As with the launch of every new iPhone model, millions of people around the world will be clamoring to get their hands on the new device. This year, however, relatively few Apple fans will be able to get their hands on the iPhone 5S, if new production rumors out of Taiwan are to be believed.

DigiTimes is reporting that only 3 to 4 million iPhone 5S units will be available during the smartphone’s launch quarter later this fall. The report cites unnamed “industry sources” as saying slow production of the fingerprint sensor equipment long rumored to be a part of the new iPhone will limit stock this year. Apple and its suppliers were reportedly preparing to have 10 million iPhone 5S units available during the third quarter of 2013.

The report specifically states that the production is slow due to low yield rates of the sensors’ packaging, as well as “issues” integrating iOS 7 with the sensors. Apple and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the company manufacturing the sensors, have reportedly sent and engineering team to improve yields at the facility packaging the sensors.

Though production of the sensors was expected to begin in May, DigiTimes sources now put full production closer to the end of August. This is expected to propel shipments of the new iPhone into the tens of millions during the fourth quarter of 2013.

(via DigiTimes)