iPhone 6 'Phablet' Facing 2015 Release Date Delay Due To Production Issues

KGI Securities analyst Ming Chi-Kuo is back with some disappointing news for eager iPhone 6 fans,MacRumors reports.

Just days after making claims that the iWatch could see a release date delay, the reliable analyst is now suggesting the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 "phablet" will not be launched until next year due to production issues already experienced with the 4.7-inch variant:

"Production bottlenecks on 4.7-inch iPhone 6 center on the yield rate of in-cell touch panel and metal casing. As in-cell touch panel becomes larger in size, the edge of the panel may become insensitive to touch. Meanwhile, under new manufacturing process for the iPhone 6 metal casing, color unevenness is an issue."

These issues, along with Kuo's concerns over sapphire display production, suggest a 2014 launch may be out of the question, likely resulting in price cuts for the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C alongside the launch of the 4.7-inch version. However, the analyst did leave room for a glimmer of hope, adding that the device could get a release this October - albeit in very limited quantities.

An earlier report by Reuters suggested a similar production delay for the larger-screened iPhone 6, whichhas been rumored to be launching with the name "iPhone Air."

Bloomberg, meanwhile, recently reported that the iPhone 6 will enter mass production in July, according to sources familiar with Apple's plans.

The publication reports that the next-generation Apple smartphones will likely ship to retailers around the same time in September, suggesting that the devices will release together and not staggered, as previously rumored.

Specs rumors for the sixth-generation iPhone include an Apple A8, Near Field Communication (NFC) for mobile payments, Touch ID and an improved camera. Curved screens have also been shown in a recent leak.

What do you make of the latest rumors about the new iPhones? Are you considering buying either of the models? Let us in on your thinking with a relevant comment.