Apple's 2020 iPhones Said to Launch Starting in Late October Due to Coronavirus Delays

Apple's 2020 iPhone lineup won't launch until late October, according to a new report from Japanese site Mac Otakara that cites sources in the Chinese supply chain.

iphone12dummylineup

‌iPhone‌ 12 dummy models

Apple has historically held all of its modern ‌iPhone‌ unveilings during the first few weeks of September, with iPhones launching soon after for the most part, but this year, the release could be pushed back due to production delays caused by the ongoing public health crisis.

There have been multiple rumors suggesting delays thus far, so it seems that some or all of the 2020 iPhones will be coming later than September. Apple may still unveil all of its iPhones in September, but launch the devices later than expected.

There is precedent for a delayed launch after announcement as Apple's ‌iPhone‌ XR in 2018 was announced in September and then launched in late October.

According to Mac Otakara, Apple's LTE ‌iPhone‌ 12 models will be released in October, while 5G models will follow in November.

‌Mac Otakara‌ has something of a mixed track record when it comes to rumors as if often sources Apple's supply chain which is not always accurate, but we have now heard several rumors about delayed launch dates, so we can expect at least some if not all of Apple's 2020 iPhones to come later in the year than normal.

We're expecting four ‌iPhone‌ variants in 2020, including lower-cost 5.4 and 6.1-inch ‌iPhone‌ 12 models and higher-end 6.1 and 6.7-inch ‌iPhone‌ 12 Pro models. Everything we know about what to expect from the 2020 ‌iPhone‌ lineup can be found in our iPhone 12 roundup.

Related Forum: iPhone

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Apple Logo Black

Apple's Next Launch is 'Imminent'

Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models. "All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
iOS 26 Home Feature

Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users

Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching. In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...
Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple's CarPlay Ultra to Expand to These Vehicle Brands Later This Year

Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. In his Powe...
Apple Foldable Thumb

First Foldable iPhone Design Details Revealed

Monday February 2, 2026 7:19 am PST by
Apple's first foldable iPhone will feature relocated volume buttons, an all-black camera plateau, a smaller Dynamic Island, and more, according to design leaks from a known Weibo leaker. The user known as "Instant Digital" today claimed to share several key details about the design of the foldable iPhone: The volume buttons will be located on the top edge of the device, aligned to the...

Top Rated Comments

Baymowe335 Avatar
72 months ago
I’ll wait until Apple says what they’re doing.

The number of predictions and re-predictions has become old.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Ceviche Lover Avatar
72 months ago

I don’t believe it. iPhone is one thing that Apple rarely, if ever, delays. Perhaps there will be a staggered launch but no iPhones until late October? Not buying it.
We've also never had a pandemic like this in our lifetime.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
NickName99 Avatar
72 months ago

Dear iPhone 8 / SE users: I dare you to resist upgrading to the 5.4"...
I won’t be the least bit tempted to trade in my 2020 SE until COVID-19 vaccinations are widespread in the US, obviating the need for masks. Until then I’d much rather continue enjoying TouchID on this fantastic little phone.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Homme Avatar
72 months ago
Ah but one piece of info which could just prove Mac oktara wrong is that they said iPhone 12 with LTE modems will ship first before the 5G ones

um but all iPhone 12 models are to be shipped with some sort of 5G. Where are they getting that some will come with LTE from considering no one else has made that claim
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jayducharme Avatar
72 months ago
Maybe they'll launch one in orange for Halloween.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Dwalls90 Avatar
72 months ago
There’s a global pandemic, and people are complaining about getting their iPhone a month later than most past years? I‘d also like to remind people that we’ve had many October iPhone launches before, so this shouldn’t be a huge surprise.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)