Apple might have confirmed a delayed iPhone 12 release date, but where previously we were expecting this to land in October, things might be a little more complex, with multiple release dates now being mooted.

The latest leak comes from supply chain sources speaking to Digitimes, with shipments of some components for the 6.1-inch iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Max apparently having started, while those for the 5.4-inch iPhone 12 and 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max will apparently begin in late August.

The suggestion then is that the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Max will be the first to go on sale, while the 'base model' iPhone 12 and huge iPhone 12 Pro Max will be launched later.

• These are the best iPhones
• And these are the best iPhone apps
• Read our full iPhone SE (2020) review

What's interesting here is when these will actually land - with Apple confirming a delay in supply of the new iPhone for 'a few weeks', that would surely put the first wave of iPhones right at the end of September, if not at the start of October, and the release of the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro Max on sale later in that same month.

A delay is certain

There’s certainly going to be a delay of some sort though, as Apple itself recently confirmed that the upcoming phones will be “available a few weeks later” in the year than the iPhone 11 range was in 2019.

However, it remains unclear whether that also means a delay in the announcement, which rumors had previously suggested would happen on September 8, or just a delay in when you can buy the phones - we're working to the same launch timing, just a later on-sale date.

That said, it's entirely feasible that Apple will push the launch later so as not to let the hype over the new iPhones die down - the most important thing is to capitalize on the interest in these phones (which are set to sport all-new designs) as well as bringing the more pocketable 'small' iPhone 12 to market.

• Want the latest Apple news and rumors? Sign up for our newsletter and get all sorts of lovely insights, intrigue and healthy doses of hot takes.

Via Apple Insider