Bank of America analyst Wamsi Mohan has raised concerns over a potential delay in the launch of the highly anticipated Phone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models. Based on supply chain checks, Mohan suggests that the iPhone 15’s release could be pushed back to October, leading to significant implications for Apple’s September quarter. While Mohan is the only analyst predicting a delay, his track record of correctly predicting a wait for the iPhone 12 range during the COVID pandemic adds weight to his claims.
Apple’s September quarter may be impacted by rumored delay in iPhone 15 launch
In a recent research note (via Barrons), Wamsi Mohan points to channel checks that indicate the possibility of the iPhone 15 range facing a delay of a few weeks. If this prediction holds true, it would result in a shift in the expected launch date to October, rather than the usual September release. The delay, if materialized, could have a considerable impact on Apple’s sales projections for the September quarter, as the much-anticipated boost in revenue from new iPhone sales would be postponed.
As a result of his forecast, Mohan has raised his price target for Apple’s stock from $190 to $210. However, there are legitimate concerns that iPhone sales for the fiscal year ending September 2023 might fall below the expected levels. Mohan predicts Apple’s September quarter revenue will reach an estimated $87.1 billion, which is below the average market expectation of $91.6 billion. This discrepancy in revenue is directly connected to the possible delay in the iPhone 15 launch.
Apple’s upcoming earnings report, scheduled for August 3, 2023, will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized by investors and analysts alike. The report will shed light on the company’s financial performance during the previous quarter and provide insights into the current state of iPhone sales and overall revenue. If the iPhone 15 delay speculation proves accurate, Apple’s September quarter figures could disappoint some stakeholders, impacting investor sentiment and influencing the company’s stock performance.
While Apple has remained tight-lipped about the specific features, leaks, and analyst predictions offer glimpses into what the new range might offer. One of the most anticipated upgrades is the adoption of the Dynamic Island display across all models, creating a seamless and immersive user experience. Additionally, rumors suggest that the iPhone 15 Pro models will boast remarkably thinner bezels, maximizing the display area within the same form factor. Alongside these advancements, Apple’s forthcoming iOS 17 is expected to bring a host of innovative features, further enhancing the iPhone 15’s capabilities.