Investment bank Wedbush is predicting that the “iPhone 12” will launch at about the same time that the iPhone X did, and despite coronavirus challenges, 5G will induce a super-cycle for Apple in 2020 and 2021.
In a note to investors seen by AppleInsider, Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives says that Apple’s supply chain has normalized ahead of expectations after coronavirus snarled production earlier in 2020. Ives adds that the normalization puts “Cook & Co. back in the drivers seat to launch this 5G cycle in this typical September timeframe.”
Although there have been “previous reports speculating that the iPhone 12” will launch similarly to how the iPhone X rolled out, Ives now fully expects Apple to debut the lineup in late September and ship out in early October. That’s in-line with its usual timeframe, and Wedbush based its current forecast on recent supply chain checks.
As with past “iPhone 12” rumors, Ives is expecting Apple to launch four iPhone models with a mix of 4G and 5G compatibility across the lineup. At least one of those devices could sport a sub-$1,000 price tag despite 5G support.
On the 5G topic, Ives said that there will likely be both U.S. and non-U.S. versions of the 5G iPhone, with only some models sporting faster mmWave 5G support. The analyst added that Apple appears to have “ironed out” technology wrinkles with 5G, further corroborating that 2020’s pivotal launch will go over smoothly.
