Earlier this week, Apple unveiled the latest addition to its family of iPhones: the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and the iPhone XR. The last device is considered the bargain option, as that Apple device is set to retail at $749 compared to the XS and XS Max price of $999 and $1099, respectively. Each of these prices only pertain to the base 64 GB models, so anything larger is going to cost even more.

The primary difference in the Apple iPhone XR is that it contains a 6.1 inch LCD screen instead of an OLED display. Of course, while there are likely to be more differences, one thing people noticed is that the XR launches nearly a month later, and now we know why.

Essentially, the reason is due to a production delay, thanks to an issue with the LCD screen. This isn't much different from last year when the production of the iPhone X was delayed to OLED supply issues. Whereas the X suffered for it, the XR isn't likely to do the same, as it is much cheaper than the XS and XS MAX. The latter's 512 GB model retails at $1,449, which is a vast difference to many consumers, even if it runs The Elder Scrolls: Blades smoothly.

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More specifically, the LCD supplier has had low yields in manufacturing over the past summer, which is further complicated by software issues. Ryan Reith, IDC's VP of research on mobile devices, stated that there's a lot of "software involved with the LCD screen, as it's the first with a notch and a full screen...Apple could not get enough of these displays. It's run into last-minute kinks with the manufacturer."

Some jaded individuals may believe that the reason for the delay is that Apple upsells the XS and XS Max, but several analysts actually believe that the tech company is doubling down on the XR, as the company is fully aware the price differential will be a major factor for many consumers. Regardless, the XS and XS Max launch later this month, with the XR set to launch in October.

Apple‘s iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max release on September 21, 2018, and the iPhone XR comes out on October 26, 2018.

Source: The Verge