The launch of the next Apple smartphone and tablet might not take place this summer, based on comments made by the company's CEO.
During Apple's presser announcing its quarterly earnings, CEO Tim Cook hinted that no devices would debut by the Cupertino-based organization until the fall season or later.
"Our teams are hard at work on some amazing new hardware, software and services we can't wait to introduce this fall and throughout 2014," said Cook. "I don't want to be more specific, I'm just saying we've got some really good stuff coming in the fall and in all of 2014."
The devices that may be impacted by Cook's comments are the iPhone 5S, iPad mini 2, and the fifth-generation iPad.
The potential for a fall debut does go line with projections by some analysts, some citing production issues.
According to a supply chain source in Taiwan, via The Telegraph, Apple's attempt to find a coating material that would not interfere with their allegedly new fingerprint sensor may be causing a launch delay.
Production issues were echoed with Citigroup Capital Markets' Glen Yeung's statement that Apple will delay the iPhone 5S from June to July to approximately August or September due to its design phases.
"Apple has to work out how to prevent interference from the black and white coating material under the cover glass," said KGI Securities analyst Ming-chi Kuo, who projected a release date for June or July. "Apple is the first to attempt this function and technology, and time is needed to find the right coating material, which will likely affect iPhone 5S shipments."
Cook's comments, if true, would strike down a Wall Street Journal stating a possible summer launch had the next smartphone gone under development during the current quarter.
For the latest on the iPhone 5S, click here.
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