Sources claim iPhone shipments could slip on supply issues
updated 04:02 pm EDT, Thu August 23, 2012
Display, dock connector issues rumored
Shipments of the next-generation iPhone during the current quarter will likely fall under 15 million units, instead of hitting a 20 million unit figure previously forecast, claim supply chain sources contacted by DigiTimes. Part of the problem is said to be low yield rates for in-cell touchscreen panels. Earlier today LG Display announced that it's now mass-producing in-cell components; many of these could be headed in Apple's direction, given ties between the two companies.
LG Display's CEO, Han Sang-beom, may have hinted at recent problems. "We had some hard times (in developing the new in-cell technology) at first...but it seems those hard times have finally ended," he commented. "The in-cell technology is the industry's latest development. [But] we will be able to supply the panels without any fail," he went on.
DigiTimes additionally mentions a rumor that Apple has been having yield problems with its new dock connector format. In particular, though, sources suggest that Foxconn has been having a hard time finding supply of some materials, preventing the company from making as many connectors as Apple would like. Separate reports have previously said that Apple could be refreshing its entire mobile lineup to take advantage of the new format, which would place an especially harsh demand on the supply chain. A press event is expected to take place September 12th.
