Maybe it's okay if the iPhone 12 is late

The world has changed perhaps forever because of an enemy we can't see with the naked eye. In a typical year, Apple would have just celebrated the arrival of spring with one of the company's signature special events. Soon, thousands would have flocked to California for the company's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), followed by the anticipated arrival of an all-new iPhone this fall.

In March 2020, things aren't anywhere near normal or ordinary. And they probably won't be in June or even September.

It's because of this uncertainty, Apple's best move might be to "delay" the launch of an expensive new iPhone in 2020.

There's nothing wrong with the iPhone 11. More importantly, with unemployment rising, now is not the best time for the company to release a new device intended for the masses. Instead, the company should use its first online WWDC conference to announce splashy updates for iOS, iPadOS, and other systems. Then, when this crisis (finally) ebbs, Apple should launch the iPhone 12 in 2021.

I understand Apple just released a new iPad Pro. However, the line hadn't been updated in nearly two years, so a refresh was justified. Same too for the 2020 MacBook Air, which includes the company's well-received new Backlit Magic Keyboard.

The rumors suggest the next iPhone will feature 5G cellular and perhaps the same LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology found in this year's iPad Pro models.

5G doesn't sound all that important right now, especially in cities where the technology has been launching first. These are many of the same locations where the coronavirus is most prevalent and where public areas like Central Park in New York City are currently serving as hospitals. And LiDAR, which works fabulously for AR, seems highly unnecessary, especially in a world where most people can't even leave their homes.

The lost year

Just three months in, it's clear 2020 isn't going to be the best year of our lives or anything close to it. The Olympics have now been postponed until 2021, and it's increasingly likely other celebrated events around the world will also not happen until next year. The arrival of a new iPhone is always special. Given where things stand, Apple should burden the iPhone 12 with the 2020 label, either. What say you?