BEIJING, July 14 (Xinhua) -- Technological problem might force Apple to delay the release of its next flagship smartphone -- iPhone 8, U.S. news network the CNBC cited a report from Bank of America as saying.
The report, written by Bank of America Merrill Lynch's two analysts, said the iPhone 8 "will ship 3-4 weeks delayed given technological issues which Apple and its suppliers are working through."
The observation, according to the CNBC, was made after the two analysts' recent visits to Apple's suppliers in Asia.
Apple has not released a launch date for the as-yet announced iPhone 8 but it typically releases new iterations of the device in September.
The report said the problems are with the new fingerprint sensor and 3D-scanning technologies.
The fingerprint sensor is said to be the first from Apple that would be integrated into screen, replacing the current physical button on the smartphone.
The 3D-scanning technology would be used to verify a person's identity and allow the owner access to iPhone's softwares by scanning th user's face.
Prior to the report, other financial firms such as RBC Capital Markets, Cowen,and Drexel Hamilton had said last month that Apple's next big handset announcement could be delayed to October or even November. Shares of the iPhone maker traded mildly over lower Wednesday.
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