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Apple has already confirmed that the launch of the iPhone 12 will be delayed due to a "temporarily constrained" supply chain, but now it's thought Apple intends to split the launch into two stages.

Four different models of the iPhone 12 are expected later this year, sporting 5.4-inch, 6.1-inch, and 6.7-inch OLED screens. As MacRumors reports, the latest information coming from sources within Apple's supply chain suggest we're going to see the two 6.1-inch models launch first, followed by the 5.4-inch and 6.7-inch models at a later date. By taking that decision now, Apple will be able to prioritize supply of the 6.1-inch models to cope with early demand, then ramp up production on the other models later on.

As to how much time Apple intends to wait between the two launches, it's thought mainboards for the 6.1-inch devices have started shipping recently, with the second stage devices shipping in late August. If that holds true, it could therefore be a month between the first and second launch windows for the iPhone 12.

With the iPhone 12 launch delayed by a few weeks and now expected in mid to late October, consumers may not be able to get their hands on the 5.4-inch and 6.7-inch models until late November. That still allows ample time for pre-Christmas sales, which must be high up on the list of concerns for Apple. However, it seems like supply more than demand will be the constraint for the company, regardless of which model proves the most popular.