Apple’s affordable new iPhone probably won’t be launched in March

A few months ago, rumors pointed toward an Apple event in late March, with the focus being an affordable phone, likely dubbed the iPhone 9 or iPhone SE 2. 

However, according to a report by CultOfMac, this isn’t likely to happen. 

A source at Apple told the outlet that production problems will delay the launch of the new iPhone. Because of this, Apple reportedly decided to postpone the event altogether. 

If true, the postponement is likely a result of several factors, all tied to the coronavirus outbreak: production delays and bottlenecks in China, where Apple’s iPhone is produced, as well as the recent ban of mass gatherings in Santa Clara County, where Apple’s headquarters are. 

Yesterday’s report said that Apple’s WWDC conference, typically taking place in June, is also in jeopardy due to the mass gatherings ban. While the ban is currently only in effect until the end of March, if the coronavirus outbreak worsens, it’s likely to be extended. 

None of this has officially been confirmed, and Apple hasn’t officially announced its March event or WWDC. 

Previous reports on the March event were mixed, with some outlets claiming the event is likely to go on as planned, and some saying it’s likely to be postponed. 

Besides the new, affordable iPhone, likely with a price tag of $399, rumors said Apple was planning to launch an updated 13-inch MacBook Pro at the event. 

The news follows numerous cancellations of major tech events, including MWC, Facebook’s F8, Google I/O, SXSW and (possibly) E3. 

The coronavirus, officially named COVID-19, has so far killed more than 4,200 and infected more than 115,800 people. The outbreak has been worsening in the U.S. in recent weeks, with 647 total confirmed cases and 25 deaths.