I would assume the R1 would have to be available spring 2024 the latest in order to have them out for the Summer Olympics. Maybe by fall/winter 2023 we would be getting some reliable cr3 specs?
I think it would also be strategic to wait until the last second before the Olympics because Canons competition is due for an A9iii and maybe an A1ii, and if they can time it to release after Sony does, then they can make sure they have features to pull ahead of Sony's latest feature list at release.
If the R6ii ends up using a variation of the R3 stacked sensor, maybe part of the R1 sensor development is a variation for the R5ii?
From my manufacturing background, streamlining manufacturing processes does create a lot of manufacturing savings.
I am not a fortune teller, but I think it would be more strategic to try and get both R6ii and R5ii out next year and maybe keep the camera cycles on a 3-year refresh. The only issue is if they don't have the R1 sensor down packed yet in order to design it for an R5ii.
The R6 and R5 did a great job of bringing Canon to the mirrorless table competitively and with the R3 and R1, I think that technology would be the trickle down to the R6ii and R5ii.
The only other outcome I can see is the R5ii released maybe fall of 2024 in order to try and space out the bodies. But with Sony's A7Rv being released this week, it would mean Canon is releasing their response to that line in 2 years. This is what leads me to believe it would make more sense and be more strategic to try and get the R5ii out next year with the R6ii.
Having a great product is one thing, but business is a very competitive market and the moment you slouch, someone else pulls ahead.
Technology is advancing at exponential rates these days and I think we will be seeing faster refreshes from all the camera manufacturers.