New iPhone 14 launch: A delay is likely; a split release and higher price almost a given

The Apple iPhone 14 might have split release dates rather than a single release date reported by various insider sources close to Apple. Due to the lockdown in China, many key Apple suppliers are expected not to meet deadlines and that might ultimately lead to delays, suggested sources.

The difference in iPhone 14 launch dates has surfaced across the world as TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) have mentioned it.

“My latest channel checks suggest that Apple has not changed the shipping plan for the iPhone 14 models since the Shanghai lockdown. iPhone 14 Max is running behind, but it’s still under control currently, and suppliers can work overtime to catch up with the schedule,” tweeted Ming-Chi Kuo.

However, Ross Young, one of the most accurate industry insiders, has countered that “iPhone 14 Max panel shipments have always been behind.”

Also read: Apple iPhone 14 to have satellite connectivity for emergency situations

Split release not for the first time

In any case, it will not be the first time the iPhone would have adopted this strategy. Earlier, Apple had adopted the same strategy for the iPhone 12/ iPhone 12 Mini. The split sales strategy was also adopted for iPhone 8/ iPhone X initial sales.

Kuo also disputed a recent report from ET News that supply problems have forced Apple to install a front-facing camera module intended for the iPhone 15 a year early at great cost.

“This report is not entirely consistent with my understanding,” explains Kuo. “If LG Innotek became iPhone 14 front camera supplier in 2Q22 (second quarter of 2022), it would be almost impossible to catch up with the development schedule for 2H22 iPhone 14. I believe Apple had already chosen LG Innotek and Cowell as the iPhone 14 front camera suppliers in 4Q21 (fourth quarter of 2021) at the latest.”

This aligns with Kuo’s earlier claims that iPhone 14 production overall is “under control currently.” That said, both Nikkei Asia and Haitong International Securities analyst Jeff Pu believe that supplies of the iPhone 14 Max are delayed by almost a month, a Forbes report says.

Gulf between iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro

Split release or not, recent iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro leaks have revealed two very different iPhones. While the standard iPhone 14 models will inherit the same design, chipset and rear cameras as the iPhone 13, iPhone 14 Pro models will leap ahead with upgrades in all three departments and increased prices to match.

Also read: Apple CEO Tim Cook tweets about photos shot by TN students using iPhone

If reports are to be believed, the iPhone 14 Pro will have starting price of $1099. On the other hand, the iPhone 14 Pro Max will have a price of $1199.

The iPhone 14 Pro models are expected to get A16 chipset. However, the iPhone 14 (non-Pro version) models are expected to get A15 chipset. The A15 chipset is currently offered in the iPhone 13 models. The A16 chipset is expected to provide faster processing than the A15.

Moreover, the iPhone 14 series will consist of four devices and it will not include the mini version. This means that all the devices will have display of more than 6 inches. The iPhone 14 series will include iPhone 14 (6.1 inch), iPhone 14 Pro (6.1 inch), iPhone 14 Max (6.7 inch) and iPhone 14 Pro Max (6.7 inch).

iphone 14 price in India

In India, the mobile-selling websites are putting a Rs 99,990 price to iPhone 14 and predicting September 8 as the release date. They though are careful and calling it an ‘unofficial date’. As per 91mobiles.com, Apple iPhone 14 has three cameras — 48 MP and 13 MP dual primary cameras and 13 MP front camera – and features the first 48MP camera sensor which can record 8k videos.

Also read: Apple starts iPhone 13 production in India through Foxconn

The iPhone 14 is configured with a Hexa-Core (Dual-core, 3.1GHz, Firestorm + Quad-core, 1.8GHz, Icestorm) processor supported by an Apple M14 motion co-processor. The device also showcases a 5nm Apple A14 Bionic chipset that combines with 6GB RAM and an Apple GPU as well as a non-replaceable 3815mAh Li-ion battery.

It has flagship features like dust-proof and water resistance. However, “the internal storage is only 64GB (non-expandable) and the battery power is quite average,” it says. The phone is expected to available in black and gold colours.