Apple would delay launching the high-end iPhone 8 because the company is working on game changer' technology. The firm's analysts stated that they think the company is working on facial recognition technology in its OLED model (the rumored $1,000/unit iPhone8), which could replace Touch ID.

"We believe combing combining 3-D sensing and the location, as well as payment information, could bring up more personalized services and this could be one step towards potential augmented reality (AR) applications".

Furthermore, the analysts assert that as a result of the complicated 3-D algorithms, the assembly of the OLED iPhone8 will not ramp up until October in a planned move by Apple.

If that is indeed the case, I think the pent-up demand for the top of the line model could turn out to be a masterstroke for the company.

Introduce the lower-end iPhone 8's in the late September-early October time frame and then let the demand build up for the flag-ship model.

Also this morning, a note from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo speculated that the iPhone 8 may have limited supplies through the end of the year. Kuo also stated that Apple would ramp production in the October-November time-frame, due to the incorporation of new technologies like edge-to-edge OLED display in the iPhone 8. As a result, Apple could experience shortages in its new iPhone 8 shipments due to production difficulties.

Source: forbes