Apple's next-generation iPhone is believed to be facing production difficulties, much like the iPhone 5 in 2012, one analyst believes, while the rumored "iPhone Lite," revamped "iPad 5," and Haswell Retina MacBook Pros and iMacs could see release in the interim.
Source: KGI Securities
According to a research note obtained by AppleInsider, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple's so-called "iPhone 5S" is seeing setbacks in the production of "numerous components," as well as handset assembly, meaning the next-gen smartphone will be available in limited amounts following a late September launch.
"While shipments forecasts may still grow sharply in 4Q13, we are concerned iPhone 5S may face the same problem as its predecessor, namely that by the time supply matures, demand will already have waned, hurting shipments," Kuo writes.
The analyst also sees shipments of the much-rumored low-cost iPhone being below expectations, though the device will be available sooner than the iPhone 5S due to a less complicated manufacturing process. Kuo sees the model being priced at $450 to $550, with shipments capped at 26 million units for 2013. Market consensus had shipments at 30 to 40 million units.
As for Apple's tablet plans, Kuo notes a redesigned 9.7-inch version will be the "highlight of iPad in 2013," as no new iPad mini model is set for release this year. The analyst says Apple is unlikely to debut an anticipated Retina display version of the 7.9-inch tablet with A7 SoC this year. Due to higher energy demands attached to the Retina panel, as well as the components required to improve power efficiency in such a small form factor, Apple will likely shoot for a launch in March or April 2014.
Interestingly, Kuo points to a possible cheaper iPad mini running a legacy A5 processor. That device could still see release by the end of 2013, December at the earliest, but given the model is unlikely to see a substantial price cut compared to the current iPad mini, Apple will most likely debut the tablet next year.
Finally, the Mac lineup will see continued upgrades to Intel's Haswell silicon in the coming months. Apple's Retina display MacBook Pro is looking at a mid-September refresh, while the iMac will get the chips in late August.