More Claims of 'Delays' for iPhone 5S Over Fingerprint Sensor Issues

Earlier this month, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that various production issues will likely result in launches of Apple's iPhone 5S, lower-cost iPhone, and second-generation iPad mini coming somewhat later than many observers have been expecting. In particular, Kuo claimed that issues with color coatings for the fingerprint sensor said to be included on the iPhone 5S are likely to push back that device's launch from a June/July timeframe to perhaps September or later.

authentec_cross_section

TruePrint fingerprint sensing technology from AuthenTec, acquired by Apple in 2012

Reuters today published a new report highlighting how Apple's suppliers are working hard to reduce their reliance on Apple as uncertainty about demand for Apple's products presents challenges for these companies. As part of the report, Reuters shares word from Apple's iPhone suppliers painting a nearly identical picture to that shared by Kuo earlier this month.

Supplier sources in Japan and Taiwan, home to dozens of Apple suppliers, said they initially expected mass-production of the next iPhone to begin in June.

That date may have begun to slip beyond June, the sources said. The phone, widely referred to as the iPhone 5S, is expected to include new features such as a fingerprint sensor. A supply chain source in Taiwan said Apple was trying to find a coating material that did not interfere with the fingerprint sensor, and this may be causing a delay.

Regarding Apple's lower-cost iPhone, a Japanese supplier informed Reuters that "small-scale production" of displays for the device will begin in May, with mass production beginning the following month. As has been reported by other sources, Reuters' sources claim that the lower-cost iPhone will use the same 4-inch display as the iPhone 5S, but lack the fingerprint sensor and use a plastic casing.

Tag: Reuters
Related Forum: iPhone

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Top Rated Comments

wovel Avatar
159 months ago
I like how analysts call it a delay when the new date they are making up is later than the previous date they made up.

Good times.
Score: 49 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bradgfromboo Avatar
159 months ago
Next iPhone is gonna be IMMENSE!!!
Don't care what the haters say :D:D

Immensely disappointing... But they gotta keep up with the recent trend so it makes sense...

iPhone 5S -> Fingerprint reader
iPhone 6 -> Extra row of icons

Can't wait for the excitement
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nycmi Avatar
159 months ago
This is another reason why I stick with :apple: products; they don't rush out a new technology until they are satisfied it works well. Most Android vendors will just push it out as-is and fix it on-the-fly...maybe.

Except for Apple Maps right?
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Simplicated Avatar
159 months ago
So the iPhone 5S/6 will be introduced in June/July, or in September, or some time this year. It may or may not include a fingerprint sensor, and may or may not have production issues.

There you go! I'm an analyst!
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
RoastingPig Avatar
159 months ago
fingerprint shmingerprint who cares
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rovex Avatar
159 months ago
What a gimmick. Who's going to drool over a fingerprint sensor once the novelty wears off?

Much rather un updated lock screen, meaning a proper OS update.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)