Apple suppliers are scrambling to get enough screens ready for the release of the iPhone 6 smartphone as they need to redesign a major component disrupted panel production before next month's expected launch.
The redesign could delay the launch or limit the number of devices initially available to consumers, though Apple hasn't confirmed if it will or not yet, according to Reuters. Apple is preparing larger-screen smartphones for the year-end shopping season amid market share loss to cheaper rivals.
The issues highlights the challenges and risks some suppliers face in order to meet Apple's demanding specifications, and comes after a separate screen issue, which has since been resolved, in making thinner screens for the bigger iPhone 6 model.
Apple has scheduled a special media event for Sept. 9, and most analysts expect the company to unveil its new iPhone with both 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch screens. Both would be much bigger than the 4-inch screen found on the iPhone 5s and 5c.
Display panel production went through a setback after the backlight that helps illuminate the screen had to be updated, putting the screen assembly on hold for most of June and July, according to two supply chain sources who spoke with Reuters.
One of the sources said that the Cupertino, California-based company is aiming for the thinnest phone possible, and originally wanted to cut back to a single layer of backlight film, instead of two layers, for the 4.7-inch option.
The 4.7-inch iPhone went into mass production before the 5.5-inch phone, which has caused some to speculate that the larger of the two won't be available until either around December or possibly early 2015.
The new configuration wasn't bright enough however, and the backlight was redesigned to fit in the extra layer, which cost the company precious time and stopped screen assembly operations.
The sources said that output is now back on track and suppliers are working to make up for lost time.
Japan Display Inc., Sharp Corp, and South Korea's LG Display Co Ltd. were selected to make the iPhone 6 screens, the sources said.
Rumored specs for the next iPhone includes: 1704 x 960 pixel resolution, a faster A8 processor, camera upgrades, and a more durable, sapphire screen.
If the company follows its normal launch schedule, Apple fans can expect the iPhone 6 to be released on Sept. 19.
Apple could sell around 10 million iPhone 6 units during the device's launch weekend, and reach 15 million total units before the end of the September quarter.
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