This archive report was first published on 6 December 2019.
As the world waits with bated breath for Apple's 5G-enabled iPhones, the company's delay in rolling out the service has sparked intense speculation. According to an analysis by JP Morgan, Apple is set to launch four iPhones in the second quarter of 2020, with the largest iPhone measuring 6.7 inches.
While Apple's competitors, such as Samsung, Huawei, and Xiaomi, have already launched 5G-enabled devices, the company seems to be taking its time. Several articles have suggested that Apple's shift from Qualcomm to Intel components may be the reason behind the delay.
Geoff Blaber, an analyst at CCS Insight, told Bloomberg that Apple 'must have the service by 2020' as coverage starts to roll out. CNN notes that the delay might be due to an assumption that consumers are not shifting to 5G yet, since the service is still limited.
However, The Verge suggests that Apple might not be reluctant, but wise instead, as 5G networks feel like they are still in the initial stages and carriers are starting to build the moment to bring 5G to more cities.
Meanwhile, China Unicom and China Mobile have reported close to or more than nine million preorders for 5G services, with the telecoms forecasting more orders once the price tags for the services are announced.
As 5G continues to gain momentum, it's clear that Apple is under pressure to launch its 5G-enabled iPhones soon. But what's behind the hold-up? Only time will tell.
