Those of us counting the hours until Apple finally introduces the iPhone 6 might want to read a good book instead.
Still in the rumor stage, but they're confident rumors, a 4.7-inch (screen size) iPhone 6 (the current standard is 4-inch) and a phablet-like 5.5-inch iPhone 6 were expected to be released in September or October of this year.
Now, those somewhat in the know are claiming that although we might still expect the 4.7-incher in time to photograph colorful trees this fall, the phabulous phablet may not be in the palm of our hands until 2015.
A securities analyst named Ming-Chi Kuo believes Apple is experiencing production problems with the 4.7-inch model in the area of touch-screen technology. Problems with color consistency on the new metal casing are also grinching up the works.
"These problems will likely be even more complicated with a larger size," to quote Kuo. Kuo also predicts the larger screen will have more pronounced touch sensitivity issues around the edges of the screen.
At first glance, it might be hard to understand how Apple, of all companies, would have issues with larger screen technologies that other companies have seemingly conquered quite some time ago -- on screens even larger than what Apple plans to produce. What do they think they are playing at?
Kuo also expressed concerns about the new Sapphire crystal glass display, which he believes may be having drop test problems. This, despite testing that shows that the screen's bendability and scratch-resistant attributes may make it the most durable display Apple has ever produced. Right now, Apple uses a product called Gorilla Glass.
Kuo also presages the introduction of the Apple iWatch to be pushed back to late November. Any further delays would put the kibosh on the iWatch as a holiday blockbuster -- and as a result of this predicted one-month delay, Kuo claims that iWatch deliveries in 2014 could drop by as much as 40 percent.
According to Kuo, the iWatch could include a flexible AMOLED display, a Sapphire-coated display cover, higher waterproof standards, and system-on-a-chip components. The iWatch should cozy up to iOS 8 and the HealthKit software that is part and parcel of the new OS.
Rumored features of the iPhone 6 include an even thinner design (ho-hum), a faster Apple A8 processor, a better camera with optical image stabilization, a relocated lock button and, of course, iOS 8.
