According to supply chain sources for Old Yao, the iWatch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 will both be launched in December, just in time for the holidays. The same source predicted the September launch of the iPhone 5S in 2013; however, that was almost a given, since Apple had launched the 4S and 5 in September as well.
The wait until December seems unusual for Apple, since it gives consumers very little time to buy the products before the holidays. They typically like to have all products out by November, giving plenty of time for holiday shopping. However it’s thought that the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 is facing manufacturing delays, and launching it before the holidays, however close, is still more beneficial than launching it after the holidays.
The 4.7-inch iPhone 6 will likely be launched in September/October as usual, since it seems to be facing fewer manufacturing delays. We’ve also heard that Apple doesn’t want to launch the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch models at the same time, because of the risk of consumer indecision. Both models are expected to include a Sapphire crystal display, an A8 processor, support for Apple’s own mobile payment system, and an improved camera. Nothing, however, is definite until the announcement.
