Asian manufacturers split Apple responsibilities

Apple is switching up its outsourcing strategy, according to upstream supply chain sources cited by Digitimes. Under the new arrangement, Pegatron is expected to concentrate mainly on iPad production with the iPhone serving as an "auxiliary" in 2013. On the flipside of the coin, Foxconn will reportedly focus on the iPhone, with the iPad serving as secondary output.

Apple representatives have allegedly visited Pegatron's Chinese plants "several times recently." If Apple is pursuing a new, overlapping manufacturing strategy, it may provide better redundancy not only in cases of disruption but in terms of meeting intense demand. It may also force Foxconn and Pegatron to compete directly for Apple business, potentially lowering Apple's bottom line at the expense of its suppliers.

By Electronista Staff