Why might a Product Owner decide to delay an Increment's release?

A Product Owner may decide to delay an Increment's release if it does not meet the established quality standards. In Scrum, delivering value to users through high-quality increments is crucial. If the increment falls short of expected quality benchmarks, releasing it could harm the product's reputation and customer satisfaction. Quality is a fundamental aspect of product development; therefore, ensuring that the Increment is up to standard before release is essential for long-term success.

While the other factors, such as market demand or stakeholder availability, might influence the timing of a release, they do not take precedence over the need for quality. Focusing on quality helps maintain stakeholder trust, encourages continuous improvement, and aligns with the Scrum values of commitment and respect for both the product and its users.