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Apple keeping iPhone 5 suppliers mum about launch date

by Kelly Hodgkins Apr 8th 2011 at 1:00PM

In a research note, Analyst Brian White with Ticonderoga Securities suggests Apple is being extra secretive with its Asian suppliers when ordering parts for the iPhone 5 and is still quietly preparing the next generation handset for a June or July launch. White writes, "Although we do not have a smoking gun that definitively rules out a delayed autumn unveiling or one that supports a launch this summer, there is a pattern of activity in motion with the supply chain that makes us question a delayed launch."

Circulating rumors suggest Apple may release the iPhone 5 in the fall instead of the summer as it has done in the past. Analysts making this prediction have pointed to a lack of component orders for the iPhone which should have been made if the Cupertino company was targeting a June launch. Other rumors point to a significant overhaul of iOS which may include a cloud-based file locker and music streaming service that could debut this fall along with new iPhone and iPod touch hardware.

White also confirms other reports that suggest Apple is using its cash reserve to secure components for its iPad 2, iPhone and iPod touch. Apple is reportedly offering upfront cash payments to suppliers to keep its production line flowing while blocking out competitors that are not as cash-rich as Apple.



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In a research note, Analyst Brian White with Ticonderoga Securities suggests Apple is being extra secretive with its Asian suppliers...
 

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Brent

I already placed a bet against a June launch and just made the switch to Verizon for i4. After the upgrade they made from the 3GS to 4, it seems like 5 will be a small upgrade anyway and with the 20 month upgrades on Verizon, I'll be able to get 6 in November 2012 which will probably be LTE, and right now I'll make the bet that 5 doesn't have LTE.

April 08 2011 at 6:15 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Brent's comment
Charli

I would say that that is a safe bet. The carrier support isn't there yet. If Apple puts LTE in and folks buy the camera because it has LTE only find out that it's not supported in their area (which they would have none had they bothered to look) they will take it out on Apple. Just like they have the crappy ATT coverage over the years. Apple knows this and likely won't include LTE support until 2012.

April 09 2011 at 1:26 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Steve

I've been saying this ever since the rumors started about how Apple isn't releasing iPhone 5 in June because they're "not ordering new parts".

Two things:

1. Apple is probably cracking down on all the leaks. People have gotten used to the leaks over the past few years, and Apple is probably starting to get back to the secrecy they used to have.

2. There probably aren't that many "new parts" in the iPhone 5. The chassis, glass, etc. are likely to be the same. The only difference is in the processor and a few other upgrades, which are probably already used in the iPad 2 and other devices, so they aren't "new" either.

I still think we're going to see the iPhone 5 in June or maybe July.

April 08 2011 at 1:32 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
5 replies to Steve's comment
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