Edible Apple

As production of the iPhone 5 begins to ramp up, there have been scattered reports of key component shortages for Apple’s next-gen smartphone. Regardless, Apple is still expected to announce the iPhone 5 at a special media event on September 12 to be followed by an actual product launch on September 21.

Expounding on Apple’s alleged component supply strain, AppleInsider noted last week, citing a trusted industry insider, that Apple should still be able to meet initial demand for what promises to be the hottest iPhone launch yet.

These views were similarly shared in a research note Friday by well-respected KGI Research analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who said the next-generation handset is entering the production verification test (PVT) stage and that Apple’s supply chain will be intact for the initial ramp, though availability of select components, like in-cell touch-panels made by Sharp and LG, may be tight due to low yield rates.

According to industry checks the two suppliers will be able to pump out a small number of panels and contribute to Japanese display maker JDI’s already-growing stockpile, which will stand at over 10 million units before the end the third quarter. Overall, in-cell panel supply should reach between 14 to 18 million units in the third quarter, sufficient for the next-generation iPhone’s rollout.

via AI