For some time now, we have been told that the iPhone 12 would be affected by coronavirus-related delays. And now it appears that Apple's first 5G phone may be delayed even further than we thought.

Nikkei Asian Review reports that "Apple is preparing for the possibility of delaying the launch of its first 5G iPhone." The article credits "sources familiar with the matter" for the scoop and says the possible change is related to the coronavirus pandemic that has altered global demand and thrown a toolbox wrench into the product development schedule.

In terms of how far Apple will delay the release, the company has discussed changes that would delay the release by several months.

However, the iPhone 12 could be delayed further into next year. As one source puts it: "The 5G iPhone could be pushed back to 2021 at worst.

Update: In a separate report by Seeking Alpha, Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives says that the chances of Apple launching a 5G iPhone in September or October are "extremely low. The probability is only 10-15%, he said.

Apple's decision is not only motivated by production difficulties. According to one source, Apple is concerned that "consumers are significantly less willing to upgrade their phones" and "needs to make the first 5G iPhone a hit."

This all makes sense. While enthusiastic Apple users may be eagerly awaiting the arrival of the 5G iPhone, many potential upgraders are probably not interested in buying a new phone right now. And since Apple has taken longer to make the 5G iPhone than Samsung and other large companies, it may especially want to make sure it has a device that can beat the competition.

According to the report, Apple's internal schedule sets a May deadline for determining when the 5G iPhone will be released.