Display production for Apple's 'iPhone 6' needs last-minute redesign, Reuters says
Apple has encountered a serious issue with building displays for its next-generation iPhone just as it's gearing up to launch next month, forcing suppliers to redesign a key component, according to a new report.
Alleged 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 mockups with iPhone 5s. | Source: TechSmartt via YouTube
Members of Apple's supply chain are reportedly "scrambling to get enough screens ready" for the company's so-called "iPhone 6," according to Reuters. The report said the latest issue comes "on the heels of a separate screen technology problem" that was associated with making the new screens thinner, but has apparently been resolved.
The previous problem, according to two supply chain sources, centered around the backlight of the "iPhone 6," which previously caused display production to be put on hold in June and July. Apple apparently wanted to use a single backlight module to make the screen as thin as possible, but the displays were not bright enough and Apple had to find a way to fit a second layer.
Details on the latest issue, however, were scant, simply referring to a "key component."
Sources who spoke with the news outlet said it was "unclear" whether the problems could "delay the launch or limited the number of phones initially available to customers." The report reaffirmed widely expected details about the next iPhone: That it will be unveiled Sept. 9, and it will come in screen sizes of 4.7 and 5.5 inches.
There have been a number of reports discussing the potential for manufacturing issues with Apple's next iPhone, but most of them have centered around the larger 5.5-inch model, suggesting it might arrive later than the 4.7-inch version.
Apple is rumored to be planning a media event for Sept. 9 to launch its next iPhone, but of course nothing has been made official by the company, which typically announces its events a week in advance. If Apple does hold to that date, history suggests the "iPhone 6" would first arrive in consumers' hands the following Friday, Sept. 19.
Alleged 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 mockups with iPhone 5s. | Source: TechSmartt via YouTubeMembers of Apple's supply chain are reportedly "scrambling to get enough screens ready" for the company's so-called "iPhone 6," according to Reuters. The report said the latest issue comes "on the heels of a separate screen technology problem" that was associated with making the new screens thinner, but has apparently been resolved.
The previous problem, according to two supply chain sources, centered around the backlight of the "iPhone 6," which previously caused display production to be put on hold in June and July. Apple apparently wanted to use a single backlight module to make the screen as thin as possible, but the displays were not bright enough and Apple had to find a way to fit a second layer.
Details on the latest issue, however, were scant, simply referring to a "key component."
Sources who spoke with the news outlet said it was "unclear" whether the problems could "delay the launch or limited the number of phones initially available to customers." The report reaffirmed widely expected details about the next iPhone: That it will be unveiled Sept. 9, and it will come in screen sizes of 4.7 and 5.5 inches.
There have been a number of reports discussing the potential for manufacturing issues with Apple's next iPhone, but most of them have centered around the larger 5.5-inch model, suggesting it might arrive later than the 4.7-inch version.
Apple is rumored to be planning a media event for Sept. 9 to launch its next iPhone, but of course nothing has been made official by the company, which typically announces its events a week in advance. If Apple does hold to that date, history suggests the "iPhone 6" would first arrive in consumers' hands the following Friday, Sept. 19.
Comments
Despite the best efforts of analysts, products that Apple is actually creating are actually being created and products they are not creating are not being created.
Crumbs.
Every year the rumorbots pull out their old playbook from the prior year and put a new twist on "potential" delays / problems / batteries / displays / meteorites striking the mfg. facility (oh, I added that one on my own).
The only fact is the iphone 6 is coming and you can take that to the bank.
For my personal taste a 4.7" iPhone will be too large as well. I sure hope they'll also make a 4" model with updated internals.
Gotta love these rumors that use words like "scant" and "unclear". Seems to me there's an agenda beyond just click bait/page views. These rumors have little information that is solid but they serve their purpose of creating D&G and FUD.
Forgive my ignorance, but what does D&G stand for, in that context? I've never seem that acronym before.
Forgive my ignorance, but what does D&G stand for, in that context? I've never seem that acronym before.
I'm guessing, doom and gloom.
Sounds like somebody trying to short AAPL to me.
I sure hope they'll also make a 4" model with updated internals.
Unless you consider a revised 5c with 5s internals to be an "updated 4" model"...then I'm sorry to tell you that absolutely will not be happening.
Link?
These types of rumours will, however, increase the perception of scarcity, which is one way to sell a lot of units quickly. If you really want one of these (and I certainly do), then you will be motivated to act quickly once they're released, if you believe there aren't enough units to go around. Lineups anyone?
My plan is to buy one as soon as it's available AND I don't have to lineup for it. Lining up is a sucker's game.
cf Influence - The Power of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini
Good point! Brightness is a design issue not a manufacturing issue.
I think they will. Screen sizes have a practical component but there is also a fashion component to it. If Apple discontinued a size that millions of people love, and the larger size is or over time becomes less popular than expected, it would be a colossal blunder for Apple and I just don't see that happening. Management isn't perfect but they are doing a lot of things very correctly and creating products that people love and are extremely loyal to.
It would be relatively easy to update the internals of the smaller size, easier I'm sure than the logistics they're going through with the new iPhone 6. The iPod ultimately morphed into all kinds of shapes and sizes that were continued concurrently, so why not the iPhone given enough time? I would not be totally shocked if Apple surprised everyone on September 9 with the news that they will now have 4 sizes, including a revived 4/4s form factor and/or screen size and an update of the 5 series. iPad mini, iPhone mini. Why not?
Disclaimer: I may be biased because today I am retiring my 2008 iMac and buying a brand new 21.5" iMac. I'm very excited about it!
+1
Does anyone seriously believe that Apple leaves it the last minute to discover the screen isn't bright enough and then adds another layer of brightness? Utter rubbish.
That was the problem from early in the Summer that they already fixed. This is a new, different, problem, according to the article.