The disruption in the manufacturing segment across the world due to the COVID 19 pandemic has caused many product launch delays, and once again, Apple is reported to be forced to delay production ramp-up of its 2020 flagship iPhones.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the mass production of this year's, 5G-enabled iPhones will be delayed, with Apple to be "forging ahead with plans to release four new iPhone models later this year."

The report adds that Apple is also slashing the number of handsets that it plans to make in the second half of this year by as much as 20%.

Apple did not provide any comment.

Previous reports related with the matter are contradictious.

The Nikkei had reported in late March that Apple was preparing to possibly delay the launch of its first 5G iPhones. However, later reports claimed that Apple was on track for a full launch this autumn.