Apple is now slated to get back on track with 2021's iPhone launch

Apple was unable to launch its iPhones 12 until relatively late in 2020, due in large part to the Covid-19 pandemic and its effect on the OEM's suppliers, operations and economic forces in general. However, Ming-Chi Kuo now believes that it will bounce back in this regard in time for its next mobile device Special Event.

Therefore, the iPhone 13 launch may fall into a more normal schedule for Apple in 2021, which may also mean that its production will also be able to start without 2020's hitches. Furthermore, the analysts' latest research note reportedly contradicts some current perceptions about the success of the 12 series.

Its demand appears to be reduced compared to that of previous years, thanks in part to reports that it has only ordered 80% of TSMC's 5nm wafer output for the purposes of 2021's first-quarter (1Q2021) production rather than 100% as previously expected. However, Kuo now disputes some of these findings and asserts that its uptake of the foundry's silicon will be as comprehensive as previously expected for that quarter.

In addition, iPhone shipments for 2Q2021 are now estimated to dip as low as 45 million (as opposed to 51 million for "normal" circumstances); then again, this is better than Apple's 36 million for 2Q2020. Then again, the OEM is now rumored to have problems sourcing other iPhone 12 parts, mainly its telephoto and wide-angle camera sensors. This may have a negative effect on the series' sales in 2021.