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In a recent report from the supply chain realm, concerning news has emerged about Apple’s upcoming iPhone 15 Pro models. The tech giant is reportedly encountering obstacles in the production process, particularly with LG displays and the implementation of a new manufacturing technique. While the extent of the impact on the launch schedule remains uncertain, Apple enthusiasts are eager to learn more.
The report, published on Thursday, sheds light on Apple’s decision to adopt a novel manufacturing process for the iPhone 15 Pro. Specifically, the company is bonding the display directly to the frame, a move reminiscent of the method employed for the Apple Watch Series 7. It appears that Apple is seeking to enhance the device’s overall durability and design aesthetics.
However, insiders familiar with the matter reveal that LG-supplied displays are proving to be a complication in the production process. This isn’t the first time Apple has faced challenges with this manufacturing technique; the Apple Watch Series 7 also encountered similar hurdles, leading to a delayed launch in 2021.
Despite these complications, The Information’s report doesn’t suggest a delayed launch for the iPhone 15 Pro. Instead, it anticipates the model line’s release with certain constraints. What remains unclear is the extent of these constraints and how they compare to previous years.
Historically, early adopters have shown a preference for the higher-end iPhone models, leading to supply constraints shortly after launch over the last six years. As the year progresses, the demand typically shifts towards the non-Pro models, easing the supply pressure.
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LG’s involvement in the iPhone 14 supply chain began in November 2022 when the company supplied LTPO OLED displays for Apple’s products. Although LTPO technology was first introduced in the iPhone 13 Pro, the production process, coupled with the complexity of integrating a punch-hole display, raised the bar for LG Display to meet Apple’s stringent standards.
Samsung Display, on the other hand, has been a long-standing supplier of LTPO OLED displays for Apple’s mobile devices for the past two years. Their display technology has been described as stable and reliable. With LG’s entry into the supply chain, Samsung Display’s panel supply to Apple might have reduced, but the exact impact of Thursday’s report, if accurate, on these numbers remains uncertain.