Apple’s upcoming flagship smartphone, iPhone 8, would be delayed, according to J.P. Morgan Apple analyst Rod Hall’s latest forecast. 

The new iPhone is expected to be both significantly more expensive than any previous model and limited at launch.

Later than expected

Rod Hall predicted that new iPhone is expected “a small amount of late September EMS output … then ramping production through October with target output levels achieved in late October/early November.”

The average selling price of iPhone is increasing rapidly in recent years. /VCG Photo 

In fact, multiple media reports stated earlier this month that Apple’s all three new iPhones are yet to start mass production. The new 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch phones are expected to ramp up until August, which is nearly one month later behind the average production timelines. At the same time, the OLED 5.8-inch iPhone may be even not available until early November.

According to Economic Daily News, Apple’s component suppliers such as Foxconn and Pegatron are currently not yet at a level to be considered mass production, as the technical need for the mass production of new iPhone’s circuit boards, 3D touching pressure-sensing components, and the OLED display are hard to meet at present.

Costly than expected

J.P. Morgan estimated that new flagship iPhone might debut with a “higher selling price” as well, as “production costs are slightly higher than we had originally anticipated.”

Consumers are  waiting in line to buy iPhone 7 outside an Apple Store. /VCG Photo 

Rod Hall said that the price of iPhone 8 might range from 1,100 US dollars to 1,400 US dollars, which would be at least 451 US dollars more than an entry level iPhone 7 (649 US dollars).

It is not the first time that upcoming iPhone is considered to exceed 1,000 US dollars recently. According to John Gruber, a famous blog publisher concentrating on analysis of Apple’s business, the new iPhone 8 may even start “at 1,200 US dollars or higher.”

However, what could Apple do with an iPhone with a sky-high price? What kinds of magical and incredible functions could they provide for users preferring such a luxury iPhone, if the rumors are true?

Maybe, it’s time for Apple to bring some real innovations for consumers to keep their “loyalty”, instead of a higher selling pricing.