similar to previous ones, production ramp up of OLED iPhone could be delayed to as late as October-November compared to the usual ramp up period of August-September, due to increased production difficulty,” Ming-Chi Kuo wrote in a note seen by MacRumors.

“In other words, severe supply shortages may persist for a while after the new models are launched, capping total shipments of new iPhones in 2H17,” he added.

There is no mention of which exact components are to blame for the expected delay, but as Mashable notes, previous reports have indicated that the California-based smartphone maker is having difficulties producing a reliable under-the-glass fingerprint sensor.

Despite no official word from Apple, the general consensus is that the upcoming flagship iPhone will feature a completely new design with an OLED display and a nearly bezel-free look, according to The Verge.

An official announcement of the new iPhone 8 is still expected this September given that Apple is reportedly planning to introduce an iPhone 7S at the same time.