The iPhone 9 has reportedly entered mass production. But will it actually (virtually) hit store shelves anytime soon?

This latest iPhone rumor was brought to light by a short tweet by blogger John Prosser, who has a proven track record of getting rumors right. However, just a few days ago, Prosser also stated that the iPhone 9 had been delayed indefinitely.

So what is really happening with the iPhone 9? Here are the reasons why Apple may yet postpone the new phone and why it may not.

Even in production, there are many issues against the imminent release of the iPhone 9.

The problems begin with the coronavirus pandemic. As Prosser claimed in his last report, Apple is trying to "outsmart the virus," but has not been able to do so. And he claims that according to Apple sources, iPhone 9 production is not the problem (as evidenced by his recent tweets). It is everything else.

First, the current situation is too precarious. So much so, Prosser says, that Apple doesn't want to commit to anything.

Also, there are no open Apple stores outside of China. And with countries extending quarantines, they may not open in the foreseeable future.

And finally, the iPhone 9 is expected to be a huge hit. The market has long wanted an affordable and speedy Apple iPhone. iPhone 9 is that phone, and it is poised to be a bestseller.

But with everyone panicking and bracing themselves for the severe economic consequences of the COVID-19 crisis, is now really the time to launch such a potential blockbuster, or should we wait until things calm down a bit?

All these questions must be on the minds of Tim Cook and company. And as Prosser noted in his last report, the company will likely play it safe for the time being.

Thus, Apple may mass produce the iPhone 9. The company may be contractually obligated to pay a hefty penalty if it does not do so under its contracts with providers. However, Apple could still be saving the iPhone for a better launch time after the public has more confidence in buying the new product. It's all about immediate availability.

And again, contrary to Prosser's earlier report, there are other factors working in favor of the impending release.

First, Apple is known for optimizing its manufacturing and distribution processes. In fact, this was one of the factors that turned Apple around after Jobs joined the company. It was also one of his obsessions when Tim Cook took over as COO in 2005.

That storing millions of devices in warehouses indefinitely was not in line with Apple's management practices. That could be a much higher price to pay than whatever penalty Apple has to pay the provider for not starting production as agreed -- especially given the extenuating circumstances that could be used to get out of those agreements unscathed.

Therefore, it seems unlikely that Apple is going to commit to mass production of the iPhone 9 and wait for many months, perhaps storing it away for a brighter time that may not come until 2021.

Furthermore, the closing of Apple stores and the uncertainty of the coronavirus market did not stop Apple from releasing the iPad Pro 2020 and the new $999 MacBook Air 2020. While the former is an expensive device and will never reach the level of the low-cost iPhone 9, the latter is very likely to become the new bestseller by offering great specs in a great package and price.

The launch of the iPhone 9 could actually go either way. My gut feeling is that Apple will not wait long for the iPhone 9 launch, despite Prosser's claim of an "indefinite delay". And knowing Apple, my gut feeling is that no one outside of the board of directors and the company's top executive level knows the answer right now.