Despite the problems caused by the global coronavirus pandemic, both
Samsung Electronics and Apple are working on new smartphones that will be launched this fall, according to unnamed sources from South Korea.

The Korea Herald claims that Samsung has begun to prepare for the launch event for its Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Fold 2 planned for August.

Unlike Apple, whose employees based in Cupertino are working from home due to the COVID-19 lockdown, engineers and employees of Samsung’s mobile business are working in their offices and proceeding on schedule.

“Preparations are underway for the upcoming Galaxy Note launch, and there is no delay,” said an industry insider. “But regarding a physical event, things are yet to be discussed, we are considering measures likes an online event.”

The Note 20 is rumored to come with an upgraded stylus-pen, a 7-inch screen and the under-display camera, meaning that the full-screen phone will not have a hole or a notch.

Meanwhile, as the COVID-19 situation worsens across the US, there are speculations that Apple could delay its first 5G-enbaled iPhone 12 from September to December.

Apple is allowing some selected employees, who can control security, to work on the iPhone 12 and other new devices for this year at home, according to news reports.

Apple’s main iPhone maker Foxconn recently told its investors that it is trying to start shipping out iPhone 12 in fall as planned.