That is actually not correct. You can defer the first payment until April 1st of the year after you turn 70.5, however if you do defer the first payment, you must take the second distribution by 12/31 of the same year. So if one's 70th birthday occurs before June 30th of a certain year, they also turn 70.5 the same year, but can defer that first payment until April ist of the following year. But they must also take their normal distribution for that year by 12/31. Example: I turned 70 last December 1st. I turn 70.5 this June 1st. I have until April of 2020 to take my first distribution, but if I wait until 2020, then I will also have to take my second distribution in 2020. I do not want to pump up my income next year, by taking 2 RMD's in the same year, so I am taking my first distribution this year, even though I don't have to.
This link explains the rule:
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-re...o-take-required-retirement-plan-distributions