The next Apple smartphone won't be released in May, despite recent rumors, due to the production of sapphire screen display, which won't begin until the second half of 2014, according to a report by GT Advanced.
The company expects 2014 to be a "transformational" year as Apple is set to undertake a number of new projects and enhancements, like sapphire screens.
"Our results for the December quarter were in line with our guidance and the anticipated growth trajectory of our business remains unchanged. We expect to return to profitability during the second half of 2014," said President and CEO Tom Gutierrez in a statement recently, according to GT Advanced.
This has led many to believe the next device, believed to be called the iPhone 6, won't be released for sale until this fall, which would fall right around when the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C debuted.
Earlier reports indicated that the iPhone 6 would be released sometime between May and June at the Worldwide Developers' Conference, along with a new iOS.
Apple has supposedly purchased the raw materials needed to produce over 100 million sapphire screens annually, according to GT Advanced.
Another report, released by 9to5 Mac, claims GT Advanced has signed a deal with Apple to handle the production of the sapphire displays. They have supposedly ordered 518 sapphire furnaces, and some 420 will be arriving soon, according to the report.
If this is true, Apple is pretty confident its next device is going to be popular.
Other rumored specs include a 4.8- to 6-inch screen, an improved A8 processor, and an improved 3.2 MP front camera.
Apple has not confirmed a release date, specs, or price for its next smartphone as of yet.
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