The 'iPhone 8' Could See Extended Delays, Shipping Shortfalls
A new report from The Wall Street Journal details some of the early production problems that may cause “supply shortfalls and shipping delays” of the iPhone 8.
Here’s more from the report:
Apple and its suppliers also ran into trouble manufacturing the OLED displays. The display modules are being produced in Vietnam by an affiliate of Samsung Electronics. Unlike the OLED display module in Samsung’s own smartphones, in which the display and touch panel are integrated, iPhone’s display module has the touch panel outside of the display, according to a person familiar with the technology.
The iPhone manufacturing process requires more steps and more layers of adhesive and protective film than are involved in Samsung’s manufacturing process, the person familiar with the process said, creating a greater risk of manufacturing error.
As previously rumored, the report says that Apple did attempt to embed Touch ID on the display, but was unable to in time.
Apple is widely expected to unveil the “iPhone 8” along with the “iPhone 7s” and “iPhone 7s Plus” at a special media event next week on Tuesday, Sept. 12. Also expected is the Apple Watch “Series 3” and a 4K-enabled Apple TV.
