5.5-inch iphone is not launching this year

Apple’s 5.5-inch “phablet” iPhone won’t be debuting this drop after all, according to forecaster Ming-Chi Kuo in a note obtained by AppleInsider.

preceding reports had pegged two new phones — one 4.7-inch model and one 5.5-inch model — for launch in September, but Kuo says that Apple is having issues with the iPhone 6’s touch panel, as well as color uneveness on the metal casing.

“These problems will likely be even more difficult with a larger size,” he said.

AppleInsider’s Neil Hughes notes that Kuo has a “respectable track record” when it comes to Apple’s plans, however his word is unmoving no guarantee.

Kuo also said that he doesn’t expect that the iPhone’s new, extra-durable sapphire glass front panel will “easily pass the crash test near term” for the 5.5-inch phone.

If the phablet model does launch this year, Kuo believes it won’t happen pending behind mid-fourth quarter, later on than the 4.7-inch iPhone 6.