iPhone 6: Display Production May Delay Launch Date, Report Claims

The iPhone 6's screen has reportedly caused production issues again - but it's not because of the smartphone's rumored sapphire glass.

Reuters reports that the device needed to be sent back to the drawing board after Apple unsuccessfully attempted to add a single layer of backlight film for the display, rather than the standard two, for the 4.7-inch display - costing the Cupertino, California-based company "precious time and temporarily idling some screen assembly operations," according to the publication's supply chain sources.

Apple has scheduled a media event for Sept. 9, where many expect the tech giant to unveil its new 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 models. However, the display panel production issue has raised some concerns that the device will be ready to debut. It's also possible the snag could affect the number of handsets available at its launch.

Reuters does report that output is "back on track," but that suppliers are working "flat-out to make up for lost time."

Taiwan's Manager Online reports that Takorn Tantasith, Secretary General of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) recently announced that his agency has approved two new iPhone 6 models for distribution in the country.

As BGR notes, this is the "best proof yet" the iPhone 6 models will release this fall:

"Apparently, Apple requested that the documents remain secret, but government regulations require that the information be made available to the public. Unfortunately, any details regarding the specifications of the two iPhone 6 models or the quantity of units being shipped to Thailand were kept under wraps, but we have to assume that the A1586 and A1524 are the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch devices we've read so much about over the past few months."

The devices were approved on Aug. 8 along with the model numbers A1586 and A1524.

Specs rumors for the iPhone 6 include an Apple A8 processor, mobile payment integration, a Touch ID fingerprint scanner, better screen resolution and an improved camera. The same color options offered in the iPhone 5S (Silver, Gold and Space Gray) have also been tipped in a recent alleged leak.