COULD the iPhone 8, the most anticipated non-Android phone of 2017, be the most elusive as well? That’s what the rumor mill would have us believe, and we think it’s entirely plausible that Apple won’t be able to keep up with the market at launch.

It’s a concern voiced by trusted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who expressed Tuesday that the next iPhone could be delayed due to production difficulties. Kuo cited “major hardware upgrades” as the underlying reason for the potential shortage and dropped his shipment outlook to 80 million to 90 million units, down from 100 million to 110 million devices.

Trusted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that the next iPhone could be delayed due to production difficulties. He cited ‘major hardware upgrades’ as the underlying reason for the potential shortage.

The Apple guru also said production could be pushed back to as late as October or November from the original manufacturing timeline of between August and September, which would result in severe supply shortages. Kuo has become a reliable voice on things Apple, thanks to a historical record of accurate predictions.

And he’s not alone in fearing an iPhone 8 delay. Apple’s supply chain earlier said the phone’s launch may be delayed to October or November. Another Apple tracker echoed the sentiment shortly after. Last week, Bloomberg said the coming iPhone could face a delay of up to two months because of supply problems.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy S8+ review: The phone to beat in 2017

The faster internals and better cameras are a given, but many expect the next-generation Apple handset to also feature a curved display similar to those of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+, wireless-charging capabilities, a fingerprint reader that’s embedded in the screen, plus a face or an iris scanner for added security.

One thing’s for sure: Everyone is curious to know if the Apple iPhone 8 is indeed worth the hype and wait.

Image via AlHasan Husni

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