6.1-inch LCD iPhone may not launch until October according to analyst

Production issues mean Apple’s 6.1-inch LCD low-cost iPhone may not launch until October according to Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty who reported on Wednesday that problems with the device’s backlighting system have caused a 1 month delay in mass production.

According to the analyst, suppliers have been able to cut the original delay down from 6-weeks to 4-weeks, however; the knock-on effect is expected to delay the date Apple is able to produce enough devices to go on-sale.

Similar to the launch of the iPhone 8 line and iPhone X, Apple will most likely introduce the new 6.1-inch LCD iPhone alongside the upgraded iPhone X and “iPhone X Plus” in September, but actually release the two handsets at different times. Within the report, Huberty notes how Apple’s  upcoming flagship 5.8″ or 6.5″ OLED iPhones are on-track without production delays.

We currently see no delay in the ramp of Apple’s upcoming flagship 5.8″ or 6.5″ OLED iPhones. However suspected issues with LED backlight leakage have caused a 1 month delay in mass production of the 6.1″ LCD iPhone, although this is down from a 6-week delay baked into the original production forecast, according to suppliers.

6.1-inch LCD iPhone Mock-Up | The Apple Post

Just like the iPhone X, the 6.1-inch model is said to feature a full edge-to-edge display with the same slimline bezels and TrueDepth Camera System to allow for Face ID, and of course Animoji and Memoji coming with iOS 12.

Unlike the iPhone X, the low-cost 6.1-inch model is said to only feature one single camera on the rear (just like the iPhone 8), meaning its unlikely that customers will benefit from Portrait Mode, Apple’s depth-of-field photography feature. The device will most-likely feature an aluminum frame instead of a stainless steel frame, and it may not come equipped ready for wireless charging.

The new 6.1-inch LCD iPhone is expected to be priced between $600 – $800.