iPhone 5S, iPhone Lite and iPad 5 all expected to launch sometime in September, analyst says

Here's the thing with analysts and their analyses – you either despise them, or you don't. What do they know, right? And that's fair, given how often they're way off. But this time it's slightly different – KGISecurities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has issued a research note to clients that has fallen into the hands of AppleInsider, giving a rather complete forecast on what wares we can expect to come from Cupertino by the end of the year. Why is it slightly different? Well, Kuo actually has a rather 'stellar' (as stellar as it can get when it comes to making predictions) track record and most rumors actually support his call.

Kuo reinforces this notion, claiming that Apple is struggling with the production of “numerous components”, resulting in a delay for the iPhone 5S' launch, pegged for the end of September:

"While shipments forecasts may still grow sharply in 4Q13, we are concerned iPhone 5S may face the same problem as its predecessor, namely that by the time supply matures, demand will already have waned, hurting shipments”

The tech giant's flagship isn't the only one having a rough time, though. The iPhone Lite is also experiencing production difficulties, albeit less severe, and is expected to launch at the beginning of September. The analyst sees the plasticky (as far as we know) model attacking the market with a price tag between $450 and $550.

Apple's troubles don't end here, though, for according to Kuo, the iPad mini 2 will be pushed all the way to March or April next year. Ours and the analyst's intel seem to converge on this one, for Retina panels combined with the smaller 7.9-inch factor have proven a tough nut to crack for Cupertino. AppleInsider also notes that, according to the research note, a possible, cheaper iPad Mini running an older A5 processor could see the light of day in December, with next year being a more secure bet.

The iPad maker must feel that the competitors are upping the ante, for its efforts in the category do not stop here. According to Kuo, a redesigned 9.7-inch version will serve as the “highlight of iPad in 2013”. Did the rumor mill from way back in January actually have it right all along? 

via: AppleInsider