Apple Might Be Wise To Delay iPhone Launch Until 2013

One month after suggesting Apple would launch the next iPhone during an “exciting” September, Brian White from Topeka Capital Markets has readjusted his iPhone launch forecast. The analyst now believes Apple could surprise us and reveal the sixth-generation iPhone as early as next month. However, this news comes with one significant caveat, according to TechRadar. In recent days, two separate reports have suggested that there are significant problems with the battery for the next iPhone. In fact, the problem has gotten so bad, that only 30 percent of the batteries being produced by Apple for the next iPhone are “meeting the firm’s high standards.” Because of the battery issue, White suggests that Apple will likely stick to a September iPhone launch, even though launching the handset in August is still possible.

If there is a battery challenge, we trust that Apple will be able to figure it out in time for a September launch," said White.

But, what if Apple doesn't resolve the issues by September?

A history of battery problems

Despite the iPhone’s popularity over the years, Apple has long been accused of releasing handsets with battery life problems. For example, in 2008, many iPhone 3G buyers were convinced that the handset’s battery life didn’t live up to Apple’s claims. Battery issues were also reported when the iPhone 3GS was unveiled the following year. Last year, the iPhone 4S arrived and it too was plagued by reported battery life issues for some users. To resolve this issue, Apple released iOS 5.01 shortly after the iPhone 4S was released. However, even with iOS 5.1, which didn’t arrive until this spring, many users still complained of ongoing battery issues with the company’s latest phone. We, like many of our readers, would be thrilled to see the next iPhone arrive earlier than expected. However, if the reported battery issues can’t be rectified by August or even September, Apple would be wise to delay the iPhone launch until later. And yes, even if this would mean delaying the launch until sometime later in 2012 or even into 2013. Should Apple release the next iPhone without first resolving all the battery issues being reported? Source: TechRadar

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