iPhone 4S cases arrive at AT&T, iPhone 5 might be facing delays over touch panel issues

The beans have been spilled about the next-gen iPhone (or iPhones) launch - October 4th is already marked on our calendars as that’s when Apple is expected to hold an event featuring new CEO Tim Cook. But in the meantime, the first cases for the iPhone 4S have hit AT&T stores practically confirming that a new iPhone is on its way and at least one of the devices will be an incremental update to the current iPhone 4.

The iPhone 4S cases, coming from Otterbox and Speck, are nearly the same as those for the current handset hinting that an upgrade will mostly happen under the hood. Actually, the Otterbox one carries the name “iPhone 4S” printed out. 

So what has changed? Most notably, it’s the camera, which now requires a larger opening on the back of the Speck case. The volume buttons look redesigned and are now on the right side.

At the same time, a possible iPhone 5 might be facing delays due to a touch panel display issue, according to iPhone supply chain makers quoted by Taiwanese daily Digitimes.

The issue affects Wintek-made touch panels in particular and has been dubbed “delayed bubble,” a bubble of gas trapped between layers of film. There are no specifics about the number of iPhones affected and Wintek responded by simply stating that deliveries are going on schedule.

The company is reportedly responsible for 20% to 25% of the total number of panels produced. A 60% to 65% majority is manufactured by Taiwanese TPK Holding, while the small fraction left is attributed to Chimei Innolux. Apple, on its part, is estimated by some to ship 26 million new iPhones in the last quarter of the year. 

One thing is sure, the iPhone craze is looming closer. What do you expect to see on October 4th?

source: BGR, DigiTimes