Apple’s low-cost iPhone XC might launch in ‘limited quan

Three days before Apple is expected to announce this year’s new iPhones, a new report claims the cheapest of the expected trio of new releases might not be as easy to come by on launch day.

While most people expect the largest 6.5-inch “iPhone XS Max/Plus” to face supply shortages, Bloomberg says the new 6.1-inch iPhone — tentatively dubbed “iPhone 9,” “iPhone XC” or “XR” — might also ship in “limited quantities, initially.”

The report cites “minor complications fitting backlights for the LCD screen, according to people familiar with the matter” as the main reason there might not be enough of the new low-cost iPhone at first.

It also flies against a previous Wall Street Journal report claiming Apple ordered more LCD screens in anticipation of higher demand compared to the iPhone XS and XS Max.

Production problems ahead of a major launch aren’t new. In fact, you should almost expect it to happen whenever a new iPhone form-factor launches.

It has happened almost every time Apple has introduced a new design: iPhone 4, iPhone 5, iPhone 6/6 Plus, and iPhone X. 

Though the iPhone XC/XR will be based off the iPhone X, it will reportedly have some key differences such as an LCD Retina screen instead of OLED, an aluminum frame instead of stainless steel, a single rear camera instead of dual cameras, and possibly no 3D Touch.

Additionally, this cheaper iPhone is expected to come in a variety of colors, including potentially red, white, dark blue, and pink.

Issues manufacturing the LCDs for the low-cost iPhone may very well cause problems with supply at launch, but pricing could also create shortages. With an expected price of between $700-800, the new iPhone will likely be more attractive to consumers who were turned off by the iPhone X’s $1,000 price tag and held off on upgrading.

In short: prepare for the worst. If you really want to get a new iPhone on launch day, make sure you know this pro-tip. There’s no guarantee, but it’s better to have all your bases covered, or you might end up having to wait in line or wait weeks for delivery.