Report: iPhone Ultra production not going well yet
According to an Asian media report, Apple’s high quality standards for its first foldable phone are slowing down output. Shortages are expected.
Assembly at Foxconn.
(Image: Foxconn)
Apple’s production of its first foldable is reportedly progressing slowly. According to sources from the Japanese business news agency Nikkei, only “a few hundred” are rolling off the production line per day. Apple and its suppliers are working to accelerate the “ramp”, but at the same time, there are strict quality standards that the company wants to adhere to. The foldable iPhone, which has also been referred to as the iPhone Ultra so far, is expected to be unveiled as early as next week. However, even before that, there have been multiple reports that deliveries could be delayed until October or even later. Production would have to be running at full capacity for a September launch.
Market demand significantly higher than production?
Nikkei writes, citing sources familiar with the matter, that Apple has very high quality requirements and also had an additional trial production run in August. “With the initial volume, it could be difficult to satisfy market demand”, says a supply chain manager familiar with the situation, according to Nikkei.
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Apple had planned to produce between 9 and 10 million units. This alone is significantly less than for standard iPhones. Production is now to be ramped up to tens of thousands of units per day to achieve the goals. The iPhone Ultra is expected to be Apple’s most expensive iPhone to date, costing at least 2,000 US dollars, and potentially 2,500 euros or more in Europe.
Apple initiates further production test run
The flatness of the display and the durability of the folding hinge are reportedly particularly problematic for quality control. Here, Apple demands a better yield, i.e., a higher output at the desired quality level. Further tests just a few weeks ago slowed down the process. Commercial production, which will likely again take place at the main manufacturer Foxconn, could therefore have been postponed by months. The Ultra is considered very complex in its construction, and Apple is known for being demanding.
Apple is reportedly demanding from its manufacturers, among other things, that the devices that go to customers withstand “more extreme conditions”. This includes, for example, significantly more folding cycles than the competition. Apparently, Apple also wants to prevent everyday use from leading to the “crease” typical of foldables appearing too quickly.
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