If Apple is considering delaying or not delaying the launch of the iPhone 12 this fall, you can put another mark in the "will" column. This bit of evidence comes from Apple's former nemesis and current supplier Qualcomm.

Qualcomm released its quarterly results today (July 29), beating Wall Street expectations, and announced a patent deal with Huawei.

Qualcomm told investors that it expects 5G handset shipments to decline year-over-year, in part because one of its customers has delayed "the launch of its global 5G flagship handset."

Apple manufactures its own mobile processors instead of using Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipsets. But Apple is sourcing its modems from Qualcomm, at least until it can manufacture the hardware. And the iPhone 12 will undoubtedly be the "5G flagship phone."

The iPhone 12 lineup is expected to include four new models, all of which will include 5G support. iPhones typically debut in September, but there is speculation that production delays due to the coronavirus outbreak could delay its launch. Qualcomm's veiled warning to investors would add to that speculation. [Qualcomm is not the first Apple supplier to give us anything resembling a clue about the iPhone 12 launch schedule: in June, Broadcom said its "leading North American cell phone" customers were facing "significant product delays."

Since Broadcom supplies Apple with components used in the iPhone, analysts speculated that the statement referred to the iPhone 12.

However, the extent to which the iPhone 12 will suffer delays is debatable; some iPhone watchers point to an October release, while others are concerned that the iPhone 12 may not ship until November.

There is even talk that Apple may release iPhones on a staggered schedule, rolling out the less expensive iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Max models first before the Pro models arrive.

Qualcomm's apparent warning of the iPhone 12 delay comes as rumors are beginning to emerge that the iPhone 12 launch date will be September 8. How long after that tentative date the phone will arrive is anyone's guess.